Contact Lens Habits You Must Stop Now

If you wear contact lenses, it is crucial to recognise the various harmful habits that may develop alongside their use. Common detrimental practices include sleeping in contact lenses and neglecting proper disinfection routines. Such habits can result in severe complications, including acute eye infections like 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 assist you in steering clear of these pitfalls, we have compiled a comprehensive list of bad contact lens habits that you should avoid at all costs. By following these actionable tips, you can safeguard your eyes and enhance your vision while reaping the numerous benefits that contact lenses provide, ultimately leading to a much healthier and more enjoyable experience.

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

Even though certain contact lenses are specifically designed for extended wear, developing the habit of sleeping in your contact lenses can pose serious risks. Sleeping with contacts significantly elevates the likelihood of complications such as corneal ulcers, various infections (including conjunctivitis), and inflammation. This heightened risk arises because your eyes receive markedly less oxygen during sleep, creating a perfect environment for bacterial growth on your lenses and eyes.

Moreover, sleeping in your lenses can lead to dryness, making them uncomfortable to wear and increasing the chances of damage or tearing. Always remember to remove your contacts before bedtime, even if you believe you will be resting for just a brief period. This simple act can make a significant difference in your eye health.

Consider Transitioning to Daily Disposable Lenses: If you often find yourself dozing off with your contacts still in, daily disposable lenses could be the ideal solution. 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 hassle-free experience.

Furthermore, consult your Optometrist about lens options that may be more appropriate 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 that could affect your vision.

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, ensuring that you maintain optimal eye health.

2. What Are the Risks of Over-Wearing Your Contact Lenses?

Another harmful habit is wearing your contacts for too long, often 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 crucial 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 complications. This condition may cause discomfort, irritation, and even damage to your corneas. Furthermore, 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, compromising their safety and effectiveness.

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 beyond safe limits.

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, ensuring you find the perfect pair for your requirements.

3. How to Learn the Proper 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 are among the leading causes of lens-related eye infections, making it essential to understand the proper techniques to minimise risks.

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

• Begin by thoroughly washing your hands with soap and water to remove any potential contaminants.
• Place your lens in the palm of your hand and add a few drops of contact lens solution to ensure effective cleaning.
• 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, ensuring it is properly stored.

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 introduce harmful microorganisms.

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 and ensuring your eyes stay healthy.

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 and provides a simpler option for lens wearers.

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. Why Is Swimming with Contact Lenses Hazardous?

Engaging in swimming with contacts is a practice that you should avoid at all costs. Contact lenses can absorb water, leading to a range of 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 and other serious conditions.

The risks associated with swimming in lenses are heightened in warmer water temperatures and in humid environments, such as saunas, where bacteria thrive.

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 that could lead to discomfort or infections.

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

• Always 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, dispose of them right away).
• If you notice redness, pain, or any other symptoms after swimming with your contacts, contact your Optometrist promptly for advice.

An eye examination can determine the appropriate treatment and help you recover swiftly while avoiding further complications that could affect your vision and eye health.

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

It is imperative 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 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. This can result in a less enjoyable wearing experience and further complications.

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.

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, making your contact lens experience smoother and more convenient.

6. What Are 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 complications that may arise from improper use.

Moreover, sharing contacts can lead to additional issues, such as corneal abrasions or scratches, which can cause significant pain and discomfort, as well as potential long-term damage to your eyes.

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 this practice can lead to serious health risks.

7. What Are 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. Wearing expired lenses is a significant risk to your eye health.

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 that could affect your vision.

Always verify the expiration date on your lenses and cleaning solutions before use. If either has expired, dispose of it immediately 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 at all times.

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. Why Are Regular Eye Examinations 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 of complications.

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, keeping your vision sharp and healthy.

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

Throughout this article, we have highlighted the benefits of daily disposable lenses as a 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 removes the risk of improper cleaning and disinfection, allowing for safer use.
• No storage needed – Forget about cases, solutions, and the associated hassle of maintenance.
• Reduced infection risk – Fresh, sterile lenses daily considerably lower your chances of eye infections and related complications.
• Convenience – Perfect for travel, sports, and busy lifestyles, making them ideal for everyone.
• Comfort – Enjoy comfort without protein buildup or debris accumulation throughout the day.
• Ideal for occasional wear – Use only what you need, ensuring flexibility in your wearing schedule.

Daily disposable lenses 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 to enhance their vision.

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 and 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 can arise from improper lens care.

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 prompt 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 your eye health remains a priority.