How to Prevent Infections While Wearing Contact Lenses

Contact lenses offer clear vision and convenience, but they also come with responsibilities. Without proper care, contact lenses can become a breeding ground for bacteria, leading to eye infections that may cause redness, irritation, or even vision loss. Fortunately, with the right habits and regular checkups, you can keep your eyes healthy and your vision clear.
 

Practice Proper Hand Hygiene

Always wash and dry your hands thoroughly before handling your contact lenses. Use soap and water and dry your hands with a lint-free towel. Touching your lenses with unclean hands can easily transfer bacteria to your eyes.
 

Clean and Store Lenses Correctly

If you wear reusable lenses, make sure to clean and disinfect them using the solution recommended by your eye doctor. Avoid using tap water or saliva to clean your lenses, as these can introduce harmful microorganisms. Always store your lenses in a clean case filled with fresh solution, and replace the case every three months.
 

Follow Your Lens Replacement Schedule

Whether you wear daily, bi-weekly, or monthly lenses, follow the replacement schedule exactly as prescribed. Overwearing your contacts increases your risk of irritation and infection due to protein buildup and reduced oxygen flow to the cornea.
 

Avoid Sleeping in Your Contacts

Unless specifically designed for overnight wear, contacts should be removed before bed. Sleeping in lenses can reduce oxygen supply to your eyes and significantly increase the risk of infection.
 

Keep Water Away from Your Lenses

Remove your lenses before swimming, showering, or using a hot tub. Water can harbor bacteria such as Acanthamoeba, which can cause severe and painful corneal infections that are difficult to treat.
 

Maintain Annual Eye Exams

Even if your vision feels fine, it’s essential to schedule yearly comprehensive eye exams. During these visits, your optometrist can evaluate the health of your eyes, check your contact lens fit, and detect early signs of infection or dryness before they become serious. Regular checkups at Vintage Optical help ensure your lenses remain safe and your eyes stay healthy.
 

Schedule Your Contact Lens Exam Today

Wearing contact lenses safely comes down to good hygiene, proper care, and consistent professional monitoring. Protecting your eyes today helps preserve your vision for years to come.

Keep your eyes healthy and your vision sharp by scheduling your annual contact lens exam at Vintage Optical today. Click here, visit our office in Morton, Illinois, or call (309) 263-8611 to book and appointment.