For millions of people, contact lenses are a part of daily life. They offer freedom from frames and are great for active lifestyles. However, because they sit directly on your eye, they carry a higher risk of infection and irritation if not handled correctly. At Southwest Eyecare, we want to ensure your eyes stay healthy. While we specialize in medical and surgical eye care, we know that proper contact lens care is the first line of defense against corneal disease and serious infections.
Why Good Contact Lens Habits Matter for Your Eye Health
Your eyes are incredibly delicate. When you place a lens on an eye surface, you introduce a foreign object to your eye. If that object isn’t clean or doesn’t fit right, it can act as a vehicle for bacteria. Improper use often leads to dry eye, redness, and general discomfort.
It’s common for people to ignore eye irritation symptoms, thinking they will just go away, and sometimes they do. However, consistent irritation can signal corneal abrasions or ulcers. If you find yourself constantly rubbing your eyes or noticing that your eyes are perpetually red, it is time to take a break. While minor dryness is common, persistent pain is a sign that you need to see an Ophthalmologist to rule out damage to the cornea.
The Most Common Contact Lens Mistakes That Lead to Eye Problems
One of the biggest offenses lens wearers make is overwearing their lenses. Your corneas need oxygen to stay healthy, and wearing contacts for too long can starve them of that oxygen.
Another common behavior that can cause problems for contact wearers is wearing their contacts in the water. Even showering while wearing your contact lenses should be avoided. Tap water contains microorganisms that can cause severe eye infections in contact lens wearers.
Here are a few other bad habits to break:
- Sleeping in lenses: Unless prescribed for overnight wear, this significantly increases the risk of infection.
- Topping off solution: Never add fresh solution to old solution. It dilutes the disinfectant properties.
- Poor hygiene: When learning how to put in contact lenses, the first step should always be washing your hands.
- Ignoring blurry vision: If you wonder, “Why do my contacts get blurry?” it could be a dirty lens, but it could also be a sign of a medical change in your eye health.
Healthy Habits to Keep Your Eyes Comfortable and Protected
Keeping your eyes safe doesn’t have to be complicated. It starts with a strict hygiene routine. Always wash and dry your hands before touching your eyes. If you experience contact lens irritation in one eye specifically, remove the lens immediately. Check it for tears or debris. If the lens looks fine but the pain persists, leave it out.
It is also vital to give your eyes a break. We recommend wearing glasses in the evenings to let your eyes breathe. If you find that contacts are becoming increasingly uncomfortable due to chronic dry eye or allergies, it might be time to discuss alternatives with the team at Southwest Eyecare.
If contact lenses never seem to feel comfortable, and prescription glasses aren’t meeting your needs either, speak with your ophthalmologist, and they can help you find a solution that meets your needs. At Southwest Eyecare, we offer refractive services such as LASIK and PRK for those seeking a more permanent solution to vision correction.
When It’s Time to See an Ophthalmologist for Contact-Related Eye Issues
If you experience sudden light sensitivity, severe pain, or the feeling that something is stuck in your eye, you might need to see a doctor.
At Southwest Eyecare, our team of Ophthalmologists specializes in diagnosing and treating the medical conditions that can stem from or are worsened by contact lens wear. We treat corneal diseases, severe dry eye, and infections that require more than just over-the-counter drops.
We are proud to offer advanced medical and surgical care, including Bladeless Laser technology for cataract surgery and vision correction. If your contact lenses are causing you pain, or if you are ready to explore surgical options to reduce your dependence on them, we are here to help.
Contact Us to Schedule Your Appointment Today
If you are experiencing persistent eye pain, redness, or vision changes, do not wait. Reach out to the team at Southwest Eyecare today for comfortable vision solutions that help keep your eyes healthy and strong.
Image credit: // Shutterstock // sergey kolesnikov