3 Pet Peeves About Contact Lens Habits and How to Address Them
Optometry Magazine
3 Pet Peeves About Contact Lens Habits and How to Address Them
Contact lens wearers, it's time to take a closer look at your habits. This article delves into common pet peeves about contact lens care, offering expert-backed solutions to keep your eyes healthy. From daily solution replacement to proper hygiene practices, discover essential tips that can significantly impact your eye health and vision.
- Replace Solution Daily and Cases Regularly
- Fresh Solution Prevents Eye Infections
- Proper Hygiene Protects Your Vision
Replace Solution Daily and Cases Regularly
One of my biggest pet peeves is when patients use the same contact lens case for years without replacing it, and even worse, when they "top off" solution instead of fully replacing it each time. This creates a breeding ground for bacteria and significantly raises the risk of serious eye infections. I also see many patients skip washing their hands before handling their lenses, which adds to the problem. My advice is simple: treat your eyes like the delicate organs they are. Replace your case every three months, use fresh solution daily (never top off!), and always wash and dry your hands before touching your lenses. These small steps make a big difference in protecting your vision.
Fresh Solution Prevents Eye Infections
My biggest pet peeve regarding contact lens habits is people who "top off" their contact lens solution instead of changing it completely. It's akin to showering in yesterday's bathwater — you might think it's fine, but it's essentially inviting a bacteria party to occur.
I had a friend who practiced this habit for months and ended up with a severe eye infection that incapacitated them for a week. All because they didn't want to "waste" solution. Trust me, your vision is worth the extra $0.15 a day.
My advice: treat your contact lens case like your toothbrush — if you wouldn't reuse it without cleaning, don't reuse the liquid. Your eyes are not designed for shortcuts.
Proper Hygiene Protects Your Vision
One of my biggest pet peeves regarding other people's contact lens habits is neglecting proper hygiene, especially touching lenses with unwashed hands or wearing them past the recommended time. I've seen too many cases where this leads to eye infections or discomfort that could have been easily avoided. My advice is simple but crucial: always wash your hands thoroughly before handling lenses, never sleep in lenses unless they're specifically designed for overnight use, and strictly follow the replacement schedule. I once had a patient who wore the same lenses for weeks and ended up with a serious infection that required treatment and a break from lenses altogether. Taking these small steps not only protects your eye health but also makes wearing contacts a comfortable and safe experience. Your eyes deserve that care.
