5 Hygiene Related Risk Habits, 99% of Contact Lens Wearers are Engaged In

Contact lenses are the most preferred vision correction devices. 41 million people wear contact lenses in U.S alone. Though contact lens related injuries are rare; almost 1/3^rd of the participants of a CDC survey, conducted online recently, reported being engaged in risk-related attitude that resulted in red and painful eye requiring immediate medical attention. 99% of the participants confessed that they do not take health warnings concerning contact lenses seriously and are involved in one or more of the following improper hygienic habits that may result in fungus or bacterial contamination of colored contacts.

1. Sleeping or taking a nap in contact lenses. According to CDC even extended wear circle lenses that are approved for overnight wear by FDA should be avoided as they increase the risk of infection.
2. Rinsing or storing colored lenses by tap water. Tap water contains a corneal devouring microorganism “acanthamoeba” that may lead to permanent vision loss. Contact lenses must never be exposed to water.
3. Showering or swimming with contact lenses. These activities should also be avoided as exposure of contacts with water is never safe.
4. Topping off disinfecting solution. The solution in which contact lenses are stored, must be discarded every time. Most of the people rely on adding fresh solution to the old solution that reduces the efficacy of the disinfecting solution.
5. Failing to replace contact lenses and cases on time. Contact lens cases must be replaced every 3 months whereas contact lenses follow an expiry date depending on their type.

Avoiding above mentioned unhealthy attitudes prevent contact lens related infections. Contact lenses mean no burden- except being a bit more concerned about personal hygiene.