Contact lenses are a convenient way to correct vision problems. They are popular among both men and women of all ages. Contact lenses are seen as an alternative to glasses.

They are easy to use and can improve your vision, making them a popular choice for many. However, if misused, contact lenses can harm your eyes. In this article, we will discuss how to avoid contact lens-related eye problems.

1. Sleeping with Your Contact Lenses

Sleeping with contact lenses can cause irritation to your eyes and also increase the risk of infection. The lenses block oxygen from reaching your eyes, which can lead to redness, dryness, and discomfort.

In severe cases, sleeping in contact lenses can lead to an eye infection or even permanent damage to your vision.

2. Wearing Contact Lenses for Too Long

When you wear contact lenses for an extended period, your eyes begin to feel dry, making your contact lenses uncomfortable.

Eye dryness may cause the contact lens to move around on your eyes, making your vision blurry or creating scratches on the cornea. Keeping your lenses in too long can also contribute to the growth of bacteria, which can lead to eye infections.

3. Using the Wrong Solution

Using the wrong solution for your contact lenses can also cause eye problems. Never use tap water or any other fluid to clean, store, or rinse your contact lenses. It is best to use a solution that is specifically designed for your contacts.

Other solutions or fluids can lead to infections or severe eye irritation, causing discomfort and other eye ailments.

4. Not Cleaning Your Contact Lenses Correctly

Cleaning your contact lenses is essential for eye health. Rinsing your contacts with properly approved solution helps to remove built-up debris and bacteria which may contribute to eye infections.

It is recommended to clean your contact lenses before and after wearing them for extended periods or daily. Remember to wash your hands correctly before cleaning your contact lenses.

Sharing contact lenses with friends and family is never a good idea. Everyone has different eyes, and sharing lenses can lead to the sharing of germs, bacteria, and eye infections.

Additionally, this means the contact lenses may not fit your eyes properly and increases the risk of damaging your eyes or add further complications required for eye treatment.

6. Using Expired Contact Lenses

Like all medical products, contact lenses have an expiration date which is available on its packaging. Using expired lenses can lead to eye discomfort, irritation, and other harms.

Contact lenses can lose their shape and can develop scratches even before expiration date, which can damage your eyes. It is best to always change to a fresh set of lenses and purchase new supplies from an authorized seller.

7. Wearing Contact Lenses While Swimming

Swimming while wearing contacts is a no-no. Pool water contains various chemicals which can irritate your eyes. Contact lenses are prone to water absorption thereby allowing the chemicals and impurities of the water to enter your eyes.

This increases the risk of an eye infection, or even more severe consequences such as permanent vision loss. If you must wear contact lenses while swimming, it’s best to use protective eyewear over them.

8. Not Following the Instructions from Your Eye Doctor

It’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions when wearing contact lenses. Your eye doctor can provide you with detailed information on what you should and shouldn’t do when using and cleaning your contact lenses.

Not following directions can increase the risk of eye infections and other issues.

9. Not Removing Contact Lenses with Dirty or Greasy Hands

Not washing your hands before removing your contact lenses can lead to various forms of eye infections and other complications. When in contact with dirty hands, the lenses may transfer bacteria and other germs that exist on your skin into your eyes.

This can cause eye infections and irritation which can take a long time to heal. Washing your hands before removing your contact lenses is the best way to maintain a clean and healthy environment around your eyes.

10. Ignoring or Delaying Medical Assistance for Any Discomfort or Eye Problems

Contact lenses-related eye problems, if left unattended, can lead to serious complications and affect your vision. Symptoms such as blurry vision, red eye, eye pain, swelling, or discharge require immediate medical attention from an eye doctor.

Do not delay seeking medical assistance for any eye discomfort or issues.

Conclusion

Contact lenses are an excellent solution for correcting vision problems. However, if not used correctly or if you’re careless with your contact lenses, you may cause further harm to your eyes.

Following the instructions provided by your eye doctor, cleaning your lenses properly, and taking good care of your eyes are a few essential ways to avoid contact lens-related eye problems. Remember, your eye doctor is your go-to resource for information on how to care for your contact lenses and maintain healthy eyes.