Stop These Contact Lens Habits Immediately

If you are a contact lens wearer, it is crucial to be aware of various harmful practices that can develop during their use. Among the most common are sleeping in contact lenses and overlooking essential disinfection routines. Such behaviours can lead to severe complications, including dangerous eye infections like conjunctivitis. It is vital to prioritise your lens care to safeguard both your eye health and the clarity of vision that is essential for your daily activities.

To assist you in addressing this matter, we have compiled a comprehensive list of bad contact lens habits that you should avoid at all costs. By implementing these practical recommendations, you can protect your eyes and enhance your vision while reaping the numerous advantages that contact lenses provide.

1. Protect Your Eye Health: Avoid Sleeping with Your Contact Lenses In

Although certain contact lenses are intended for extended wear, forming the habit of sleeping in your contact lenses can pose serious risks. This behaviour can lead to significant complications such as corneal ulcers, infections (including conjunctivitis), and inflammation. The reason for this risk lies in the reduced oxygen supply to your eyes during sleep, which creates a perfect breeding ground for bacteria on both your lenses and your eyes.

Furthermore, sleeping in your lenses may result in dryness, making them uncomfortable to wear and increasing the chances of damage or tearing. Always ensure that you remove your contacts before going to bed, even if you believe you will only be resting for a brief period.

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

Moreover, consult your Optometrist about alternatives that may be more appropriate for extended wear. Always adhere to the recommended wearing and replacement schedules for your lenses, and ensure they are cleaned and stored correctly to avoid any potential complications.

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

2. Understand the Risks of Wearing Contacts Beyond Recommended Timeframes

Another harmful habit is wearing your contacts for longer than 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 critical for maintaining your eye health.

Exceeding the recommended wearing time can lead to numerous issues, with dry eyes being one of the most prevalent. This condition can cause discomfort, irritation, and even corneal damage. Additionally, prolonged contact use heightens 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: Choosing daily disposable lenses effectively eliminates concerns about wearing the same pair of lenses for too long. Each day, you receive a fresh, clean lens that provides optimal oxygen permeability. This feature is particularly appealing for those with busy lifestyles who might otherwise be tempted to extend their wearing periods.

Our online store features a wide variety of contact lenses tailored to different wearing schedules and lifestyle preferences, including daily, bi-weekly, and monthly lenses.

3. Learn the Fundamentals of Proper Cleaning Techniques for Your Contact Lenses

Ensuring proper cleaning and disinfection procedures is crucial for keeping your contact lenses free from debris and bacteria. Inadequate cleaning practices are one of the leading causes of lens-related eye infections.

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

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

Always use 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.

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.

Consider Skipping the Cleaning Routine Entirely: Many contact lens users are transitioning to daily disposable lenses specifically to avoid the cleaning routine altogether, thus 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 necessary. This approach considerably decreases your chances of developing infections related 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 expert advice. They can provide tailored instructions and recommendations based on your specific type of lenses and individual eye health requirements.

4. Why Swimming with Contacts Can Cause Serious Risks

Participating in swimming with contacts is a practice that should be avoided at all costs. Contact lenses can absorb water, leading to numerous complications. Water can contain bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms that pose a significant threat 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.

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

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

• Wear goggles or a swim mask to shield 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 identify the appropriate treatment and assist you in recovering quickly while avoiding additional complications.

5. Why Cleaning Your Contacts with Water is a Critical Error

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

Moreover, tap water may contain minerals and chemicals that can leave deposits on your lenses, compromising their clarity and comfort.

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 build-up without introducing harmful microorganisms into your eyes.

A Hassle-Free Alternative: If you are concerned about proper lens cleaning or find yourself in situations where suitable contact lens solution is unavailable, daily disposable lenses are your best option. You won’t have to worry about cleaning—just wear them for the day and dispose of them. Keep extra pairs handy by ordering through our online store.

6. The Dangers of 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, resulting in infections like conjunctivitis, inflammation, and other serious complications.

Moreover, sharing contacts can lead to further issues, such as corneal abrasions or scratches, which can cause significant pain and discomfort.

If you know someone who needs 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 seem to have similar vision requirements or wear the same type of lenses.

7. The Risks of Using Expired Contact Lenses or Cleaning Solutions

Contact lenses and cleaning solutions come with expiration dates for a significant reason. Over time, the effectiveness of solutions can diminish, and lenses can 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 verify 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 is also essential to adhere to the recommended storage guidelines for your lenses and solutions, replacing them as advised by your Optometrist.

8. Understand the Importance of Regular Eye Exams for Optimal Vision Health

<pRegular eye exams are essential for maintaining 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 improving your quality of life. It is advisable to have 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 arising from lens usage and ensure your prescription remains accurate.

Discover the Advantages of Daily Disposable Lenses for Convenience and Safety

Throughout this article, we have highlighted the benefits of daily disposable lenses as a solution to many common contact lens issues. Here are several reasons why many individuals are opting for this convenient choice:

• No cleaning necessary – This removes the risk of improper cleaning and disinfection.
• No storage required – Forget about 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.
• Comfort – No protein buildup or debris accumulation throughout the day.
• Perfect for occasional wear – Use only what you need.

Daily disposable lenses effectively 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.

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

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 complications.

If you need to restock your contact lenses or are looking for useful accessories like contact lens tweezers, visit our online store for easy ordering and delivery. If 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.