According to experts, 30 percent of people ages 18-55 years old in Canada wear contact lenses. Unfortunately, these people can put their eyes at risk of long-term damage if they do not wear or care for their lenses as recommended. Here, the team at Bochner Eye Institute reveals common mistakes contact lens wearers can make.
Sleeping with Contacts In
The outer layer of the eye, called the cornea, needs oxygen to stay healthy. Contact lenses interrupt the normal flow of oxygen to the cornea, and sleeping in the lenses only exacerbates the problem. Even taking the occasional nap while wearing contacts can increase the risk of cornea infection.
Not Washing Your Hands before You Handle Your Contacts
Your hands can introduce bacteria, oil and dirt to your eyes if you don’t wash them before handling your contact lenses. These germs can lead to serious eye infection. At night, wash your hands before taking out your lenses. Then, let them soak in fresh contact lens solution overnight.
Wearing Contacts in the Shower or Pool
It’s not smart to shower or swim while wearing contact lenses. Most water sources, including sinks, pools, hot tubs and lakes, have an organism called acanthamoeba, which can attach to the contact lens and infect the eye.
Using Tap Water to Clean Contacts
Speaking of dangerous organisms, tap water can also contain acanthamoeba. Just because you can safely drink it does not mean you should use it to clean your contact lenses. Always use new contact lens solution to clean the lenses.
Not Replacing Your Contacts Case Regularly
Contact lens cases can breed bacteria that gets on your lenses and into your eye. You should clean your contact lens case daily with solution, and replace it at least every three months. Do not put it in the dishwasher.
Wearing Contacts Past Their Expiration Date
Expiration dates should not be ignored. Old lenses might look fine but could have built-up germs and other residue.
Want Freedom from Contacts?
If you are tired of the hassles of wearing and caring for contact lenses, Bochner Eye Institute can help. We offer laser vision correction with LASIK to reduce or eliminate your dependence on contacts. For more information about achieving clearer vision with LASIK, call our office at 416-960-2020 to speak with a member of our team.