7 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Wearing Contact Lenses

Did you know that 99% of contact lens wearers admit to at least one bad habit? While contact lenses provide a convenient and effective way to correct vision, improper use can lead to serious eye health concerns. These include infections, dry eyes from contact lenses, discomfort, and permanent vision loss.

To help you keep your eyes healthy and your vision clear, we’ve compiled the top mistakes people make and expert contact lens safety tips to avoid them.

Avoid These Common Contact Lens Mistakes

1. Sleeping in Your Contact Lenses

One of the most common and dangerous habits is sleeping in contact lenses. Doing so limits the oxygen supply to your cornea, which raises your risk of infections such as microbial keratitis. Even if you're using FDA-approved extended-wear lenses, sleeping in contact lenses still carries significant risks and should be avoided whenever possible.

Pro Tip: Set a nightly reminder on your phone to ensure you remove your lenses before bed. Your eyes need a chance to rest and breathe naturally overnight.

2. Showering or Swimming with Contacts

Ever wondered, “Can you shower with contacts?” The answer is no. Even tap water can contain microbes like Acanthamoeba, which can attach to your lenses and cause serious infections. Swimming pools and hot tubs add an extra risk because chemicals like chlorine can worsen irritation and lead to dry eyes from contact lenses.

Best Practice: Always remove your contacts before swimming or showering. If you can’t avoid wearing them, use waterproof goggles to protect your eyes from water exposure.

3. Overwearing Your Lenses

Pushing your lenses past their intended wear time is another dangerous mistake. Whether you’re using daily, bi-weekly, or monthly lenses, each has a specific replacement schedule for a reason. Overwearing contact lenses damages the delicate tissues of your eye and can cause symptoms like redness, dryness, and blurred vision.

Rule of Thumb: Follow your eye doctor’s recommended replacement schedule to the letter. If you notice signs of overwear, such as persistent dryness or irritation, remove your lenses immediately and give your eyes a break.

4. Poor Hygiene Habits

Many infections result from simple contact lens hygiene mistakes. Some of the biggest culprits include:

• Not washing your hands before handling your lenses.
• Reusing or “topping off” old disinfecting solution.
• Neglecting to clean your lens case regularly.

Shockingly, around 35.5% of lens wearers admit to rinsing their lenses with plain water, a major mistake that can expose your eyes to harmful microbes.

Contact Lens Safety Tip: Always thoroughly wash and dry your hands before touching your lenses. Use fresh contact lens solution every time, and don’t forget to clean your case regularly.

5. Ignoring Discomfort or Pain

If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Why do my contacts hurt?” don’t ignore the warning signs. Pain, redness, or light sensitivity can indicate serious problems like corneal scratches, infections, or poorly fitting lenses.

Red Flags to Watch For:

• Persistent redness or irritation.
• Light sensitivity.
• Unusual discharge.

What to Do: If you experience these symptoms, remove your lenses immediately and contact your eye doctor as soon as possible.

6. Using Expired Lenses or Solution

Although using expired contact lenses or solutions may seem harmless, it can compromise eye health. Expired solutions lose their sterilizing power, while old lenses can become brittle and prone to microtears or irritation.

Pro Tip: Write the discard date on your lens packs and solution bottles with a marker as soon as you open them. This simple habit helps you keep track of expiration dates and ensures you're using safe, effective products.

7. Tips for Safe and Comfortable Contact Lens Use

Whether you’re a new wearer or a seasoned pro, keep these quick tips in mind for optimal comfort and safety:

• Never share your contact lenses with anyone.
• Use contact lens-safe lubricating drops if you experience dry eyes from contact lenses.
• Always have a backup pair of glasses on hand.
• Give your eyes regular breaks by wearing glasses a few days each week.

If you continue to experience contact lens discomfort, you should consult your eye doctor about switching to a different type of lens or exploring other vision correction options.

Conclusion

Most mistakes when wearing contact lenses stem from simple oversight or laziness. From sleeping in contact lenses to neglecting to clean contact lenses properly, even small missteps can lead to serious eye health problems. By staying informed and following expert contact lens safety tips, you can enjoy clear, comfortable vision daily without risks.

Get Expert Lens Advice at Netralayam

Even a few lapses in contact lens hygiene can raise the risk of eye infections or long-term damage. If you’ve noticed dry eyes from contact lenses or any unusual discomfort, don’t wait.

Schedule an appointment for lens health review at Netralayam and our team to identify problems early and maintain optimal eye health.