Contact lenses are a convenient and comfortable way to correct vision, but they require proper care and regular monitoring to keep your eyes healthy. Even experienced contact lens wearers can develop habits that increase the risk of eye irritation, dryness, or infection.
At Focal Pointe Eyecare, we help patients wear contact lenses safely and comfortably by identifying common mistakes and ensuring lenses remain a healthy option for their eyes.
Wearing Contact Lenses Longer Than Recommended
Each type of contact lens is designed with a specific replacement schedule, such as daily, bi-weekly, or monthly lenses. Wearing lenses longer than recommended can allow deposits, bacteria, and debris to build up on the surface of the lens.
Over time, this can lead to:
- Eye irritation or redness
- Reduced oxygen reaching the cornea
- Increased risk of infection
Following the recommended replacement schedule helps keep lenses comfortable and safe for your eyes.
Sleeping in Contact Lenses
Unless specifically prescribed for overnight wear, sleeping in contact lenses can significantly increase the risk of eye infections and corneal complications. When your eyes are closed during sleep, less oxygen reaches the surface of the eye, and contact lenses can make this worse.
Removing lenses before bed is one of the simplest ways to protect your eye health.
Poor Lens Hygiene
Good hygiene is essential when handling contact lenses. Common mistakes include:
- Not washing hands before inserting or removing lenses
- Reusing old contact lens solution
- Not replacing the contact lens case regularly
- “Topping off” solution instead of using fresh solution
These habits can introduce bacteria and increase the risk of irritation or infection.
Using an Outdated Prescription
Even if your contact lenses still feel comfortable, your eyes and vision can change over time. Wearing an outdated prescription can cause symptoms such as:
- Blurry vision
- Eye strain or headaches
- Difficulty focusing
This is one reason why comprehensive contact lens exams are so important.
Why Yearly Contact Lens Exams Matter
Many people wonder why they need a yearly contact lens exam if they have been wearing the same lenses for years without any issues.
A helpful way to think about it is similar to routine dental checkups. Even if your teeth feel fine, dentists still recommend regular visits to catch small issues early before they become bigger problems. The same principle applies to contact lenses and eye health.
During a contact lens exam, your optometrist checks:
- How the lenses fit on your eyes
- The health of the cornea and surrounding tissues
- Oxygen flow to the eye
- Whether a different lens design may provide better comfort or vision
These evaluations help ensure that your lenses remain safe, comfortable, and appropriate for your eyes over time.
Contact Lens Care at Focal Pointe Eyecare
At Focal Pointe Eyecare, we provide comprehensive contact lens exams and fittings to help ensure your lenses fit properly and support long-term eye health. We also help patients explore newer lens technologies that may offer improved comfort, breathability, or convenience.
Serving patients in Heritage Pointe, South Calgary, and surrounding areas, our team is committed to helping you enjoy clear vision while protecting the health of your eyes.
Book Your Contact Lens Exam
If it has been a while since your last contact lens checkup, scheduling a yearly contact lens exam at Focal Pointe Eyecare can help ensure your lenses continue to work safely and comfortably for your eyes.