Stop These Contact Lens Habits Immediately

For those who are contact lens wearers, it is vital to understand the various unhealthy habits that may develop during the use of these lenses. Common practices such as sleeping in contact lenses and disregarding proper disinfection routines can lead to severe complications, including serious eye infections like conjunctivitis. It is essential to prioritise the care of your lenses to maintain your eye health and ensure clear vision, which is crucial for everyday activities and overall quality of life.

To assist you in overcoming these challenges, we have compiled a comprehensive list of harmful contact lens habits that you should avoid at all costs. By implementing these practical tips, you can safeguard your eyes and enhance your vision, enjoying the many advantages that contact lenses provide.

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

Although some contact lenses are specifically designed for extended wear, forming the habit of sleeping in your contact lenses can lead to considerable risks. Sleeping with contacts can result in severe complications such as corneal ulcers, infections (including conjunctivitis), and inflammation. This is primarily due to the reduction of oxygen supply to your eyes during sleep, creating a conducive environment for bacteria to flourish on your lenses and around your eyes.

Furthermore, sleeping in your lenses may cause dryness, leading to discomfort while wearing them, and increasing the chances of damage or tearing. Always remember to remove your contacts before bedtime, even if you believe you will only rest for a brief period.

Think About Switching to Daily Disposable Lenses: If you often find yourself nodding off with your contacts still in, daily disposable lenses may be the perfect solution. These lenses are discarded at the end of each day, ensuring that 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.

Additionally, consult your Optometrist regarding 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 appropriately to avoid any potential complications.

If you wear extended-wear lenses and notice any sudden changes in your vision or comfort, seek an eye examination immediately. Regular check-ups with your Optometrist can help identify and prevent future eye issues.

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

Another hazardous habit is wearing your contacts for excessive durations that exceed the advice given by your Optometrist. Your eye care professional typically provides clear guidelines on how long to wear your lenses each day, and it is crucial to adhere to these recommendations to protect your eye health.

Prolonged use of your contacts can lead to several problems, with dry eyes being one of the most prevalent. This condition can result in discomfort, irritation, and even damage to your corneas. Moreover, extended use of your lenses increases the risk of eye infections or other issues, 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 too long. Each day, you receive a fresh, clean lens that ensures optimal oxygen permeability. This characteristic makes them particularly appealing for individuals with hectic lifestyles who might otherwise be tempted to extend their wearing time.

Our online store features a diverse range of contact lenses tailored to different wearing schedules and lifestyle requirements, including daily, bi-weekly, and monthly options.

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

Maintaining correct 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 precise guide to cleaning your contacts effectively:

• Begin by thoroughly washing your hands with 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 remove any debris or protein buildup.
• 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 every 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 safely and hygienically, significantly reducing the risk of contamination.

Consider Avoiding the Cleaning Routine Entirely: Many contact lens users are making the switch to daily disposable lenses specifically to bypass 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 significantly lowers 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 expert guidance. They can offer personalised instructions and recommendations based on your specific lens type and individual eye health needs.

4. Understand Why Swimming with Contacts is Highly Risky

Participating in swimming with contacts is a practice 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 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 contacts. Prescription goggles are specifically designed for aquatic activities and provide clear vision while protecting 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 safeguard 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 straight away).
• If you experience redness, pain, or any other symptoms after swimming with your contacts, contact your Optometrist immediately.

An eye examination can determine the appropriate treatment and assist you in recovering swiftly while avoiding further complications.

5. Discover Why Using Water to Clean Your Contacts is a Significant Error

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

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

Always utilise 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.

A Hassle-Free Alternative: 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 best option. 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. Understand the Risks Associated with Sharing Contact Lenses

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 such as conjunctivitis, inflammation, and other serious eye complications.

Furthermore, 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 appear to have similar vision requirements or wear the same type of lenses.

7. Recognise the Dangers of Using Expired Contacts or Cleaning Solutions

Contact lenses and cleaning solutions come with expiration dates for very good reasons. 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 crucial to follow the recommended storage guidelines for your lenses and solutions, replacing them as advised by your Optometrist.

8. Discover Why Regular Eye Exams Are Crucial 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, 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 important for contact lens wearers, as your Optometrist can monitor for any signs of complications stemming from lens usage and ensure your prescription remains accurate.

Explore the Benefits of Daily Disposable Lenses for Convenience and Safety

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

• No cleaning required – This negates 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.

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 replenish your contact lenses or are searching for useful accessories such as 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 any other symptoms that could signal an infection, schedule an appointment with your Optometrist without delay.