Contact lenses offer a way to maintain clear vision without having to wear, clean, and keep track of unwieldy eyeglasses. But to work safely and effectively, contacts have their own care requirements that need to be followed. This is an area where some contact lens wearers make mistakes, potentially putting their eye health at risk. Below, a few common mistakes—and their remedies—are discussed in more detail.

A Guide to Common Contact Lens Mistakes

1. Sleeping in Contacts

Unless you have lenses specifically designed to be worn during sleep, contacts must be taken out before going to bed. The oxygen in the air is crucial to fending off bacteria and germs from the surface of the eye. When a person is asleep, their closed eyes aren't getting an adequate supply of oxygen, making it easier to develop an infection. Plus, blinking lubricates contacts and keeps them comfortable; since you don't blink during sleep, contacts can be dry, sore, and painful when worn to bed.

1. Neglecting to Wash Hands

When you're in a hurry, it can be tempting to take out or put in contacts without first washing your hands. But by neglecting to wash your hands, you are increasing the chances of transferring bacteria and irritants from the fingertips directly into the eyes. These substances can cause serious infections that jeopardize the health of your eyes and vision. Before handling contacts, always wash hands with soap and water and dry them with a clean, lint-free towel.

3. Swimming With Contacts 

Swimming is an excellent cardiovascular exercise, but you should never wear contacts in a pool, ocean, lake, or any other body of water. The biggest risk comes from a waterborne microorganism called Acanthamoeba; if it gets into the eye, it can get trapped between the contact and the eye itself, leading to infections, corneal ulcers, and even vision loss. Conjunctivitis, or pink eye, is another possibility, as the bacteria from an infected person can be transferred through the water and also become trapped by your contacts.

Lieblong Eye Clinic has been serving the River Valley region of Arkansas since 1979. They offer comprehensive eye care services, including exams, contact lenses, and glasses. They also provide treatment for ocular issues like dry eye, glaucoma, and contact lens problems. Call (479) 968-2020 or visit them online to schedule an eye exam.