Many people prefer contact lenses to glasses, but it’s important to understand that they do require some extra care. Contacts sit directly on your eyes, so the risk of an eye infection is greater, especially if there is a lack of good hygiene or if they are not handled properly.
Luckily, you don’t have to give up the contacts in order to avoid an eye infection. Following some simple guidelines can help to ensure the health and safety of your eyes.
Wash your Hands Before Touching your Contact Lenses
One of the easiest ways to improve contact lens safety is also one of the simplest – wash your hands.
Before putting in or removing your contacts, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water then dry them with a clean, lint-free towel. This helps prevent dirt, bacteria and other germs from transferring from your hands to your contacts and eyes, which can lead to an eye infection. Hand sanitizer isn’t a replacement for washing your hands before handling contact lenses. Whenever possible, use soap and water.
Don’t Sleep With Contacts In
Falling asleep in your contacts may seem harmless, but wearing contact lenses overnight when they aren’t specifically approved for extended wear is actually very unsafe. When you sleep with your lenses in, your eyes can become more vulnerable to dryness and irritation and it creates conditions that allow bacteria to grow more easily.
Use Fresh Contact Lens Solution
Taking care of your contacts requires proper cleaning and storage. It’s important to always use fresh contact lens solution when storing your lenses, and never simply adding new solution to the old solution already in your case. Use the type of solution recommended for your specific lenses, and follow the directions carefully. Also, make sure to keep the case itself clean to avoid the buildup of bacteria.
Don’t Forget to Replace your Contacts on Schedule
If you’re supposed to replace your contacts every day, weekly or monthly, follow that schedule. Even if the lenses still appear to be in good condition, replace them anyway. Wearing contacts past their recommended replacement schedule can allow deposits and microorganisms to build up on the lenses. This can contribute to irritation and increase the risk of an eye infection.
Never Share Contact Lenses
Sharing contact lenses with another person is a terrible idea, as it can spread bacteria, viruses and other microorganisms from one person’s eyes to another. This rule applies to decorative and colored contact lenses, too. Cosmetic contacts still come into direct contact with your eyes and carry the same risk of eye infection if shared.
Contact Us with Any Signs of an Eye Infection
Even with proper contact lens care, it’s important to know what symptoms could indicate a problem. If you notice any of the following changes in your eyes, remove your contacts and contact us for an evaluation:
- Red or swollen eyes
- Eye pain or discomfort
- Increased sensitivity to light
- Excessive discharge or tears
- Blurry vision
- A feeling that something is stuck in your eye
A contact lens-related eye infection can become serious, so don’t ignore symptoms or assume they’ll simply go away. Schedule an appointment with us as soon as possible by calling 630-862-2020, as a prompt vision evaluation by the team at Family Vision Development Center can help determine the proper treatment in order to protect your eyes and healthy vision.
Family Vision Development Center is a full-service vision center offering innovative vision therapy services, sports vision therapy services, post-concussive vision rehabilitation, comprehensive vision exams for eyeglasses and contact lenses, management of ocular diseases including glaucoma, diabetes, macular degeneration and cataracts, and a state-of-the-art optical center offering the latest designs in eyewear.