Contact Lens Habits You Must Stop Right Now

If you wear contact lenses, it is crucial to understand the various harmful habits that may develop alongside their use. Among the most common detrimental practices are sleeping in contact lenses and neglecting proper disinfection routines. These habits can lead to severe complications, including acute eye infections such as conjunctivitis. Prioritising the care of your lenses is essential not only for maintaining your eye health but also for ensuring the clear vision necessary for your daily activities and overall quality of life.

To help you avoid these pitfalls, we have compiled a comprehensive list of bad contact lens habits to steer clear of at all costs. By following these actionable tips, you can safeguard your eyes, enhance your vision, and fully enjoy the numerous benefits that contact lenses provide while minimising risks to your health.

1. Safeguard Your Eye Health by Avoiding the Dangerous Habit of Sleeping in Your Contact Lenses

While certain contact lenses are specifically designed for extended wear, developing the habit of sleeping in your contact lenses can lead to significant risks. Sleeping with contacts increases the likelihood of complications such as corneal ulcers, infections (including conjunctivitis), and inflammation. This heightened risk occurs because your eyes receive considerably less oxygen during sleep, creating an environment that promotes bacterial growth on both your lenses and your eyes.

In addition, sleeping in your lenses can cause dryness, leading to discomfort and raising the chances of damage or tearing. Always remember to remove your contacts before going to bed, even if you believe you will only rest for a brief period. This small habit change can have a substantial impact on your long-term eye health.

Consider Transitioning to Daily Disposable Lenses: If you frequently find yourself dozing off with your contacts still in, daily disposable lenses might be the ideal solution for you. These lenses are discarded at the end of each day, ensuring that you never wear yesterday's lenses, allowing you to start each day with fresh, clean lenses. Explore our extensive collection of daily disposable lenses available in our online store for a more convenient option.

Furthermore, consult your Optometrist about lens options that may be more suitable for extended wear. Always adhere to the recommended wearing and replacement schedules for your lenses, ensuring that they are cleaned and stored correctly to prevent any potential complications. If you wear extended-wear lenses and notice sudden changes in your vision or comfort, seek an eye examination immediately. Regular visits to your Optometrist can assist in identifying and preventing future eye issues effectively.

2. Recognise the Risks of Over-Wearing Your Contact Lenses

Another harmful habit is wearing your contacts for too long, exceeding the time advised by your Optometrist. Your eye care professional typically provides guidance on how long to wear your lenses each day, and following these recommendations is vital for maintaining your eye health and preventing complications.

Overwearing your lenses can lead to various issues, with dry eyes being one of the most prevalent. This condition may cause discomfort, irritation, and even damage to your corneas. Moreover, prolonged use of your lenses increases the risk of eye infections or other complications, as contaminants like bacteria, dirt, and debris accumulate on your lenses over time, which can be detrimental.

The Advantages of Daily Lens Use: Opting for daily disposable lenses effectively removes the concern of wearing the same pair of lenses for too long. Each day, you receive a fresh, clean lens that ensures optimal oxygen permeability. This feature makes them particularly appealing for individuals with busy lifestyles who might otherwise be tempted to extend their wearing time. This simple change can significantly enhance your comfort and eye health.

Our online store offers a wide variety of contact lenses tailored to different wearing schedules and lifestyle needs, including daily, bi-weekly, and monthly lenses to suit your preferences.

3. Master the Essential Techniques for Cleaning Your Contact Lenses

Maintaining appropriate cleaning and disinfection procedures is vital for keeping your contact lenses free from debris and bacteria. Inadequate cleaning practices rank among the leading causes of lens-related eye infections and can have serious consequences for your vision.

Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide to cleaning your contacts correctly:

• Begin by thoroughly washing your hands with soap and water to eliminate any potential contaminants.
• Place your lens in the palm of your hand and add a few drops of contact lens solution specifically designed for your lenses.
• Gently rub the lens with your fingertip to eliminate any debris or protein buildup that may have accumulated.
• Rinse the lens thoroughly with the solution before returning it to your case to ensure it is clean.

Always utilise the specific type of solution recommended by your Optometrist, and change the solution each time you clean your lenses. It is crucial never to reuse old solutions or attempt to “top off” the solution with fresh liquid, as this can lead to contamination and increased risk of infection.

Pro Tip: Our contact lens tweezers, available in our online store, can assist you in handling your lenses more safely and hygienically, significantly reducing the risk of contamination during the cleaning process.

Consider Skipping the Cleaning Routine Entirely: Many contact lens users are transitioning to daily disposable lenses specifically to avoid the cleaning routine altogether, thereby lowering the risk of infection. With daily lenses, you simply discard them at the end of the day—no cleaning, no solution, and no storage case required. This approach drastically reduces your chances of developing infections linked to improper lens care.

If you are uncertain about how to clean your contacts properly or are experiencing discomfort, schedule an appointment with your Optometrist for professional guidance. They can provide tailored instructions and recommendations based on your particular type of lenses and individual eye health needs.

4. Understand Why Swimming with Contact Lenses Poses Significant Risks

Engaging in swimming with contacts is a practice that you should avoid at all costs due to the risks involved. Contact lenses can absorb water, leading to numerous complications. Water can harbour bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms that pose a significant risk of eye infections, including a particularly dangerous parasite known as Acanthamoeba, which can cause severe keratitis.

The risks are heightened in warmer water temperatures and humid environments, such as saunas, where bacterial growth flourishes.

If you require corrective lenses while swimming, consider using prescription goggles or a swim mask instead of your contacts. Prescription goggles are specifically designed for aquatic activities and provide clear vision while safeguarding your eyes from water and other irritants, ensuring your safety.

