10 Most Common Mistakes to Avoid for Optimal Contact Lens Comfort | Blue Planet Optics
Level up your vision game! Learn how to avoid common contact lens mistakes and enjoy a comfortable, clear experience.
1. Skipping the Handwashing Step
It’s a simple step, but its importance can’t be overstated. Washing your hands thoroughly before handling contact lenses prevents the transfer of bacteria and contaminants to your eye. This not only reduces the risk of infection but also ensures your lenses remain comfortable to wear. So, make sure to use soap, rinse well, and dry your hands with a lint-free towel each time.
2. Ignoring Proper Lens Storage
The way you store your lenses can have a significant impact on their comfort and longevity. Always use fresh solution in a clean lens case. Reusing old solution or topping it off with fresh solution creates a breeding ground for bacteria. Equally, letting your lens case get dirty or not replacing it regularly can lead to serious eye health issues.
3. Using Water Instead of Solution for Rinsing
Water may seem harmless, but it’s a no-go for cleaning or storing your lenses. Tap water contains microorganisms that can cling to your lenses and cause infections. Only use sterile saline solution or multipurpose solution designed for contact lenses. This ensures your lenses are safe and comfortable to wear.
4. Wearing Lenses Beyond Their Intended Use
Every lens has an expiration date and a recommended wear time. Ignoring these can lead to discomfort and eye health issues. Using daily disposables more than once or extending the use of monthly lenses can cause protein buildup and irritation. It’s crucial to follow the schedule recommended by your eye care professional to maintain optimal eye health and comfort.
5. Neglecting to Replace Storage Cases Regularly
Your lens case is a crucial component of contact lens hygiene. Over time, it can become a haven for bacteria. Replacing your lens case every three months, or as directed, is vital to prevent contamination. Regular cleaning of the case is just as important, ensuring a safe environment for your lenses.
6. Sleeping in Contacts Not Designed for Overnight Use
Falling asleep in your contacts is tempting, especially after a long day. However, not all lenses are designed for overnight wear. Sleeping in contacts not intended for such use can restrict oxygen flow to your eyes, leading to discomfort and potential infections. Always remove your lenses before sleeping unless they are specifically designed for extended or overnight wear.
7. Applying Makeup Before Contacts
Makeup and contact lenses can coexist peacefully with the right routine. Always insert your lenses before applying makeup to avoid transferring residue onto the lenses, which can cause irritation. Likewise, remove your lenses before taking off makeup to ensure cleanliness and reduce the risk of trapping particles under your lens.
8. Not Scheduling Regular Eye Exams
Regular eye exams are crucial for ensuring the health of your eyes and the appropriateness of your contact lens fit. Over time, your vision and eye health can change. These exams allow your eye care provider to make necessary adjustments to your prescription and contact lens type, ensuring optimal comfort and vision. Neglecting these exams can lead to discomfort and other, more serious eye health issues.
9. Overlooking Eye Irritation
If you experience irritation while wearing your lenses, don’t just power through it. Discomfort can be a sign of a more serious issue, such as an infection or an ill-fitting lens. Remove your lenses and consult your eye care provider to get to the root of the problem. Ignoring these signs can lead to worsening conditions.
10. Mixing up Left and Right Lenses
It might seem minor, but mixing up your left and right lenses can cause significant discomfort, especially if you have a different prescription for each eye. Using a marker or labeled case can help keep things straight. Consistency in wearing your lenses correctly helps maintain optimal vision and comfort.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How should I apply makeup when wearing contact lenses?
Put your contacts in before applying makeup to prevent makeup residue from getting on your lenses. Remove your lenses before removing makeup to avoid trapping particles.
Why is it important to not mix up left and right contact lenses?
Mixing up your contact lenses can irritate your eyes, particularly if your prescriptions are not the same.
What is the expiration date and recommended wear time for contact lenses?
Every contact lens has an expiration date and a recommended wear time. Ignoring these can lead to discomfort and eye health issues.
What should I do if I experience irritation while wearing my contact lenses?
Don't let eye irritation go unnoticed. It could be a symptom of something more serious. Remove your lenses and consult your eye doctor for advice.
Why is the contact lens case an important component of contact lens hygiene?
The case holds the contact lens solution, which is essential for cleaning and disinfecting the lenses.
How should I store my contact lenses?
To protect your eyes, use fresh contact lens solution and maintain a clean lens case. This helps prevent bacteria growth.
Why should I not use water to clean or store my contact lenses?
Never use tap water for your contact lenses. Use contact lens solution instead to keep your eyes healthy.
Why are regular eye exams important for contact lens wearers?
Regular eye exams are essential for maintaining good eye health and making sure your contact lenses fit properly. Your vision can change over time, so it's important to see your eye doctor regularly.
Why should I not sleep in contacts that are not designed for overnight wear?
Sleeping in contact lenses that aren't designed for it can block oxygen from reaching your eyes, causing problems.
Why is it important to wash your hands before handling contact lenses?
To avoid eye infections, make sure your hands are clean before touching your contact lenses. Wash them with soap and water and dry them thoroughly.