If you require corrective eyewear to be able to see clearly, having the option to wear either glasses or contacts allows for both versatility and comfort. That being said, getting used to wearing contacts after exclusively wearing glasses may mean making few adjustments to your daily routine to avoid eye trouble. If you eye doctor recently gave you the go-ahead to transition from glasses to contacts, here are a few common mishaps to avoid in the name of excellent vision care. 

4 Common Errors to Avoid While Wearing Contacts

1. Improper Handling of Contacts

Your contacts will remain flush against your eye for hours at a time. As such, it’s important to handle these devices with cleanliness in mind. To avoid spreading germs and bacteria to your eye, always wash your hands before putting in your contacts. When not wearing them, store contacts in an appropriate case, and keep them moist with contact solution. Only wet contacts with an eye-doctor approved contact solution; do not wet them with saliva or water. 

2. Wearing Contacts to Bed

Your eyes need oxygen to stay healthy. However, wearing contacts can hinder oxygen’s ability to adequately reach your eyes. Therefore, it’s important to let your eyes breathe at night. To minimize the potential for eye redness and inflammation, avoid falling sleep with your contacts still in.

3. Swimming in Contacts

Chlorine from swimming pools and hot tubs as well as bacteria found in lakes and oceans can get trapped in contact lenses and cause infections or even corneal ulcers. To avoid irritation and to reduce the risk of major vision problems or even blindness, always remove your contacts before entering any place with water—including the shower!

4. Wearing Contacts While Sick

When you’re sick with the flu or a common cold, your immune system is compromised in a way that naturally makes your eyes more sensitive. Wearing contact lenses while your body is less able to fight bacteria can lead to an eye infection, especially if your illness includes symptoms like itchy, watery eyes or puffiness.

Medical Eye Associates, S.C. has established a top-notch reputation across Waukesha County, WI, for fast, friendly, and high-quality vision care. As a local business that’s been serving residents since 1939, this dedicated eye doctor has become a pillar of the local community. If you or a member of your family needs glasses, contacts, or help dealing with cataracts or glaucoma, call today at (262) 363-5333 to schedule an eye exam. For more information on eye care center and their convenient satellite offices across the state of Wisconsin, visit their website.