The One Contact Lens Mistake You’re Probably Making

Contact lens mistakes may seem small and insignificant to some people, but it can be a reason that causes a lot of issues in the long run. Here are some significant mistakes that you may be doing knowingly or unknowingly which you should make it a point to avoid.

Contact Lens Mistake: Ignoring Dry Eye Symptoms

A frequent contact lens error is failing to acknowledge dry eye symptoms, which can result in both wearer’s discomfort and worse outcomes. Dry eye is defined as a failure to generate sufficient moisture, or water poor quality, to the eyes, which leads to irritation, redness and a gritty sensation. 

In contact lens wearers, these symptoms may be further increased by the use of contact lenses for prolonged time periods, particularly under dry conditions, or when the lenses are not properly wetted. By not recognising these signs and wearing lenses on for a longer period of time, the lenses can get stuck in the eye and cause scratching and corneal damage. Increased suffering and can even be a risk of infection.

For avoiding these problems, dry eye symptom should be treated as soon as they appear. Rewetting drops, breaks from wearing contact lenses, and ensuring contact lenses are appropriate for the patient’s eye condition are some of the most effective management steps in dry eyes. Also, good lens sanitation and adherence to the appropriate replacement schedule can be used to prevent dry eyes. When dry eye symptoms are prolonged, it is necessary to seek advice on appropriate lenses or potentially treatment with an ophthalmologist. 

Withholding these symptoms may not only lead to decreased comfort, but also to damage of the eye resulting in more advanced complications, after a period of time. Correct management and attention to dry eye manifestations can contribute to a safer, more comfortable contact lens wear.

Contact Lens Mistake: Not Cleaning Lens Case

When it comes to contact lens maintenance, one frequent yet sometimes ignored mistake is the insufficient cleaning of the lens case. Though several neglect this important step, the lens case is vital for maintaining your contacts free from contamination and safe. 

Particularly if not kept clean, bacteria, oils, and rubbish will over time pile up in the instance. This may cause vision problems, irritation, or even more serious eye health makes. Every time you replace your lenses, it is absolutely needed to clean your case. Leaving it open to air dry and just rinsing it with your contact lens solution is a wise idea. As it could have dangerous bacteria and microorganisms that cause illness, don’t use tap water. Moreover, always keep your lenses in a clean or dry case. 

Replacing the lens case every few months is also necessary since the material may deteriorate with time, hence raising the chances of pollution. Keeping your lens case clean and well maintained is a small but crucial first step in sight protection. Although ignoring this part of lens maintenance might seem to be a minor oversight, it can have major effects on both your wellbeing and your safety. Handle your contact lenses and case to guarantee a clean, pleasant experience; always give hygiene top priority.

Contact Lens Mistake: Sharing Lenses

Sharing your contacts is quite likely one of the most significant contact lens errors you are committing. Using this hazardous habit leads to serious eye infections — one could think borrowing a pair of contact lenses is innocent, even in an emergency. 

Your eyes are specifically meant for your eyes, so they correspond to the particular size and shape of your cornea. Sharing lenses with another person exposes your eyes to viruses, fungi, and bacteria and therefore a health risks. The bacteria can result in pain, discomfort, or even more severe infections including keratitis, which might permanently destroy your eyesight. 

Even if you diligently clean the glass, small particles can still be present which will compromise your vision. Sharing lenses could also cause an allergic reaction since the lens material or cleaning solution may vary by individual and sensitivity. Your eyes are extremely sensitive, and what may work for one person may not work for another. Further reminding us is the fact that contact lenses are a medical device that should be used only by the person for whom they are prescribed, for safety and sanitation considerations as well as for health issues. 

Should you be in need of fresh lenses, it is far more sanitary and safer to go see an eye care provider and have lenses custom made to fit your eyes. Never share your contacts, and always put your eyes first by wearing only lenses your doctor has advised.

Contact Lens Mistake: Not Washing Hands

People not washing their hands well before putting their contact lenses in is among the most usual mistakes they make. Though little, it’s absolutely essential for keeping eye health. Oils, grime, and germs from our hands seep into the lenses and so eventually into our eyes. 

This could result in redness, irritation, and even bad eye infections. Not having hands totally sanitised with soap and water raises the likelihood of your lenses being contaminated. Merely washing your hands with water might not be enough to rid them of dangerous pathogens. To get maximum cleanliness, it is vital to wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds since this ensures under your nails and between your fingers are all free of dirt. 

Since using a towel to dry your hands can also introduce germs, it is better to let them air dry or to use a lint free paper towel. Furthermore, fingers will damage the lens surface by scratching or tearing, further endangering eye health. Furthermore, unclean hands touching your contact lenses can irritate them. More so, touching your contact lenses with dirty fingers can damage the lenses, causing scratches or tears and further undermining eye health. 

Though it might seem like a small and simple step to skip, not washing your hands exposes you to potential infection and pain. A straightforward but powerful means to maintain healthy eyes and avoid needless issues is to carefully clean your hands before changing your contact lenses.

Contact Lens Mistake: Using Expired Solution

Using expired contact lens solution is one of the most under appreciated errors contact lens users make. Many people believe the bottle is still suitable to used as long it is not empty. Expired solution, however, loses its disinfection capacities so is useless in eradicating bacteria and other damaging microorganisms. 

Contact lenses set in the eyes can cause serious eye infections, discomfort, and even corneal ulcers if contaminated. Furthermore, expired solution might undergo chemical changes, resulting symptoms of itching, redness, or allergic response. Other people top off old solution in the lens case instead of using fresh solution every time — another error. Known as solution topping off, this technique lowers the solution’s disinfecting capacity and delivers bacteria room to grow. 

A lens case that is contaminated could introduce toxic microorganisms to your lenses, thereby raising the probability of infection. To prevent these risks, always check the expiration of your solution before use and dispose of any expired bottles. Keep your solution in a cool, dry location and tightly seal the top to avoid pollution. Also never use homemade saline solutions or tap water as alternatives, as they lack the essential disinfecting ingredients to thoroughly wash your contacts. 

Adhering to these best practices will help to keep your eyes healthy, reduce unnecessary difficulties, and keep your lenses clean. Maintaining longterm eye health and guaranteeing a pleasant contact lens wearing experience depend on good lens maintenance.

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