Contact lenses are a convenient solution for correcting vision while offering greater freedom than glasses. However, their daily use requires discipline and rigorous care to avoid the risk of eye infections or irritation. Many wearers unwittingly adopt bad habits that can put their eye health at risk. In this article, we will explore common mistakes and offer tips on how to remedy them.

Wearing your Contact Lenses too long

Mistake: Many Contact Lens wearers tend to keep them in all day, sometimes even beyond the recommended duration. Some people even sleep in their contact lenses, thinking it won't affect their eyes. However, contact lenses block the necessary oxygen to the cornea, which can lead to dry eyes, infections, and even more serious complications like corneal ulcers.

Solution: It is essential to wear them for the length of time recommended by your eye care professional or the lens manufacturer. In general, it is recommended not to wear Contact Lenses for more than 8 to 12 hours per day.

Not washing your hands before handling lenses

Mistake: Touching your Contact Lenses with dirty hands is an extremely common bad habit. Our hands come into contact with a multitude of bacteria throughout the day. By not washing your hands before handling Contact Lenses, you introduce germs into your eyes, increasing the risk of infection.

Solution: Always wash your hands with soap and dry them with a clean towel before touching your lenses. This simple precaution can significantly reduce the risk of eye infections such as conjunctivitis.

Reuse the same care solution

Error: Some Contact Lens wearers reuse the same care solution for several days in a row in their Contact Lens case to avoid waste or simply forget to use it. This can be dangerous because the used solution no longer disinfects properly and can become a breeding ground for bacteria.

Solution: Renew the care solution after each use. Never fill your case with tap water, as it contains microorganisms that can cause serious infections. Also remember to regularly clean your Contact Lens case and replace it every three months.

Wearing Lenses Beyond the Expiration Date

Error: Many people continue to use their Disposable Lenses beyond the recommended duration. For example, Daily Contact Lenses are sometimes worn for several days, and Monthly Contact Lenses for several months. This can lead to deposit buildup, dry eyes, and an increased risk of infections.

Solution: Always respect the lifespan of your contact lenses, whether they are daily, biweekly, or monthly. Each type of contact lenses is designed for a specific period of use, and exceeding this period puts your eye health at risk. If you find it difficult to remember the replacement date, use an app or set reminders on your phone.

Not letting your eyes breathe

Error: Some Contact Lens wearers don't take a "break" from their eyes. They wear Contact Lens every day without ever going back to wearing glasses, even for a few hours. This tires the eyes and reduces their oxygenation.

Solution: It's important to give your eyes a break. Try going a day or a few hours without Contact Lens each week, wearing glasses instead. This allows your eyes to rest and recover.

Neglecting signs of dryness or discomfort

Mistake: Ignoring feelings of discomfort, dryness, or irritation, thinking they will go away on their own, is a common mistake. These symptoms can be warning signs of an infection or intolerance to Contact Lenses.

Solution: Never ignore discomfort. If you experience dryness, use lubricating eye drops that are compatible with Contact Lenses. If discomfort persists or worsens, remove your Contact Lenses and consult an eye doctor to ensure there is no underlying problem.

Using Lenses in Unsuitable Environments

Error: Some people wear their Contact Lenses in dusty environments, while swimming, or showering, which can lead to irritation or infection from particles or microorganisms in the water.

Solution: Avoid wearing your Contact Lenses in environments that present a risk to your eyes. When swimming, wear goggles if you keep your Contact Lenses in, or opt for Daily Contact Lenses that you can discard immediately afterward.

Adopting good Contact Lens wearing habits is crucial to protecting your eye health and avoiding sometimes serious complications. By washing your hands before handling, respecting the wearing and replacement times for Contact Lenses, and taking regular breaks, you will help keep your eyes healthy. Remember that safety and hygiene should always come before convenience. And above all, if in doubt or if you experience discomfort, consult a specialist quickly!