When you first started out wearing contact lenses, it is likely that you felt a sense of freedom – the freedom to be able to see clearly without the annoyance of constantly carrying (and likely losing) your glasses. But, for many contact wearers, this feeling slowly begins to fade away.
Over the subsequent days, months, and years, the reality of what you have bought into becomes all too clear.
That initial freedom soon turns into another kind of restriction. Their benefits begin to fade into the background as their downsides become increasingly obvious. To any contact lens wearers reading this, it is likely that you have begun to wonder whether this is actually the convenient and promising solution that it once appeared to be.
So, whether you are still wearing glasses and are wondering if making the switch to contacts is worth it, or are a current contact wearer who is wondering if there is a better way – we recommend that you keep reading and consider your choice of vision correction carefully.We’ve put together eight (which by no means represent all) of the things that a contact lens wearer has to consider every day. By the end of this article, you will see how, as much as contacts might help, they can also make things infinitely more difficult. Let’s take a look at some of the things that you can’t do when wearing contact lenses.
1. Go anywhere without a bathroom
The most important thing to remember when applying or removing contact lenses is that you need to have clean hands. Touching your contact lenses with dirty hands is a sure-fire way to promote infection. In some cases, infections linked to contact lenses can even be sight-threatening, so you’re not going to want to stray too far from a bathroom where you can clean your hands regularly.
2. Sleep or take a siesta
Any person who has ever worn contact lenses will know that keeping them in while you sleep is a big no-no. You should always try not to leave your contacts in for too long, and falling asleep is the easiest and most dangerous way to defy this rule.When sleeping, your eyes can’t make use of the window wiping system of your eyelids or the washer fluid of your tears. And so if you fall asleep with your contacts in, bacteria are more likely to fester and your eyes more likely to become red, irritated, and infected.
3. Wear any makeup
Don’t get us wrong: you can, of course, wear makeup when wearing contact lenses. However, it is far from a good idea. Makeup – particularly eye makeup such as eyeliner and mascara, is one of the leading causes of eye infections – and this danger becomes even more prevalent when you are also wearing contact lenses.
Accidentally getting one smidgen of makeup on your lens means going through the laborious process of taking them out, cleaning them, and disinfecting them. And if you don’t – you could be putting your eyes at real risk.
4. Go swimming or near water
While swimming is obviously not a good idea when wearing contact lenses, coming into contact with any water – including rain, sho*rs, hot tubs and mist, is actually also a danger. Even more troublesome than dirty hands, water can contain countless bacteriaand amoebae that wreak havoc on our eyes and vision. If you’ve ever heard of Acanthamoeba keratitis — it tends to show up in hot tubs — you know what we’re talking about.
5. Touch or rub your eyes
All of us have the uncontrollable urge to rub our eyes at some times during the day or week. Whether your eyes are irritated from staring at a screen for too long, you’re suffering from hay fever, or you’re just tired – this can often be considered a normal reaction. However, even for those of us that don’t wear contact lenses, this can actually lead to an increased risk ofkeratoconus.Keratoconus can lead to blurry vision and, in serious cases, the need for a corneal transplant. Ascontact lenses inevitably make you more likely to have a good rub of your eyes, this is something lens wearers should be aware of.
6. Have a life outside your lenses
When you wear contact lenses, you not only sign up to always keeping one eye on your lenses, but also on their accompanying cleaning kit.While contact lenses may at first seem infinitely more convenient than glasses, the constant cleaning – not only of the lenses themselves but their case – can soon obliterate that assumption.Damp, dark environments are the ideal conditions for bacteria to grow, so you need to remember to thoroughly dry as well as clean your cases. Keep on top of cleaning your cleaning kit or, yet again, risk the consequences.
7. Live spontaneously and go with the flow
It can be easy to push the limits and wear your contact lenses for too long, particularly when your eyes are still feeling fine. But, just because you can still see clearly and are feeling no discomfort, that doesn’t mean that your lenses aren’tcausing damage to your eyes.
Disposable lenses – a popular option for many lens wearers – are not designed to allow enough oxygen and moisture to your corneas when worn over long periods. So, while you might think that it is harmless to put off your lens maintenance in favour of heading to the next bar, you could certainly end up regretting it later.
8. Save money on your vision
When you use contact lenses, you are essentially renting your vision. While this might seem like a good investment in the short term, over longer periods of time, you are actually losing a lot of money.You might try to recoup some of these costs by making your current lenses go a little further. Crawling around on the floor trying to find a lost lens or even wearing a ripped lens can only lead to more problems and wasted money.
So, while contact lenses may initially seem like a convenient solution to your vision problems, their associated costs and risks could soon outweigh their benefits. Luckily, there is a better way.
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FAQs
Always wash and rinse your hands thoroughly before handling your lenses or touching your eye. Use a mild non-cosmetic (oil and fragrance free) soap, and dry your hands with a lint-free cloth or tissues. Clean your lenses after removal as indicated by your eyecare practitioner. Use only the recommended solutions.
What are the do's and don ts while wearing a lens? ›
Always wash and rinse your hands thoroughly before handling your lenses or touching your eye. Use a mild non-cosmetic (oil and fragrance free) soap, and dry your hands with a lint-free cloth or tissues. Clean your lenses after removal as indicated by your eyecare practitioner. Use only the recommended solutions.
Can I wash my face while wearing contact lenses? ›
The short answer is no. Water and contact lenses are incompatible, meaning they don't and shouldn't go together. This means washing your face, taking a shower, and swimming are all out of the question when you have contact lenses on. The main reason for this is most water is not sterile (germ-free).
Can you cry with contact lenses in? ›
Absolutely! Crying with contacts doesn't damage your eye and isn't cause for major concern. But it can make seeing tricky because the glands in your eyelids produce extra tears, which leave deposits on the lenses.
