If you were just recently fitted for contact lenses, there are numerous things that you need to learn about how to use them properly, beyond just how to take them in and out. Here are three common mistakes that people make when they first start wearing contact lenses and how you can avoid making these mistakes yourself.

Mistake #1: Falling Asleep With Your Contacts In

One of the biggest and most common mistakes that new and veteran contact lens wears make is falling asleep with their contacts in. It is easy to do; if you normally just read in bed or watch TV until you drift off to sleep, you are going to have to change your routine. You are going to have to be conscious of when you feel tired and take out your contacts before you drift to sleep.

When you wear your contacts as you sleep, you deny your cornea, which is the outer layer of your eye that your contact covers up, access to the oxygen it needs. When your cornea is denied access to oxygen as you sleep, it can cause your eye to feel irritated and uncomfortable and can also lead to an eye infection. The best way to avoid this is by not wearing your contact lens when you sleep.

Mistake #2: Going Into The Water While Wearing Your Contacts

You should not wear your contacts when you go swimming. You should also not wear your contacts when you take a shower. Most water sources, including the water that comes out of your shower, contain microorganisms. One of the microorganisms that these water sources can contain is Acanthamoeba. Acanthamoeba can cause you to develop an infection in your eye and, in the worst case, can cause you to go blind.

This bacteria likes to cling onto contact lenses and use them as a food source. This, in turn, allows the Acanthamoeba to get into your eye and infect it. To prevent the risk of developing this type of infection, it is a good idea to always remove your contacts when you will be swimming, showering or washing your face.

Mistake #3: Stretching Out The Life Of Your Contacts

It can be tempting to keep wearing your contacts longer than the recommended expiration date, especially if you feel like you took good care of them and kept them clean. However, you should always dispose of your contacts on time. Over time, germs and residue that you can't see can build up on your contacts, so even if your contacts still look good to you, they could pose a risk of infection to you. Switch to new contacts as recommended by your doctor.

Mistake #4: Keeping Your Contact Lens Case For Too Long

You should not keep your contact lens case indefinitely. You should clean it on a daily basis and get a new case periodically. If you keep your contact lens case for too long, bacteria and germs that you can't see can build up on it and damage your eyes. You also shouldn't run your contact lens case through the dishwasher to clean it, as the soap residue that can get left behind is not good for your eyes. Clean your case on a daily basis, and replace it regularly. 

Talk to a professional like Jeffrey C. Fogt, OD for more information on contact maintenance. 

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