All The Ways You’re Wearing Contact Lenses Wrong!
About 45 million people in the US wear contact lenses — and most of them do it wrong, according to a new study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
An alarming majority of US adults, approximately 90 percent, admit to engaging in risky behaviors when it comes to wearing contact lenses. These behaviors include sleeping with lenses on, neglecting to replace them as frequently as recommended, or engaging in other unhygienic practices that would undoubtedly distress any eye doctor. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) strongly urges individuals to refrain from such practices as they significantly elevate the risk of eye infections and, in extreme cases, can result in blindness.
Utilizing contact lenses offers several advantages over traditional glasses. They provide vision correction while offering an unobstructed view of your surroundings, free from the inconvenience of glasses slipping down your nose during sweaty moments. Furthermore, contact lenses eliminate the annoyance of fogging up when transitioning between temperature extremes, preventing the embarrassment of looking foolish. However, it is crucial to emphasize the importance of proper lens hygiene and usage. Failure to clean or wear lenses appropriately can create a breeding ground for harmful germs, which readily attach to the lenses and infect your eyes. If bacteria or viruses infiltrate your cornea, vision problems may arise, and the worst-case scenario involves permanent loss of sight.
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In this comprehensive study conducted by the CDC, a large-scale survey was employed to gather data from a diverse sample of participants. The survey encompassed over 4,500 US adults and over 1,600 adolescents aged 12 to 17, with the primary focus being their utilization of contact lenses. The findings of the study revealed a deeply concerning trend, indicating that a significant proportion of contact lens wearers engage in potentially harmful habits that elevate their risk of contracting eye infections.
Remarkably, among the 12- to 17-year-old age group, approximately 85 percent of participants (equivalent to six out of every seven lens-wearing kids) confessed to practicing at least one detrimental behavior that amplifies their susceptibility to eye infections. This statistic serves as a stark reminder of the pressing need to address and rectify these unhealthy habits among young individuals. Furthermore, the data pertaining to adults is even more distressing, with a staggering 87 percent of adult respondents admitting to similar risky practices that further exacerbate their vulnerability to eye infections.
These findings underscore the urgency of implementing effective educational campaigns and interventions to raise awareness about proper contact lens hygiene and usage. By addressing these concerning trends, we can strive to mitigate the risks associated with eye infections and safeguard the ocular health of both adolescents and adults alike.
Here are the most common bad habits, according to the CDC:
Engaging in unhealthy habits associated with contact lens usage can have severe consequences on your eye health. Let's examine these practices in detail:
Sleeping or napping while wearing lenses: Sleeping with contact lenses obstructs the oxygen supply to your cornea during sleep, creating an environment that encourages germ growth. According to the CDC, this increases the risk of eye infections by six to eight times.
Swimming while wearing lenses: Pools harbor a multitude of bacteria, as confirmed by the CDC. When you swim with contact lenses, these bacteria have a tendency to adhere to the lenses, heightening the risk of eye infections. (Pro tip: Get prescription goggles instead)
Not replacing lenses as often as prescribed: Contact lenses come with specific usage instructions, whether they are daily disposables, bi-weekly, or monthly replacements. Neglecting to adhere to these recommendations allows germs and debris to accumulate on the lenses, potentially leading to eye infections.
Not regularly replacing storage cases: To maintain proper hygiene, it is crucial to replace contact lens storage cases at least every three months, as recommended by the American Academy of Ophthalmology. These cases can harbor bacteria that contaminate both the lenses and your eyes.
Topping off contact lens solution in the storage case: Adding fresh contact lens solution to an existing solution that has been stagnant in the case allows germs to thrive. It is essential to empty out the old solution and start fresh to minimize the risk of contamination.
Storing lenses in tap water: While tap water may be suitable for drinking, it still contains microorganisms that can attach themselves to your lenses, potentially leading to eye infections. It is best to use an appropriate contact lens solution for storing and cleaning your lenses.
Licking your contacts: This unsanitary practice significantly increases the risk of severe eye infections and permanent vision loss. It is crucial to avoid touching your lenses with saliva or any other non-sterile substances.
Not visiting an eye doctor at least once a year: Regular eye examinations are vital to monitor the health of your eyes and ensure that your contact lenses are not causing any harm. Without routine check-ups, potential issues may go unnoticed, jeopardizing your ocular well-being.
To adhere to best practices, prioritize cleanliness. Always wash your hands with soap before handling your contact lenses. Clean your lenses using the recommended solution and ensure regular replacement of both the lenses and the storage case. Additionally, avoid wearing lenses beyond the prescribed duration. By following these guidelines, you can maintain optimal eye health and minimize the risk of complications.
If you don’t get regular eye exams, you won’t know if the lenses are hurting your eyes and you should start wearing glasses. So, what are the best practices? Pretty much, just be clean. Always wash your hands with soap before handling your contacts, use solution to clean your lenses and case, replace your case regularly, and don’t wear lenses for longer than you should.
