What Not To Do If You Wear Contact Lenses
- Do Not Sleep With Contact Lenses In
You should never sleep with contact lenses in, whether it is for a full night’s sleep or a quick nap. If you sleep without taking your contact lenses out, it creates a breeding ground for bacteria, and lipids and proteins can collect on the contact lenses. This can lead to eye infections. Sleeping with contact lenses in your eyes can also dry out your eyes and cause corneal damage. - Do Not Touch Your Contact Lenses Without Washing Your Hands
Any time you put your contact lenses in or take them out, always wash your hands first. Your fingers are exposed to bacteria all day long and that can be transferred into your eyes and cause infection. - Do Not Rub Your Eyes
It is never good to rub your eyes, but it is even worse if you are wearing contact lenses. Rubbing your eyes with contact lenses can scratch or otherwise damage your cornea. Often people scratch their eyes because there is irritation. If your eyes feel irritated, take your contact lenses out and apply some lubricating eye drops instead of rubbing your eyes. - Do Not Keep Your Contact Lenses In When Your Eyes Are Irritated
If your eyes feel irritated (scratchy, burning, feeling like there’s something in your eye) take your contact lenses out. They may need to be cleaned or your eyes may need a break. Check your contact lenses for any particles clinging to them and look for any tears. If the contact is torn, throw it out. - Do Not Skip Cleaning
Unless you wear daily contact lenses, clean your contact lenses every time you take them out. This gets rid of any buildup or particles that have accumulated on the contact lens throughout the day. - Do Not Leave Your Contact Lenses In The Heat
The two worst things for contact lenses are heat and dryness. Either of these will dry out the contact, which will make it warp and become unusable. To avoid this, do not store your contact lenses in hot areas such as your vehicle in the summer. - Do Not Swim Without Goggles
Water carries bacteria and your contact lens will soak this water up. No matter what type of water you are swimming in, either take your contact lenses out beforehand or wear watertight swim goggles. - Do Not Wear Contact Lenses For Longer Than The Suggested Amount Of Time
Depending on the type of contact lenses you have, you will need to throw them away either after a day, a week, or a month. Do not try to get more use out of your contact lenses than your optometrist recommends. Wearing old contact lenses increases your risk of developing eye infections.
Contact Lenses At Sunridge Eye Clinic
Whether you want to make the switch to contact lenses or if you have been wearing them for years, Sunridge Eye Clinic can help. Through an eye exam and contact lens fitting, our optometrist can ensure your contact lenses are up-to-date for ideal vision and comfortable wear. If you have contact lenses already and you notice eye abnormalities such as redness, pain or discomfort, blurry vision, or anything else out of the ordinary, schedule an appointment right away. Our optometrists will assess your condition and give medical recommendations going forward, including contact lens care. To schedule a contact lens fitting or an eye exam, call Sunridge Eye Clinic at 1-403-280-7518 or fill out the online contact form.
FAQ
Q: Can my contact lens slip behind my eye?
A: No. While it is possible for your contact lens to move, there is a section of the eye called the conjunctival fornix that prevents the contact lens from moving behind your eye. If your contact lens appears to have gone behind your eye, it is likely just under your eyelid.
Q: Can contact lenses damage my eyes?
A: When properly cared for, contact lenses are completely safe. Contact lenses that are not fitted to your eyes or that are not properly cared for can increase your risk of developing eye infections and corneal damage.
Q: Are there different types of contact lenses?
A: Yes, the two main types are called soft and hard contact lenses. There are also contact lenses specifically designed for people with astigmatism and for different focuses, such as bifocal contact lenses.
