When wearing contact lenses, hygiene is crucial for protecting the eyes, but many people do not comply with the proper habits.
Some studies report that 5.5% to 31% of participants rarely or never wash their hands before handling their lenses, rates of showering while wearing them range from 12.8% to 86.5%, and 9.1% neither clean nor replace their contact lens case.
Many don’t replace their contact lenses when they should or nap and sleep while wearing them. Contact lens wearers may think of themselves as compliant with these practices but actually fall behind or don’t realize they aren’t following proper lens care. The consequences of poor contact lens wear go beyond discomfort; it can jeopardize eye health significantly.
Dangers of poor hygiene habits
Contact lenses sit directly on the eye, making it vulnerable to discomfort and irritation. Poor hygiene can cause pain, dryness, irritation, and fatigue. In worse cases, improper care can increase the risk of bacteria transfer from the lens to your eye. If you don’t wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before applying and removing your lenses or fail to clean your contact lenses and case with contact lens solution, germs, dirt, and other particles can enter your eye. You can experience infections like microbial keratitis, which has two to five occurrences in every 10,000 people wearing contact lenses annually.
Exposure to water when showering and swimming, sleeping with contact lenses on, and “topping off” contact lens solution in your case are also risk factors for infection and irritation. If these habits aren’t corrected, it can take a toll on your overall health and even lead to vision loss.
How to ensure proper contact lens hygiene
Find the proper replacement schedule
It’s easy to lose track of how long you’ve been wearing your lenses and accidentally go beyond the replacement schedule. Replacing them on time can also be a hassle if you’re busy or tired. If your replacement schedule isn’t working for you, consider exploring different contact lenses. Try daily disposables like the Dailies AquaComfort Plus, which you can throw away after one day of use if you often forget to replace your reusable contact lenses on time. It’s easy to keep track of when to throw them away, and you don’t need to worry about cleaning and storing them. Monthly lenses like the Air Optix Plus HydraGlyde can work if you don’t enjoy the constant replacement of daily lenses and have the time and patience for cleaning.
Whichever option you choose, you can easily find them on Clearly for easy access and experimenting with different types. Consider your lifestyle and daily routine, or consult your eye doctor for the best advice on choosing the proper replacement schedule.
Stock up on essentials
Regardless of what kind of contacts you wear, you should stock up on the right cleaning essentials. Contact lens solution is a must-have, especially for reusable contact lenses. It’s a vital product for cleaning your contact lenses and the case, as water is a no-go due to the risk of bacteria transfer. Though you don’t need it for daily contact lenses, keeping a bottle on hand can help if you need to clean or remove them. Options like the Biotrue Hydration Plus Multi-Purpose Solution can make your contacts feel more moist to prevent dryness and provide a more comfortable and safe experience.
Eye drops also help keep dryness at bay, as dry eyes can increase your risk of infections and abrasions. Bring a bottle around for on-the-go relief.
When it doubt, take them out
If you’re debating whether or not to keep your contact lenses on for a particular activity, the safest option is to remove them. Are you planning to take a quick nap but unsure if your lenses are okay to sleep in? Removing them is the most hygienic choice; you never know when resting your eyes for five minutes can turn into an hour.
Want to take a shower or go swimming? Don’t rely on closing your eyes when submerged or the protection of goggles. Water might still enter your eyes if your gear doesn’t fit right, so removing them before heading to the pool or sea is safer. Prescription goggles and sunglasses can work for clear vision without jeopardizing eye health.
Even dry weather conditions can be risky, so if you’re not adequately prepared to manage dryness, use your glasses instead. Leaving your contact lenses at home can feel inconvenient, but playing it safe when you know hazards are around can save you much grief and stress from eye discomfort and irritation.
The tips above can help you feel more comfortable when wearing contact lenses. Beyond hygiene, simple daily habits like staying hydrated with water and getting quality sleep can further ensure your eyes are well-rested and lubricated.
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