Eye Care for Contact Lens Wearers

As Contact Lens Health Week kicks off on August 22-26th, we thought it best to fill you in on eye care for contact lens wearers – some steps to take as part of the daily routine and, perhaps more importantly, some risky habits to avoid.

A brief history of the contact lens

Did you know that the earliest known sketches of the contact lens were first imagined by the renowned Italian inventor, mathematician and artist, Leonardo da Vinci all the way back in 1508? His early designs suggested that the optics of the human eye could be altered by placing the cornea directly in contact with water. Pioneers have since experimented with all kinds of materials to craft the perfect lens as we know it today – from glass all the way to silicone hydrogel.

Reasons to take care

A 2015 study conducted by CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, USA) highlighted some key areas for concern through an online study of contact lens wearers in relation to their hygiene habits. More than 99% of all surveyed wearers reported at least one behaviour which increases the likelihood of an eye infection.

High risk behaviours:

• Napping while wearing contact lenses (87.1%)
• Wearing contact lenses while showering (84.9%)
• Using lens storage case longer than recommended before replacing it (82.3%)
• Wearing contact lenses while swimming (61.0%)
• “Topping off” disinfecting solution in lens storage case instead of replacing it completely (55.1%)
• Sleeping overnight while wearing contact lenses (50.2%)
• Using lenses longer than recommended before replacing them (49.9%)

Almost one third of those surveyed reported going to the doctor for red or painful eyes.

Eye care for contact lens wearers: top tips

1. Remove contact lenses before sleeping, showering or swimming
2. Completely replace disinfecting solution in the lens storage case after each use: don’t just top up
3. Replace your contact lens storage case at least every three months

Of course if you are experiencing any sign of soreness it may be time to call in for a consultation. At Infinity Eye Clinic we are proud to have experts in the field of ophthalmology who would be able to check the health of your eyes at a time to suit you. With our easy online booking system you could be on your way to fresher, happier eyes in no time.