10 Common contact lens mistakes that could ruin your eyes

Look Sharp: 10 Common contact lens mistakes that could ruin your eyes

Angela Goh

28 Sep 2016

updated the Wednesday, September 28, 2016

1/10
Re-using your contact lens solution
Never re-use old contact lens solution. The solution left in your case may look perfectly clean, but microscopic bacteria can’t be seen with the naked eye and you won’t want to risk an infection. Always use fresh solution each time you take your lenses out of your case, and be sure to wash out your case thoroughly each time, too.
2/10
Not cleaning your lenses properly
Your eyes are sensitive to foreign objects and particles, so be sure that your lenses are clean and that you keep everything as sanitary as possible. The “rub and rinse” technique is recommended when it comes to cleaning your lenses. Gently rub the surfaces of your lenses with contact lens solution and rinse thoroughly with fresh solution before storing in your case.
3/10
Not replacing your lenses as instructed
If you wear fortnightly lenses but don’t replace them for months, you run the risk of infection and irritation. It isn’t worth risking your eye health just because you want to get a few extra days out of your contacts. Always follow the instructions of your optometrist.
4/10
Sleeping with your contacts in
This one’s a definite no-no. If you snooze with them on, you’ll be preventing your eyes from “breathing” and will increase your risk of permanently impacting your vision. Unless you’re wearing lenses that were specifically meant to be worn while sleeping, it is advised that contacts should only be worn when you’re awake, and even then, for less than 24 hours at a time. Give those peepers a break!
5/10
Showering or swimming with your contacts in
Bacteria thrives in water, including in public swimming pools and even in the water coming out of your taps and shower heads at home. By subjecting your eyes to your bathwater or water in swimming pools, you run the risk of trapping bacteria within your contacts.
6/10
Using mascaras with lash-extending fibres
Always put contacts in before applying your eye makeup in order to prevent makeup residue from getting trapped under the lenses and causing irritation. If possible, refrain from using mascara with lash-extending fibres. They are prone to falling off and getting stuck on lenses, which could affect vision and cause blurriness.
7/10
Using substances other than contact lens solution
You may have once tried to re-wet your contact lenses with tap water or even your saliva before reinserting them. Never do this again. Both substances contain a multitude of bacteria and could potentially spell disaster for your eye health. Instead, you might want to carry around some contact lens-friendly eye drops if you ever foresee yourself needing to re-wet your lenses.
8/10
Wearing contact lenses while sick
Down with teary eyes and the sniffles? Your contact lenses could be exacerbating the effects of your illness. Allow your eyes and the rest of your body to heal. And if you’re suffering from a terrible headache, those lenses are going to make the situation worse. Also, you’re probably going to want to reduce the risk of any germs landing on your lenses and getting trapped under them!
9/10
Skipping your yearly check-ups at the optometrist
It may seem like a completely pointless chore to visit your eye doctor, but the truth is, your eyes can change in a short amount of time. If you’re already wearing contacts, your eyesight isn’t 20/20, so it’s best to get them checked for further deterioration or for any unexpected changes to your retina.
10/10
Handling contact lenses with dirty fingers
This one’s a no-brainer. If you’ve been messing around with your makeup and haven’t had the time to properly wash your hands, you shouldn’t be thinking of sticking contacts in your eyes. Always wash your hands with plenty of anti-bacterial soap before handling your contact lenses.

Don’t risk an infection or loss of vision – here’s what to avoid if you’re a contact lens user.

If you wear contact lenses, you’ll know that they are supposed to make your life easier. They are certainly more convenient than donning a pair of spectacles, which can break or fall off your face, especially when a little physical activity is involved. But despite the conveniences that handy-dandy contacts bring to daily life, there are a few hidden dangers relating to the use of these lenses.

It is best not to take shortcuts when it comes to eye care. Some people are prone to being lazy when the time comes to take those contacts off at the end of the day – from not properly cleaning them to just leaving them in when you go to sleep. These habits pose great dangers to the health of your eyes and could even lead to painful infections and blindness.

Head up to the gallery to see which of these contact lens mistakes you are guilty of, and be sure to stop!

Angela Goh

Photos: Getty Images

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