How to Keep Your Eyes Healthy with Contact Lenses
So, you’ve joined the contact lens club? Welcome! The good news is you can say “goodbye” to glasses but the bad news is that your eyes will require a little extra care.
Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned pro when it comes to wearing contacts, maintaining eye health is a MUST. It’s true that contacts are awesome, but they also require a little TLC to keep your eyes feeling great and looking sharp.
Let’s break it down with some simple, no-nonsense tips on maintaining healthy eyes with contacts that you can easily follow.
Keep Your Hands Clean
It’s true - post-COVID, most people keep hand sanitizer on hand and ready. It’s really a no-brainer, but it’s also the most important part of avoiding viruses but also maintaining eye health.
Before you even think about touching your contacts, wash your hands with soap and water or use a hand sanitizer. Dry them with a lint-free towel.
Dirty hands can easily and quickly transfer bacteria and other nasties to your lenses, which can lead to eye infections. Trust us, you don’t want an eye infection so keep your hands clean when touching your eyes or handling your contacts.
Replace Your Lenses on Time
We get it, it’s tempting to stretch out your lenses for a few extra days, but don’t do it. Lenses are designed to be replaced after a specific period—daily, bi-weekly, or monthly. Wearing them longer than recommended can lead to discomfort, blurry vision, and even serious eye infections.
Set a reminder on your phone or ask Alexa to keep you posted if you need to, but make sure you stick to the schedule.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends never wearing daily disposable contact lenses for more than a day or your eyes could become irritated. You’ll want to discard the daily disposable contact lenses before bed and use a new pair the next day.
Give Your Eyes a Break
Your eyes need some time off from contacts, especially if you wear them all day. Overwearing contacts can cause dryness and irritation.
Try to limit your contact lens wear to around 8-10 hours a day. If you’re home for the night, take them out and switch to glasses. Trust us, your eyes will thank you.
Use Fresh Solution Every Time
When it comes to contact lens solutions, fresh is best. Never reuse old solution, and never top off the solution in your case.
Always dump out the old solution, clean your case with fresh solution, and let it air dry. Then, fill it with the new solution.
Reusing solution can lead to bacterial contamination, which is a big no-no for your eyes.
Watch Out for Makeup
Makeup and contacts don’t always play nice together. Always put your contacts in before applying makeup and take them out before removing them.
Use water-based and hypoallergenic products, and avoid applying eyeliner on the inner rim of your eyelid. This helps prevent makeup from getting on your lenses and irritating your eyes.
Stay Hydrated
Hydration isn’t just good for your body; it’s good for your eyes too. Drinking plenty of water helps keep your eyes moist, which is essential when you’re wearing contacts.
If you find your eyes getting dry throughout the day, consider using rewetting drops that are safe for contact lenses.
Clean Your Lens Case Regularly
Your lens case is a breeding ground for bacteria if it’s not cleaned properly.
Rinse out the lens case with fresh solution every day, let it air dry, and replace it every three months. Don’t use water to clean your case—tap water can contain microbes that are harmful to your eyes.
Pay Attention to Your Eyes
Listen to your eyes. If they’re red, itchy, or uncomfortable, it’s a sign something’s wrong. Don’t ignore it.
If your eyes are bothering you, take your contacts out and give your eyes a break. If the problem persists, contact your eye doctor. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
Schedule Regular Eye Exams
Even if everything seems fine, regular eye exams are a must. Your eye doctor will check your eye health and make sure your contact lens prescription is up to date. It’s also a chance to catch any potential issues early before they become bigger problems.
Avoid Sleeping in Your Contacts
We know it’s convenient to crash in your contacts after a long day but resist the urge. If you are like the rest of us, you probably tell yourself that you are only going to rest your eyes, and then before you know it, you’re off in dreamland.
Sleeping in contacts can reduce the amount of oxygen your eyes get, leading to dryness, irritation, and even infection. If you’re someone who frequently falls asleep with contacts in, talk to your eye doctor about lenses that are approved for overnight wear. But even with these, it’s best to let your eyes breathe as much as possible.
Protect Your Eyes from the Sun
The sun is harsh. You probably regularly think about skin protection in the sun but what about your eyes?
Your eyes need protection from UV rays, just like your skin. Some contact lenses offer UV protection, but they’re not a substitute for sunglasses.
Always wear sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays when you’re outdoors. This helps prevent long-term damage to your eyes and keeps you looking stylish at the same time.
Be Careful with Water
Contacts and water don’t mix. Whether it’s swimming, showering, or just washing your face, avoid getting water on your lenses. Water can introduce bacteria to your lenses and cause serious infections like Acanthamoeba keratitis.
If you’re going to be in the water, wear goggles or, better yet, take your contacts out beforehand.
Consider Daily Lenses
If you’re prone to eye infections or just want the convenience of not having to clean your lenses, daily disposables might be the way to go. However, before making such a choice, always consult with your eye doctor first.
You wear a fresh pair of daily contact lenses every day, which means no cleaning, no storage, and less risk of infection. They’re also great for people with allergies, as you’re always starting with a clean slate.
Stay Informed
The world of contact lenses is always evolving, with new products and technologies constantly being developed.
Stay informed about the latest trends and advancements by checking out our blog regularly.
At Eiyan, we’re here to keep you in the loop and help you make the best choices for your eye health.
Final Thoughts
Taking care of your eyes while wearing contacts doesn’t have to be complicated. By following these tips, you can keep your eyes healthy, comfortable, and free from infections.
To learn more about wearing contacts and keeping your eyes healthy, check out our blog post on Busting 10 Myths About Contact Lenses.
Remember, your eyes are worth the extra effort. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Eiyan Lens. We’re here to help you see clearly and live boldly.
For more eye care tips and to learn about our latest products, check out our blog or explore our contact lens collection. Your eyes deserve the best—so let’s give them the care they need!
