While contact lenses are great, they can sometimes run into some issues. Here are the best ways to avoid common problems with contact lenses…

Some 8.7% per cent of people in the United Kingdom and Ireland use contact lenses, amounting to more than six million of us. Whether to help us play sports, or fit better with our personal style, forgoing glasses has never been easier, with daily disposable, weekly and many other types of lenses available. Maintaining eye health is vital for us all and wearing contacts can throw up some different issues to be aware of. Here, we run through some of the most common problems experienced by lens-wearers – and how to avoid them.

Wearing them for too long

It is generally advised to only wear your contact lenses for eight hours a day, and regularly exceeding that could lead to serious problems.

Corneal neovascularization – it already sounds serious doesn’t it? This condition is when the cornea – the transparent tissue covering your eyes – is starved of the oxygen it needs to regenerate. This results in your body forming new blood vessels in your eyes, potentially leading to swelling, pain, and even blindness.

Falling asleep

Almost a third of lens-wearers have slept in them, according to a recent survey. This can cause both your lenses and eyes to become dehydrated, especially if you hit the sack after a night of drinking and don’t remove them. This issue also raises the risk of infection, while a lack of oxygen can cause corneal problems further down the line.

Remembering to remove your lenses before dozing off will also save you from the disappointment of waking up and, even for a split-second, thinking, “I’m cured!”

Swimming in your lenses

Eye infections become a large risk if you swim in a pool wearing your contacts. The chemicals that keep the water clean and safe could get into your eyes – potentially resulting in irritation and infection.

If your eyesight is bad enough to push you towards wearing your contacts in the pool, cover them up with a pair of swim goggles, or maybe look into a prescription pair.

Costly mix-ups

Putting your contact lenses in the wrong way around is a common issue, but you should never think, “Ah, it’ll do” and go about the rest of your day.

Looking through the wrong prescription for an extended period could lead to straining your eyes, and could worsen your sight in the long-run.

Dirty hands

Getting dirt between your lenses and your eyes could scratch your cornea – ouch!

Always make sure your hands are washed before you put in your contacts, while cleaning your lenses in fresh solution before every use will stop dirt and detritus from getting into them in the first place.

Long-term solutions

While lenses are undoubtedly convenient, a more permanent fix could offer you even more freedom.

Optimax offers several solutions for those looking to improve their sight permanently, including lens surgery and much more.