Contact Lens Safety: 12 Essential Precautions Recommended
San Paulo Hua Hin Hospital recommends the following 12 important precautions to help contact lens wearers maintain healthy eyes and use their lenses safely.
1. Never Sleep While Wearing Contact Lenses
Regardless of the type of contact lenses you use, wearing them while sleeping can reduce the amount of oxygen reaching the cornea.
This increases the risk of eye infections, corneal inflammation, and potentially serious eye complications.
2. Never Use Tap Water or Unclean Water to Clean Contact Lenses or Lens Cases
Tap water may contain microorganisms such as Acanthamoeba, an amoeba that can cause severe eye infections.
Using contaminated water to clean contact lenses or their storage cases can put your eye health at risk.
Always use approved contact lens cleaning and disinfecting solutions recommended by an ophthalmologist.
3. Never Use Saliva to Clean Contact Lenses
The human mouth contains many types of bacteria.
Using saliva to moisten or clean contact lenses can transfer harmful microorganisms to the lenses and increase the risk of eye infections.
4. Never Wear Contact Lenses Beyond Their Recommended Replacement Schedule
Different types of contact lenses have different replacement schedules, including:
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Daily disposable lenses.
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Weekly replacement lenses.
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Monthly replacement lenses.
Wearing contact lenses longer than recommended can lead to the accumulation of protein deposits and microorganisms.
This may cause eye irritation and increase the risk of infection.
5. Never Share Contact Lenses with Others
Contact lenses are personal medical devices and should never be shared.
Sharing lenses can transfer microorganisms between individuals and increase the risk of eye infections.
6. Never Wear Damaged, Torn, or Expired Contact Lenses
Damaged or torn contact lenses may scratch the cornea and increase the risk of infection.
Expired lenses may also deteriorate and become unsafe to use.
Always inspect your contact lenses before wearing them and replace them according to the manufacturer's instructions.
7. Avoid Wearing Contact Lenses While Swimming, Showering, or Using a Sauna
Water from swimming pools, showers, and other sources may contain microorganisms that are harmful to the eyes.
Contact lenses exposed to contaminated water can increase the risk of eye infections.
If wearing contact lenses during water-related activities is unavoidable, the original article recommends using daily disposable lenses and discarding them immediately afterward, or wearing tightly fitted waterproof goggles.
8. Never Ignore Unusual Eye Symptoms
If you experience any of the following symptoms, stop wearing contact lenses immediately:
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Eye pain.
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Redness.
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Eye irritation.
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Blurred vision.
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Excessive eye discharge.
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General eye discomfort.
Consult an ophthalmologist promptly to identify the cause and receive appropriate treatment.
9. Never Apply Makeup Before Inserting Contact Lenses
Contact lenses should be inserted before applying makeup to prevent cosmetic products from coming into direct contact with the lenses.
Always wash your hands thoroughly before handling contact lenses.
This helps reduce the risk of contamination and eye irritation.
10. Avoid Using Eye Care Products That Have Not Been Recommended by an Ophthalmologist
Use only contact lens cleaning and disinfecting solutions recommended by your ophthalmologist.
The same precaution applies to artificial tears and other eye care products.
Choosing suitable products can help reduce irritation and maintain proper contact lens hygiene.
11. Never Wear Contact Lenses When You Have Certain Eye Conditions
Avoid wearing contact lenses if you are experiencing eye problems such as:
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Eye redness.
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Eye inflammation.
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Eye infections.
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Allergic eye symptoms.
These conditions should be properly treated and resolved before you resume wearing contact lenses.
Consult an ophthalmologist if you are unsure whether it is safe to start wearing your lenses again.
12. Never Skip Regular Eye Examinations
Contact lens wearers should attend regular eye examinations with an ophthalmologist as recommended.
Routine checkups help monitor eye health and allow ophthalmologists to provide appropriate guidance on safe contact lens use.
Protect Your Eyes with Proper Contact Lens Care
Following these 12 precautions can help reduce the risk of complications associated with contact lens use.
Maintaining good hygiene, replacing lenses on schedule, and seeking medical attention when unusual symptoms occur are important steps toward protecting your vision and maintaining healthy eyes over the long term.
If you have questions or concerns about contact lens safety, consult an ophthalmologist for personalized advice.
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