Avoid these common mistakes when wearing contact lenses
Contact lenses are a godsend for those who want to get rid of those big nerdy glasses without affecting their eyesight. Nevertheless, it is essential to keep in mind certain precautions when wearing these lenses, as neglecting them can damage your eyes to a great extent. Take note of these common contact lens mistakes that you should avoid at all costs.
Don't bath or swim with contact lenses on
Even if you're in a rush, never bathe, shower, or swim in your contact lenses. It is believed that water has microorganisms and lenses can absorb them since they are spongy. This can yield a fungal or bacterial infection which can spread quickly as these microbes grow exponentially. Other than that, water can also change the shape of your lenses.
Don't buy contact lenses without a prescription
Most people either buy contact lenses (especially colored ones) to look trendy or to get rid of their glasses. Either way, it is a bad idea to do so without doctor's a prescription in hand. This is because contact lenses are medical devices. Also, only a doctor can examine your eyes and recommend the ones most suitable for your vision.
Don't sleep with your contact lenses on
Sleeping with your contact lenses on heightens the risk of eye infections 10 times more than any other cause, which is why it is not advisable to sleep wearing them, even for a nap. Wondering why? Well, when you sleep, your shut eyes don't get moisture and oxygen, which makes the cells of your cornea inactive in fighting off the bacteria absorbed by lenses.
Don't rub your eyes too much and too often
Although contact lenses are small, soft, and spongy, rubbing your eyes while wearing them can destroy your cornea. Excessive damage can even lead to vision impairment or total blindness. If your eyes are itchy, take off your lenses first. And if the itching persists, consult an optometrist or ophthalmologist instead of rubbing it off or self-treating it with eyedrops/water.
Don't mix up your eye lenses
Mixing up your eye lenses, intentionally or unintentionally, isn't a good idea as it can increase inter-eye infections. The best way to avoid this is to be mindful while wearing or taking them off. When removing them, ensure you first take the lens out from your right eye and then from the left (or visa-versa) so that you develop a daily habit.
