Most of us wear contact lenses on a day-to-day basis. It’s literally the Holy Grail for those who are depending on bulky glasses before.
Contacts might be convenient and all but there are some bad habits that all of us are guilty of that could potentially get us blind if not fixed. Remember, you can always replace the contacts, but not your eyes. Your vision is one of your most valued senses.
You let tap water come into contact with your contact lens
Why you should stop: Seems harmless right? No, you’re wrong – that’s because tap water isn’t salty like tears are, so contact lens tend to absorb the water and swell. Once the water gets intact, the contacts will then hold it which will cause a problem as water isn’t sterile and contains microorganisms.
You re-use your solution
Why you should stop: Recycling solution is like giving bacteria full access to give an eye infection. All the debris and bacteria that are in your eyes are on your contact lenses – that are then, come off into the solution. Re-use solutions means you’re letting your contacts stored in bacteria and then putting those same dirty contact lenses right back into your eye.
You wear your contact lenses longer than the prescribed time
Why you should stop: Contact lenses are made of plastic but they actually have pores to help keep them moist in your eyes. Those pores can then get dirty and trap debris and dirt in the lenses. If you use contacts for longer than recommended, you likely end up with eye irritation, dry eye, infection or overall discomfort.
You never change the contact lenses case
Why you should stop: There’s no valid reason for you to use the same contact lenses case for months. A contacts case should only be used for three months top and replace with a new one. So, make it a habit to change to a new case every time you purchase a new solution.
You use the off-brand solution
Why you should stop: This is a bad idea and it is same as buying off-brand contact lenses. Some prefer to buy off-brand solution due to the cheaper price, but you are jeopardising your eye’s health. Off-brand solution might develop allergies, sensitivities as well as dry eye – and the worst scenario is blindness.
You’re using contact lenses you got from your eye doctor five years ago
Why you should stop: You shouldn’t use contact lenses that are several years old. For starters, the prescription might just not be right anymore. Another thing to consider is that the solution the lenses are stored in has an expiration date. When the solution expires, it can cause infection and become very uncomfortable due to the changes in pH level.
Your contact lenses make your vision a little blurry and hurt your eyes
Why you should stop: When in doubt, take them out. If your contact lenses are causing you any discomfort or your eyes look just the slightest bit red, it’s better to listen to your body than suffer through the discomfort and potentially develop an infection. Take the lenses out and inspect the lenses, make sure it’s not torn or cut.
You sleep in your contact lenses
Why you should stop: Sleeping with contacts in your eyes limits oxygen transmission. Hence, if you are sleeping with your contacts on overnight, you are further depriving your cornea of oxygen – which leads to your contact lenses tightening in your eye, causing microscopic rips to the cornea.
Get an annual eye exam
An annual eye exam is important to ensure the lenses fit along with the health of the eye. Some think that reordering contact lenses with the same prescription are satisfactory, but, note that contact lenses are a medical device. A comprehensive eye exam can uncover many health conditions including diabetes and hypertension. So, get your annual eye exam to have 20/20 vision!
