Bad Contact Lens Habits to Leave Behind 

If you are a contact lens wearer, you may be aware of the various bad habits that can arise while using them. These include practices like sleeping in contact lenses or failing to properly disinfect them. Such habits can lead to significant issues, including severe eye infections like conjunctivitis. Taking care of your lenses is crucial for maintaining eye health and ensuring clear vision.

To assist you, we have compiled a vital list of bad contact lens habits that you should avoid at all costs. By adhering to these practical tips, you can safeguard your eyes and enhance your vision while enjoying the convenience of contact lenses.

1. Avoid Sleeping in Your Contact Lenses for Healthier Eyes

Even though some contact lenses are designed for extended wear, falling into the habit of sleeping in your contact lenses poses significant risks. When you sleep with your contacts in, you may develop severe complications such as corneal ulcers, infections (learn more about eye infections like conjunctivitis), and inflammation. This occurs because your eyes receive less oxygen while you sleep, creating an environment conducive to bacterial growth on both your contacts and your eyes.

Moreover, sleeping in your contacts can lead to dryness, making them uncomfortable to wear and increasing the chances of damage or tearing. Always ensure to remove your contacts before bedtime, even if you think you might only nap for a short while.

Consider Daily Disposable Lenses: If you often find yourself dozing off with your contacts in, daily disposable lenses could be the perfect solution. Since these lenses are discarded at the end of the day, you eliminate the possibility of wearing yesterday's lenses, allowing you to start fresh each morning. Explore our extensive selection of daily disposable lenses available in our online store.

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

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

2. Understand the Risks of Wearing Your Contacts for Too Long

Another harmful habit is wearing your contacts for too long beyond the recommended timeframe. Your Optometrist typically provides guidelines on how long to wear your lenses daily, and it is vital to stick to these recommendations to maintain your eye health.

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

The Daily Lens Advantage: Opting for daily disposable lenses effectively removes the concern of wearing the same pair of lenses too long. You receive a fresh, clean lens each day, ensuring optimal oxygen permeability. This feature makes them particularly appealing for individuals with busy lifestyles who might otherwise be tempted to extend their wearing schedule.

We offer a diverse range of contact lenses online, catering to various wearing schedules and lifestyle needs, including daily, bi-weekly, and monthly lenses.

3. Ensure Proper Cleaning of Your Contact Lenses

Maintaining proper cleaning and disinfection procedures is vital for keeping your contact lenses free from debris and bacteria. Inadequate cleaning practices stand as one of the primary causes of lens-related eye infections.

Here’s how to clean your contacts correctly:

• 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 in your case.

Always use the appropriate type of solution as 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 help you handle your lenses in a safer and more hygienic manner, significantly reducing the risk of contamination.

Skip 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, no storage case required. This approach dramatically decreases your chances of developing infections linked to improper lens care.

If you are uncertain 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 Can Be Risky

Engaging in swimming with contacts on is a habit that you should definitely 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 result in severe keratitis.

The risks are heightened in warmer water temperatures and in steamy environments, such as saunas.

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.

Should you choose 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 notice redness, pain, or any other symptoms after swimming with your contacts, contact your Optometrist immediately.

An eye examination can determine the appropriate treatment and help you recover swiftly while avoiding additional complications.

5. Why You Should Never Use Water to Clean Your Contacts

It is crucial 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 causing 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, which can compromise their clarity and comfort.

Always use a contact lens solution recommended by your Optometrist. This solution is specifically designed to clean and disinfect your lenses, effectively removing debris and buildup without introducing harmful microorganisms into your eyes.

The 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 are your ideal solution. You won’t need to worry about cleaning—just wear them for the day and toss them away. Keep extra pairs handy by ordering through our online store.

6. The Dangers of Sharing Your Contacts 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 eye complications.

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

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 seem to have similar vision requirements or wear the same type of lenses.

7. The Risks of Using Expired Contacts 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 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.

8. Why You Should Never Skip Eye Exams for Optimal Vision Health

Regular eye exams are vital 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 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 important for contact lens wearers, as your Optometrist can monitor for signs of complications from lens usage and ensure your prescription remains accurate.

Why You Should Consider Daily Disposable Lenses for Convenience and Safety

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

• No cleaning required – This eliminates the risk of improper cleaning and disinfection.
• No storage needed – Forget about cases, solutions, and hassle.
• Reduced infection risk – Fresh, sterile lenses every day significantly lower your chances of eye infections.
• Convenience – Perfect for travel, sports, and busy lifestyles.
• Comfort – No protein buildup or debris accumulation throughout the day.
• Ideal for occasional wear – Use only what you need.

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 perfect fit for your lifestyle.

Shop Smart and Enhance Your Vision with Eyes by Design

Proper care for your contact lenses is essential 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 replenish your contact lenses or are searching for useful accessories like contact lens tweezers, visit our online store for easy ordering and delivery. Should you notice any changes in your vision, experience eye redness, discharge, or other symptoms that could signal an infection, schedule an appointment with your Optometrist without delay.