Contact lenses are great, but a recent report by the CDC found that 99% of contact lens wearers reported at least one bad hygiene habit. With that in mind, let’s take a quick look at exactly how you’re supposed to care for them.
Photo by Lee Haywood.
The most common risky behaviour reported by the CDC was keeping contact lens cases longer than recommended and wearing contacts while sleeping. Unless you love getting eye infections, you’re not supposed to do either of those things, alongside a slew of other common behaviours. Here’s a basic checklist for properly caring for your contacts:
- Remove your contacts before sleeping, showering, swimming, or getting in a hot tub.
- Replace you contacts as prescribed and only wear them as long as recommended.
- Do not “top off” the solution in your lens case, replace it every time (and clean and rinse your case every day).
- Replace your case every three months.
- Rub and rinse contacts with solution each time you remove them.
If you’re not doing any of the above you run the risk of infection. You can read some fun horror stories about eye infections over on The Wall Street Journal if you prefer to get scared into taking care of yourself.
Contact Lens Wearer Demographics and Risk Behaviours for Contact Lens-Related Eye Infections [CDC]
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