If you choose to wear your contacts while swimming, adhere to the following precautions:

• Wear goggles or a swim mask to protect your eyes from water and irritants that may cause discomfort.
• Immediately remove your contacts after swimming, then clean and disinfect them thoroughly before reapplying (or if using daily lenses, dispose of them right away).
• If you notice redness, pain, or any other symptoms after swimming with your contacts, contact your Optometrist promptly for professional advice and assistance.

An eye examination can determine the appropriate treatment and help you recover swiftly while avoiding further complications, ensuring your eye health remains intact.

5. Why You Should Never Use Water to Clean Your Contact Lenses

It is imperative to never use water to clean your contacts, as it can contain harmful microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and parasites that pose a significant risk of severe eye infections. These microorganisms can attach to your contact lenses, leading to inflammation and potentially serious conditions that jeopardise your vision and overall eye health.

Furthermore, tap water may contain minerals and chemicals that can leave residues on your contacts, affecting their clarity and comfort, which can be detrimental to your visual experience.

Always use a contact lens solution recommended by your Optometrist. This solution is specifically formulated to clean and disinfect your lenses, effectively removing debris and buildup without introducing harmful microorganisms into your eyes, ensuring safe and comfortable wear.

A Hassle-Free Solution: If you are concerned about proper lens cleaning or find yourself in situations where you lack access to suitable contact lens solutions, daily disposable lenses are your best option. You won’t need to worry about cleaning—just wear them for the day and dispose of them. Keep extra pairs handy by ordering through our online store for your convenience.

6. Explore the Risks Involved with Sharing Contact Lenses

Contact lenses are classified as medical devices and are specifically prescribed to meet your unique eye and vision needs. Allowing someone else to wear your contacts, or wearing someone else's, can introduce harmful bacteria and microorganisms into your eyes, resulting in infections such as conjunctivitis, inflammation, and other serious eye complications that can jeopardise your overall eye health.

Moreover, sharing contacts can lead to additional issues, such as corneal abrasions or scratches, which can cause significant pain and discomfort, further complicating your eye care routine.

If you know someone who requires corrective lenses, encourage them to consult an Optometrist and obtain their own prescription for contact lenses. This is the safest and healthiest option for their eye and vision needs. Never share your contacts with anyone, even if they appear to have similar vision requirements or use the same type of lenses, as the risks far outweigh the benefits.

7. Recognise the Risks of Using Expired Contacts or Cleaning Solutions

Contact lenses and cleaning solutions come with expiration dates for a very good reason. Over time, the effectiveness of solutions can diminish, and lenses may become uncomfortable and potentially unsafe for use.

Expired contact lenses may become brittle or dehydrated, leading to discomfort, and they might also harbour bacteria or other microorganisms that can cause eye infections. Similarly, expired cleaning solutions may fail to adequately remove debris or microorganisms from your lenses, significantly increasing the likelihood of irritation and infections that impact your vision.

Always verify the expiration date on your lenses and cleaning solutions before use. If either has expired, dispose of it and purchase a new supply to ensure your safety. When you order contact lenses from our online store, you can expect fresh lenses with optimal expiration dates, ensuring safe and comfortable wear every time.

It is also essential to follow the recommended storage guidelines for your lenses and solutions, replacing them as advised by your Optometrist to maintain their effectiveness and safety.

8. Understand Why Regular Eye Examinations Are Crucial for Maintaining Optimal Vision Health

Regular eye examinations are essential for sustaining your eye health and ensuring clear vision. During an eye exam, your Optometrist can identify and diagnose various eye diseases, such as cataracts and macular degeneration, as well as other conditions that could impact your eyesight and overall health.

Early detection and treatment of eye issues can be crucial in preventing vision loss and other complications, significantly enhancing your quality of life. It is advisable to undergo a comprehensive eye exam every two years, or more frequently if you have a history of eye problems or specific health conditions that elevate your risk.

Regular eye examinations are particularly important for contact lens wearers, as your Optometrist can monitor for signs of complications arising from lens usage and ensure your prescription remains accurate, thus maintaining your eye health effectively.

Discover the Benefits of Daily Disposable Lenses for Enhanced Convenience and Safety

Throughout this article, we have highlighted the advantages of daily disposable lenses as an effective solution to many common issues associated with contact lenses. Here are several reasons why many individuals are making the switch to this convenient option:

• No cleaning required – This eliminates the risk of improper cleaning and disinfection, safeguarding your eyes.
• No storage needed – Forget about cases, solutions, and hassle, making your life easier.
• Reduced infection risk – Fresh, sterile lenses daily considerably lower your chances of eye infections and complications.
• Convenience – Perfect for travel, sports, and busy lifestyles, offering flexibility.
• Comfort – No protein buildup or debris accumulation throughout the day enhances your wearing experience.
• Ideal for occasional wear – Use only what you need, allowing for adaptability in your lifestyle.

Daily disposable lenses effectively address many of the harmful habits discussed in this article by eliminating the need for cleaning, proper storage, and strict wearing schedules. They serve as an excellent choice for anyone struggling with contact lens hygiene or seeking the most convenient and healthiest option available today.

Explore our range of daily disposable lenses in our online store to find the perfect fit for your lifestyle and vision needs.

Make Informed Choices to Enhance Your Vision with Eyes by Design

Proper care for your contact lenses is crucial for maintaining healthy eyes and clear vision. By avoiding these common bad habits, you can ensure safe, comfortable contact lens wear while significantly reducing your risk of developing eye infections and other complications that could affect your sight.

If you need to replenish your contact lenses or are searching for useful accessories like contact lens tweezers, visit our online store for easy ordering and delivery. Should you notice any changes in your vision, experience eye redness, discharge, or other symptoms that could indicate an infection, schedule an appointment with your Optometrist without delay to ensure prompt care and treatment.