Contact lenses are convenient vision correction medical devices that provide a wider field of view than glasses. Although they are easy to use, these lenses make the eyes susceptible to unfavorable conditions due to improper wear and maintenance. Here are the most common contact lens mistakes to avoid for better eye health.

What Are Common Contact Lens Mistakes

1. Over-Wearing

According to US disease control and prevention centers, 90% of wearers use soft contact lenses. These are made of plastic polymers that are flexible and comfortable. As a result, many forget to take out their lenses after the recommended period, which dries out the eyes, and reduces the oxygen to the corneas. Without oxygen, the cornea starts to swell, leading to hazy vision. If you wear these medical devices for long periods, try to use glasses whenever you need to remove your contacts. However, if you prefer wearing lenses, consider ones with high-oxygen transmissibility that allows more oxygen to reach your corneas. 

2. Forget to Wash Hands

Proper hand hygiene prevents contaminants from getting into your lenses. Before putting and removing them, clean your hands thoroughly with water and soap. Then, dry them with a clean, lint-free cloth before touching the contacts to avoid transferring the remaining bacteria in your hands. If you wear make-up, put your lenses first to prevent any cosmetic ingredient from coming into contact with them. 

3. Improper Cleaning

Regular cleaning avoids bacteria buildup. However, many wearers use a solution on top of an already used one on the case, reducing the cleaning products' antibacterial properties. Instead, remove the used solution and rub the contacts with your fingers. Then, rinse it with a fresh cleaning solution. If you need to travel, avoid transferring the cleaning solution to smaller containers that can compromise the product's sterility.

If you need advice on proper contact lens upkeep, contact Pal Optical in Lexington, KY. For over 66 years, these eye doctors have provided central Kentucky residents with reliable, cost-effective solutions, including contact lenses, prescription sunglasses, and Calvin Klein® brand glasses. In addition, they offer eye exams for proper evaluation of your vision. Call (859) 266-3003 or 859-269-6921 to schedule a visit. Find out more about their services online.