Healthy Contact Lens Habits: What To Do and What To Avoid

Contact lenses provide a convenient alternative to glasses, offering clear vision without the hassle of smudges or frames. However, wearing contacts comes with responsibilities to protect your eye health. Poor contact lens habits can lead to infections, discomfort and even long-term damage. Here’s what you need to know to keep your eyes healthy and your vision crystal clear.

Your eyes need oxygen to stay healthy but wearing contacts for too long limits that supply. Most people should not wear contact lenses for more than 10-12 hours per day. Overwearing your lenses can lead to dryness, irritation and in severe cases, corneal ulcers or even vision loss. To give your eyes a break, always have a pair of prescription glasses on hand as an alternative.

Not all contact lenses are made the same—daily, bi-weekly and monthly lenses have different materials designed for specific wear times. Wearing lenses longer than recommended can lead to protein buildup, reduced oxygen flow and increased risk of infection. Follow the replacement schedule prescribed by your eye doctor to avoid unnecessary complications.

Sleeping in contact lenses dramatically increases the risk of eye infections, making you 6 to 8 times more likely to develop conditions like microbial keratitis. Even extended wear contacts can trap bacteria and restrict oxygen flow, leading to redness, irritation or serious infections. Always remove your contacts before bed to keep your eyes safe.

Wearing contact lenses while showering, swimming or relaxing in a hot tub is a definite risk to your eye health and should always be avoided. Water can cause contacts to swell, change shape or trap harmful microorganisms like Acanthamoeba, which can lead to severe eye infections and vision loss. If water gets in your eyes while wearing contacts, remove them immediately and clean them with fresh solution.

Reusing or topping off old solution is one of the fastest ways to introduce bacteria to your eyes. Always discard used solution, clean your case and refill it with fresh solution every day. In addition, replace your contact lens case every 3 months to prevent bacterial buildup.

Your hands encounter countless germs throughout the day, so washing them thoroughly before touching your lenses is crucial. Use soap and water, dry with a lint-free towel and avoid touching your contacts with dirty or wet hands to prevent infections.

If your eyes feel dry, irritated or uncomfortable, don’t ignore the signs. Give your eyes a break by removing your lenses and using artificial tears if needed. Persistent discomfort could indicate an underlying issue that requires attention from your eye doctor.

Your contact lens prescription can change over time, and routine eye exams ensure you’re wearing the correct lenses for your vision needs. Annual checkups also help detect early signs of eye conditions before they become serious problems.

Your eyes are irreplaceable, so taking care of your contact lenses should be a top priority. By following these simple habits, you can enjoy the benefits of contacts while keeping your eyes healthy and irritation-free.

For your next contact lens appointment, call Pennachio Eye at 325-227-1999 or schedule online at WEBSITE. Your vision deserves expert care.