Stop These Contact Lens Habits Immediately

If you are a contact lens wearer, it is crucial to be aware of the numerous harmful habits that can develop during their use. Common practices include sleeping in contact lenses and failing to adhere to proper disinfection protocols. Such habits can result in severe complications, including serious eye infections like conjunctivitis. Therefore, prioritising the care of your lenses is vital for maintaining not just your eye health but also ensuring the clear vision that is essential for your daily routine.

To assist you in addressing these concerns, we have compiled a crucial list of bad contact lens habits that must be avoided at all costs. By implementing these practical tips, you can safeguard your eyes and enhance your vision while reaping the many benefits that contact lenses provide.

1. Ensure Optimal Eye Health by Avoiding Sleeping in Your Contact Lenses

While certain contact lenses are manufactured for extended wear, developing the habit of sleeping in your contact lenses poses significant risks to your eye health. Sleeping with contacts can lead to serious complications, such as corneal ulcers, infections (including conjunctivitis), and inflammation. This predicament occurs because your eyes receive reduced oxygen during sleep, creating an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive on both your lenses and your eyes.

Moreover, when you sleep with your lenses on, you may experience dryness, leading to discomfort and a heightened risk 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.

Consider Transitioning to Daily Disposable Lenses: If you often find yourself dozing off with your contacts still in, daily disposable lenses could be the perfect solution. These lenses are disposed of at the end of each day, ensuring you never wear yesterday's lenses and allowing you to start each day with fresh, clean lenses. Explore our extensive selection of daily disposable lenses available in our online store.

In addition, consult your Optometrist about options that may be better suited for extended wear. Always adhere to the recommended wearing and replacement schedules for your lenses and make sure they are cleaned and stored correctly to avert any potential complications.

If you wear extended-wear lenses and notice sudden changes in your vision or comfort levels, seek an eye examination immediately. Regular visits to your Optometrist can help identify and prevent future eye issues, ensuring your vision remains clear and healthy.

2. Understand the Risks of Wearing Your Contacts Beyond Recommended Timeframes

Another detrimental habit involves wearing your contacts for too long beyond the timeframe advised by your Optometrist. Your eye care professional typically provides specific guidelines on the duration for which you should wear your lenses each day, and it is essential to adhere to these recommendations to preserve your eye health.

Overwearing your contacts can lead to numerous issues, with dry eyes being one of the most prevalent. This condition can result in discomfort, irritation, and even damage to your corneas. Additionally, prolonged use of your lenses increases the risk of eye infections or other complications, as contaminants such as bacteria, dirt, and debris accumulate on your lenses over time.

The Advantages of Daily Lens Use: Opting for daily disposable lenses effectively alleviates the concern of wearing the same pair of lenses for an extended period. 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.

Our online store offers a diverse array of contact lenses tailored to various wearing schedules and lifestyle needs, including daily, bi-weekly, and monthly lenses, ensuring you find the perfect match for your requirements.

3. Master the Proper Cleaning Techniques for Your Contact Lenses

Maintaining appropriate cleaning and disinfection procedures is vital for ensuring your contact lenses remain free from debris and bacteria. Inadequate cleaning practices are among the leading causes of lens-related eye infections, highlighting the importance of a thorough cleaning routine.

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

• Begin by thoroughly washing your hands with soap and water.
• Place your lens in the palm of your hand and add a few drops of contact lens solution.
• Gently rub the lens with your fingertip to eliminate any debris or protein buildup.
• Rinse the lens thoroughly with the solution before placing it back in your case.

Always utilise the specific type of solution recommended by your Optometrist, and replace the solution each time you clean your lenses. Never reuse old solutions or attempt to “top off” the solution with fresh liquid, as this could introduce harmful bacteria.

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, thus lowering the risk of infection. With daily lenses, you simply dispose of them at the end of the day—no cleaning, no solution, and no storage case required. This approach dramatically decreases your chances of developing infections linked to improper lens care.

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

4. Why Swimming with Contacts Poses Significant Risks to Your Eye Health

Engaging in swimming with contacts on is a habit that you should unequivocally avoid. Contact lenses can absorb water, leading to numerous complications. Water can harbour bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms that pose a serious 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 in humid environments, such as saunas, where the likelihood of encountering harmful pathogens increases.

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

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.
• Immediately remove your contacts after swimming, then clean and disinfect them thoroughly before reapplying (or if using daily lenses, discard them right away).
• If you experience redness, pain, or any other symptoms after swimming with your contacts, contact your Optometrist without delay.

An eye examination can help determine the appropriate treatment and facilitate a swift recovery while avoiding additional complications.

5. Why Using Water to Clean Your Contacts is a Dangerous Mistake

It is vital to never use water to clean your contacts. Water can contain harmful microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and parasites that pose a significant risk of severe eye infections. These microorganisms can adhere to your contact lenses, leading to inflammation and potentially serious conditions that threaten your vision.

Furthermore, tap water may contain minerals and chemicals that can leave deposits on your contacts, compromising their clarity and comfort. This can result in further irritation and discomfort during wear.

Always utilise 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.

A Hassle-Free Option: If you are concerned about proper lens cleaning or find yourself in situations where you lack access to suitable contact lens solution, daily disposable lenses serve as your ideal solution. You won’t have to worry about cleaning—just wear them for the day and toss them away. Keep extra pairs on hand by ordering through our online store.

6. The Risks Associated with Sharing Contact Lenses with Others

Contact lenses are classified as medical devices and are specifically prescribed for 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, leading to infections such as conjunctivitis, inflammation, and other serious eye complications.

Moreover, sharing contacts can lead to additional problems, such as corneal abrasions or scratches, which can cause significant pain and discomfort. These injuries can result in long-term damage if not treated promptly.

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 choice for their eye and vision needs. Never share your contacts with anyone, even if they appear to have similar vision requirements or wear the same type of lenses.

7. The Dangers of Using Expired Contacts or Cleaning Solutions

Contact lenses and cleaning solutions come with expiration dates for an important 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, increasing the likelihood of irritation and infections.

Always check the expiration date on your contacts and cleaning solutions before using them. If either has expired, dispose of them and purchase a new supply. When you order contact lenses from our online store, you can expect fresh lenses with optimal expiration dates, ensuring safe and comfortable wear.

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

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

Regular eye exams are essential for preserving 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, along with other conditions that could impact your eyesight and overall health.

Early detection and treatment of eye issues can be critical 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 exams are particularly vital for contact lens wearers, as your Optometrist can monitor for signs of complications from lens usage and ensure your prescription remains accurate, which is essential for maintaining clear vision.

Explore the Incredible Benefits of Daily Disposable Lenses for Enhanced Convenience and Safety

Throughout this article, we have emphasised the numerous advantages of daily disposable lenses as a solution to many common contact lens issues. 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, protecting your eyes.
• No storage needed – Forget about cumbersome cases, solutions, and hassle.
• Reduced infection risk – Fresh, sterile lenses every day significantly lower your chances of eye infections.
• Convenience – Ideal for travel, sports, and busy lifestyles, making life simpler.
• Comfort – No protein buildup or debris accumulation throughout the day, ensuring a pleasant wearing experience.
• Perfect for occasional wear – Use only what you need, reducing waste.

Daily disposable lenses effectively address many of the detrimental 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.

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

Make Informed Choices and Improve Your Vision with Eyes by Design

Proper care for your contact lenses is vital 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.

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