Why Following Guidelines is Important for Contact Wearers
August 02, 2023
Contact lenses are so convenient — just pop them in and forget them, right? Well, not so fast. Without proper care and upkeep, wearing contact lenses can negatively impact your eye health and leave you prone to itchiness, redness, and infections. If you wear contacts, here’s why following those pesky guidelines is so important.
The Dangers of Misusing Contact Lenses
Failing to follow your doctor’s instructions and manufacturer guidelines can leave you vulnerable to uncomfortable eye conditions as improperly cared for contacts can:
● Cause uncomfortable dryness
● Lead to redness, pain, and light sensitivity
● Create a breeding ground for harmful bacteria
If you notice discomfort, discharge, or signs of infection, stop wearing your contacts and make an appointment with your eye doctor right away. When it comes to your vision, precautions are warranted.
Follow The Guidelines
Check with your eye doctor, contact lens manufacturer, and lens cleaning solution manufacturer to see what specific guidelines you should be following to care for your contact lenses.
In general, remember:
● You should never wear your contact lenses for longer than your eye doctor recommends
● If you’re storing a pair of contacts for 30 days or longer, you may need to re-disinfect them
● You shouldn’t wear a pair of used contact lenses if they have been stored for 30 days or longer without being re-disinfected
● Avoid swimming, showering, or getting water in your eyes while wearing contacts
● Do not sleep in your contact lenses, especially daily disposable lenses
Know When to Dispose of Your Contact Lenses
Contact lenses might look fine, but older lenses can become misshapen, risking scratches and undue pressure on the lens of your eye. Make sure you follow the recommendations as to when your contact lenses should be disposed of.
● Daily disposable lenses should be disposed of after one wear, just as the name implies. If you don’t want to toss your lenses that often, switch to a different kind.
● Disposable lenses should generally be replaced after two weeks of wear. Even if you don’t wear your contacts daily, they will break down over time and require careful cleaning and storage to last the full two weeks.
● Traditional lenses should be replaced on a monthly or quarterly basis, depending on the manufacturer and how often you wear them.
● Gas permeable or scleral lenses can last for years, but you must ensure you’re caring for them properly and following all the right guidelines when it comes to hygiene.
Stay Ahead of Schedule
When it comes to disposing and replacing your contact lenses, don’t forget the importance of routine eye exams. As your prescription changes over time, old contacts will no longer properly conform to your eye, not only making them less effective but potentially leading to damage.
If your contact prescription hasn’t been updated in a while, make an appointment with your eye doctor. You deserve healthy vision.
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