Contact Lens Habits to Stop Immediately for Healthy Eyes

If you wear contact lenses, it is absolutely essential to understand the various harmful habits that may arise alongside their usage. Common detrimental practices include sleeping in contact lenses and neglecting proper disinfection routines. Such habits can lead to severe complications, including acute eye infections like conjunctivitis. Prioritising the care of your lenses is crucial, 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 aid you in steering clear of these pitfalls, we have compiled a thorough list of bad contact lens habits to avoid at all costs. By adhering to these actionable tips, you can protect your eyes and enhance your vision while enjoying the numerous benefits that contact lenses provide for your visual needs.

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

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

Moreover, sleeping in your lenses can lead to dryness, making them uncomfortable to wear and increasing the chances of damage or tearing. Always ensure you remove your contacts before going to bed, even if you believe you will be resting for just a short period.

Think About Transitioning to Daily Disposable Lenses: If you frequently find yourself unintentionally dozing off with your contacts still in, daily disposable lenses could serve as an 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 to find the perfect pair for your needs.

Furthermore, consult your Optometrist about lens options that may be more suitable for extended wear. Always follow the recommended wearing and replacement schedules for your lenses, ensuring that they are cleaned and stored properly to prevent any potential complications.

If you wear extended-wear lenses and experience 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, safeguarding your vision.

2. Recognise the Risks Associated with Over-Wearing Your Contact Lenses

Another detrimental habit is wearing your contacts for too long, exceeding the time recommended by your Optometrist. Your eye care professional typically provides guidance on how long to wear your lenses each day, and adhering to 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 concerns. 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 such as bacteria, dirt, and debris accumulate on your lenses over time, posing a significant threat to your vision.

The Benefits of Daily Lens Use: Choosing to use 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 guarantees optimal oxygen permeability. This feature makes them particularly appealing for individuals with busy lifestyles who might otherwise be tempted to extend their wear 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 options designed to suit your individual preferences.

3. Master the Proper Techniques for Cleaning Your Contact Lenses Effectively

Maintaining appropriate cleaning and disinfection practices is vital for keeping your contact lenses free from debris and bacteria. Inadequate cleaning routines are among the leading causes of lens-related eye infections, which can lead to serious complications if not addressed properly.

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

• Begin by thoroughly washing your hands with soap and water to eliminate any dirt or contaminants.
• 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 that may have accumulated.
• Rinse the lens thoroughly with the solution before returning it to your case to ensure it is clean and free from contaminants.

Always use the specific type of solution recommended by your Optometrist, and remember to 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.

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 minimising 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 correctly or are experiencing discomfort, schedule an appointment with your Optometrist for professional guidance. They can provide tailored instructions and recommendations based on your specific type of lenses and individual eye health needs, ensuring you maintain optimal care.

4. Understand Why Swimming with Contact Lenses Poses Serious Risks

Engaging in swimming with contacts is a practice that you should avoid at all costs. Contact lenses can absorb water, leading to a host of complications that can jeopardise your eye health. Water can harbour harmful 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 potentially lead to vision loss.

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

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 that could cause discomfort or injury.

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

• 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 them (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 and potential treatment.

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

5. Grasp the Importance of Never Using 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 themselves to your contact lenses, leading to inflammation and potentially serious conditions that jeopardise your vision and overall eye health.

Moreover, tap water may contain minerals and chemicals that can leave residues on your contacts, adversely affecting their clarity and comfort during wear.

Always opt for a contact lens solution that is 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, thereby ensuring safe use.

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 at night. Keep extra pairs handy by ordering through our online store to ensure you always have a fresh supply available.

6. Recognise the Dangers of 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 could affect your long-term vision.

Moreover, sharing contacts can lead to additional issues, such as corneal abrasions or scratches, which can cause significant pain and discomfort. This practice is particularly risky as it undermines the individualised nature of contact lens prescriptions.

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 could lead to serious complications.

7. Understand the Dangers 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 lead to 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 that supports your eye health.

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

8. Explore Why Regular Eye Examinations Are Crucial for Sustaining 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, helping to maintain optimal vision.

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

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

• No cleaning required – This removes the risk of improper cleaning and disinfection, ensuring your eyes remain healthy.
• No storage needed – Forget about cases, solutions, and hassle; simply wear and dispose of.
• Reduced infection risk – Fresh, sterile lenses daily significantly lower your chances of eye infections linked to improper care.
• Convenience – Perfect for travel, sports, and busy lifestyles, allowing for easy management.
• Comfort – No protein buildup or debris accumulation throughout the day enhances your wearing experience.
• Ideal for occasional wear – Use only what you need, providing flexibility in your contact lens usage.

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 for their vision needs.

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

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 impair your vision.

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 swift 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 address any potential issues.