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Contact lenses are a very popular vision correction solution for good reason: Once you put them in, they’re so comfortable that it’s easy to forget you’re wearing them. But one thing you should never forget is proper daily eye care. If your lenses are not handled correctly, you could be exposing yourself to a range of terrible eye conditions, including infection and vision loss. Here, the experienced eye doctors at Tri-State Ophthalmology in Ashland, KY, list some of the most frequent mistakes their patients make when it comes to caring for their contact lenses.

4 Common Mistakes Made By Contact Lens Wearers

1. Not Washing Your Hands

As a contact lens wearer, the most important first step in proper eye care is washing your hands. Use warm water and soap to thoroughly scrub your hands before handling or cleaning your contacts. Use a clean towel, and make sure they’re completely dry before you touch your contacts.

2. Wearing Your Lenses Too Long 

eye-doctorsMost eye doctors recommend wearing your contacts for no more than 12 hours a day. The surface of your eye needs time to take in oxygen to stay healthy, so consider taking them out after your workday is over and switching to glasses.

3. Sleeping With Your Contacts In

Falling asleep while wearing contacts is one the fastest ways to damage both your contacts and your eyes. When your eyes are closed during the night, they don’t produce enough lubrication and can become dry, causing the contact to stick to the surface of your eye. Bacteria can also flourish during this time, putting you at risk for infection.

4. Not Cleaning Your Lenses Properly

Always use contact lens cleaning solution—never tap water. Tap water contains minerals and microorganisms that are bad for your eyes and can lead to infection. Use the solution recommended by your eye doctor, and follow instructions closely. It’s equally important to clean your contact lens case. It makes no sense to meticulously clean your lenses and then place them in a dirty case. Cases should be rinsed with contact lens solution twice a day and replaced regularly, at least every three months.

Proper eye care means daily maintenance of your contact lenses and visiting your optometrist for an annual comprehensive eye exam. Whether you’re experiencing an ocular problem or are simply due for a checkup, turn to Tri-State Ophthalmology in Ashland. Their team of highly experienced doctors is committed to providing state-of-the-art services at affordable prices. To make an appointment today, call (606) 324-2451 or visit their website to find out more.

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