Are You Making These Common Contact Lens Mistakes Without Realizing It?

Common Contact Lens Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Contact lenses can make life a little easier, whether you're heading to work, meeting friends, or enjoying your favorite activities. But have you been taking the right steps to keep them clean and safe?  Even small oversights in your daily routine can affect your eye health without you immediately noticing.

Perhaps you've rushed through cleaning your lenses, forgotten to replace your lens case, or worn your contacts longer than recommended. These habits may seem harmless, but they can increase the risk of irritation and eye infections.

The good news is that better contact lens care doesn't have to be complicated. Let's look at some common mistakes, why they matter, and how you can make safer choices for your eyes.

1. Keeping Your Lenses On Past Their Recommended Wear Time

When your lenses still feel fine, taking them out can seem unnecessary. However, wearing them longer than directed can increase the risk of discomfort and other eye complications.

Make a safer choice:

• Follow the wearing schedule recommended by your eye care professional.

• Replace your lenses on time, even if they still look clean.

• Remove them as directed and avoid extending their use.

Clear vision is important, but protecting your eyes matters just as much.

2. Going to Bed Without Removing Your Lenses

After a busy day, it's easy to fall asleep before remembering to remove your contacts. Unfortunately, sleeping in contact lenses increases the risk of eye infections, even if it happens occasionally.

Try these simple habits:

• Remove your lenses before bed unless overnight wear has been specifically approved by your eye care professional.

• Keep your lens case and supplies somewhere convenient.

• Make lens removal part of your nightly routine.

Taking a little time to remove your lenses each night is a simple way to look after your eye health. 

3. Letting Water Come Into Contact With Your Lenses

Water may seem harmless, but tap water, shower water, and swimming water can contain microorganisms that cause serious eye infections.

Protect your eyes by:

• Removing your lenses before showering or swimming.

• Never rinsing or storing lenses in tap water.

• Following the appropriate care instructions if your lenses accidentally get wet.

Use only the recommended contact lens care products. Water is never a substitute for contact lens solution.

4. Adding Fresh Solution to Old Solution

When you're in a hurry, topping up the liquid in your lens case might seem convenient. However, mixing fresh solution with used solution can weaken its disinfecting ability.

Here's what to do instead:

• Empty the case after each use.

• Always pour in unused contact lens solution when cleaning and disinfecting your lenses..

• Never reuse old solution or mix it with a new batch.

Cleaning your lenses the right way helps reduce germs and keeps them safer to wear. 

5. Neglecting Your Contact Lens Case

Your lenses aren't the only things that need regular care. A poorly maintained case can also collect germs and contribute to eye infections.

Keep your case in good condition:

• Clean it as directed using fresh contact lens solution, not water.

• Empty it and allow it to air-dry after use.

• Replace it at least every three months, or as advised by your eye care professional.

Taking care of your case is a small step that can make a meaningful difference.

6. Touching Your Lenses with Unclean Hands

Even when your hands look clean, they may carry dirt and germs. Touching your lenses without washing properly can transfer unwanted microorganisms directly to your eyes.

Before handling your contacts:

• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.

• Dry them with a clean, lint-free towel.

• Avoid handling your lenses with wet or dirty fingers.

Always wash and dry your hands before handling your contact lenses. 

7. Brushing Off Redness or Discomfort

Redness, pain, unusual sensitivity to light, or blurred vision shouldn't be treated as ordinary contact lens discomfort. These symptoms can sometimes indicate a serious problem that needs prompt attention.

If something doesn't feel right:

• Remove your contact lenses immediately.

• Don't put them back in while symptoms persist.

• Seek prompt professional eye care, especially if you experience pain, redness, light sensitivity, or blurred vision.

Don't try to push through the discomfort. Your eye health should always come first.

8. Wearing Contacts in the Shower or Pool

Whether you're taking a quick shower or enjoying a swim, water exposure can put contact lens wearers at risk. Harmful microorganisms can attach to lenses and cause difficult-to-treat infections.

Remember these precautions:

• Take your lenses out before entering the pool or shower.

• Avoid rinsing lenses with water if they accidentally become wet.

• Ask your eye care professional whether water-exposed lenses need to be thrown away or can be safely disinfected, based on the type you wear. 

Planning ahead helps you enjoy your activities without taking unnecessary risks with your eyes.

9. Overlooking Expiration Dates

Contact lenses and their care products have specific use periods. Using expired products or keeping opened solution beyond its recommended use period may compromise their safety and effectiveness.

Get into the habit of checking:

• The expiration date on unopened lens packages and solution bottles.

• The recommended discard period after opening a solution.

• The replacement schedule for your particular lenses.

Never wear contact lenses past their expiration date or use lens care products if you're unsure they're still safe. Replace it with a suitable, in-date product.

10. Missing Your Regular Eye Checkups

If your vision remains clear, you might assume your prescription and lenses are still suitable. However, your eyes can change over time, and regular examinations help check your vision, eye health, and lens fit.

Stay on top of your eye care by:

• Booking eye exams as recommended by your eye care professional.

• Mentioning any changes in comfort or vision.

• Checking that your prescription and lens type remain appropriate for your needs.

You don't have to wait for a problem before giving your eyes the attention they deserve.

Small Changes Can Make a Big Difference

Good contact lens care begins with everyday choices. Clean hands, timely lens replacement, proper disinfection, and noticing changes in your eyes are simple ways to make contact lens wear safer. 

Remember, comfortable lenses don't always mean healthy eyes. If you experience pain, redness, light sensitivity, or blurred vision, remove your lenses and seek prompt professional care.

Want to learn more about caring for your eyes? Explore our services to discover how Eye Q can support your eye care needs, or book an eye exam for personalized guidance.

Need more information or have something you'd like to ask? Our team is happy to hear from you. We're happy to help you take better care of your eyes.