What to Know About Wearing Contact Lenses: Safety and Proper Use

These days, it’s not uncommon for people to use contact lenses instead of glasses. Wearing contact lenses can be more convenient, and people don’t have to worry about breaking them or having to clean them.

However, wearing contact lenses doesn’t come without their risks. In fact, when compared to glasses, contact lenses have a higher risk of infection. Here’s what to know about wearing contact lenses.

What to Know About Wearing Contact Lenses

A lot of people prefer wearing contact lenses over regular glasses. They work great for people who are active, and they definitely feel more natural compared to glasses.

But because they’re in direct contact with your eyes, there’s a risk of eye infection, especially if you’re not careful.

This is why before you start wearing contact lenses, it’s important to know how to keep them clean and maintain them properly. Here are some useful tips to remember:

Wash your hands before touching them

It is important to always wash your hands before touching your contact lenses. Our hands can contain a lot of bacteria and other microorganisms, which can contaminate contact lenses, and potentially cause eye infections.

So be sure to wash your hands thoroughly, and dry them completely with a clean cloth before touching your contact lenses.

Don’t sleep in your contact lenses

Another potential risk to wearing contact lenses is that it can be easy to forget that you’re wearing them. This means that you can potentially fall asleep while wearing them, and that’s a big no-no.

There is a high risk of infection because wearing contact lenses for an extended period of time can cause eye irritation. It’s also important to allow your cornea to “breathe’ every so often.

You might also find contact lenses that claim it’s okay to wear them overnight. While they might have less risk of infection, it’s still best to make a habit of taking off your contact lenses before you go to sleep.

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Buy only prescription contact lenses

It might be tempting to buy just any cheap contact lens you can find, especially online. However, there are a lot of risks involved if you don’t purchase prescription contact lenses.

It’s possible that these contact lenses can cause irritation, and you might not get the right type of lens that you need.

Always follow your doctor’s recommendations when it comes to contact lenses. Some brands might be more expensive, but you’ll be sure that they’re safe, and you’re getting the most of what you paid for.

Keep your contact lenses clean

It’s also important to make sure your contact lenses are clean. Keep them stored in a contact lens case, and be sure to replace the contact lens solution often. Never, ever reuse contact lens solution, as this can cause infection.

Take note of the manufacturer’s instructions on how to keep your contact lenses clean, and also follow your doctor’s recommendations.

It’s also a good idea to keep your contact lens case clean, and be sure to replace it after every 3 months.

Keep a pair of glasses with you at all times

Lastly, always keep a pair of glasses with you at all times. You never know when you need to take out your contact lenses, and have to wear glasses in the meantime.

This way, you don’t have to worry about not being able to see properly if one of your contact lenses pops up or goes missing.

Wearing Contact Lenses for the First Time: How to Do it Safely

Key Takeaways

Because contact lenses are in direct contact with your eyes, there is a high risk of infection if they are contaminated. So always make sure to keep them clean at all times.

Learn more about Eye Care here.