Why can't you shower with contact lenses? ›
Shower water can cause soft contact lenses to change shape, swell, and even stick to the eye. This is pretty uncomfortable, and can scratch the cornea, which makes it easier for germs to enter the eye and cause infection.
What to avoid when using contact lenses? ›
12 Things You Should Never Ever Do with Your Contacts
- Sleep While Wearing Lenses. ...
- Not Keeping The Case Clean. ...
- Rub Your Eyes. ...
- Touch Contacts With Dirty Hands. ...
- Shower While Wearing Lenses. ...
- Keeping Them On Even When Eyes Itch. ...
- Exposing The Storage Case To A Dirty Environment. ...
- Reuse The Solution.
Say It With Us: Nope. To recap: Contacts and water don't mix. When wearing contacts, keep them away from water to prevent discomfort, infection, and other eye issues. Even if you've showered with your lenses in before and didn't experience any problems, that still doesn't make it a good idea.
Can you sneeze your contacts out? ›
It's commonly believed that if you dare to sneeze with your eyes open that they will pop out. If you also believe this gruesome tale, then you'll be glad to hear that it's just a myth. The eyes closing when you sneeze is a natural reflex, probably so you don't transfer bacteria to your eyes while sneezing.
Is it OK to wear contacts everyday? ›
Yes, we can confirm that wearing contact lenses every day is safe as long as you take the necessary hygiene and care precautions. The main precautions are to always keep them clean and isolated from contact with microorganisms and to let your eyes take a break from them, unless they are extended wear contact lenses.
Should I still put on contact lens after getting soap in my eye? ›
When soap gets in your eyes, follow these steps: Wash your hands with soap and water if they're not already clean. If you are wearing contact lenses, remove them. At the sink or in the shower, use a gentle stream of cool water to flush out your eye.
As a general point, it's recommended that you wear your contact lenses for a maximum of 8-10 hours per day. There are lenses available which you can wear for more than 10-12 hours as well. Your eye care practitioner will be able to suggest you better what is best for your eyes.
What to expect when wearing contact lenses for the first time? ›
Contact lenses sometimes cause mild eye irritation during the first few days of use as you get used to the new sensation. You may feel uncomfortable that there is something in your eye or notice when your contact lenses begin to dry out. After a day or two, these symptoms typically go away.
Can I wear contacts in the pool? ›
No, you should not wear contact lenses while swimming in a pool. Even though chlorine acts as a disinfectant for the water, it does not eliminate all the germs that can cause an eye infection. Chlorine can also irritate your eyes on its own, and wearing contacts often exacerbates this irritation.
Can I workout with contacts? ›
Absolutely! In fact, exercising while wearing contact lenses is much easier and more enjoyable. Contact lenses provide many benefits, especially regarding your mobility and vision. It's completely safe to exercise while wearing your contacts.
What to do after accidentally showering with contacts? ›
What should you do if you accidentally showered while wearing contacts?
- Step out of the shower.
- Dry your hands, then remove your contacts immediately.
- If your contacts are daily disposables, throw them away. If your contacts are reusable (e.g., weeklies and monthlies), check if the lenses are damaged.
Don't Rub Your Eyes
When you wear contact lenses, you should try not to rub your eyes at all. This can cause damage to your cornea, which may lead to serious damage to your vision and possibly a need for eye surgery. Take extra care if you do rub your eyes. Be as gentle as possible.
Should you rub your contact lenses? ›
Rubbing the contact lens for between two and 20 seconds, depending on your contact lens care solution, removes deposits and micro-organisms and reduces complications. You follow the rubbing step with a thorough rinse with solution for the time specified by the manufacturer (usually between five and 10 seconds).
What not to do with monthly contacts? ›
Never put your monthly replacement contact lenses in your mouth to clean them. Don't swim or go into hot tubs while wearing your daily disposable contact lenses. Do not wear torn contact lenses. Do not share contact lenses with other people.
Can contacts go in the toilet? ›
Contact lenses break down into particles that are not filtered and therefore end up in our seas, increasing water pollution. Contact lenses should never be thrown into the household waste, but thrown into the unsorted.
Can you pinch your eye while taking contacts out? ›
Although pinching the contact lens is one of the easiest ways to remove soft lenses, you risk tearing the lens if you pinch too hard. Be careful near your cornea. Eyes are extremely sensitive, especially to touching, poking, or scratching. When removing your lenses, try to avoid touching your actual eye.
Though they won't correct your vision in the way that they are designed to, putting your lenses on inside out will not necessarily make your vision blurry. Rather, because the lens is unable to adhere well to the surface of your eyes, they are more likely to shift in and out of place, causing your vision to blur.
When should you not wear contacts? ›
If you sleep with your contacts in, you may dry out your eyes or worse — risk infection, corneal ulcers or an inflammatory reaction known as contact lens-induced acute red eye (CLARE). When you're in any type of water, do not wear your contacts. This includes showers, hot tubs, pools, lakes, rivers and the ocean.
How long should I rest my eyes from contacts? ›
Contact wearers should take the lenses out for a full day once a week. Many choose a day on the weekend when they are not out in public. Removing the contacts for a full day gives the eyes time to rest. It also allows extra oxygen to reach the eyes during those 24 hours.
What are the side effects of wearing contacts? ›
Some of the possible serious hazards of wearing contact lenses are corneal ulcers, eye infections, and even blindness. Corneal ulcers are open sores in the outer layer of the cornea. They are usually caused by infections.
How do you dry your hands before contact lenses? ›
Wash your hands with soap and water and dry them with a clean towel before touching your contacts.
Can you reuse daily contacts if you put them in solution? ›
Don't Reuse Your Contacts
Users sometimes attempt to increase the lifespan of these lenses by cleaning them in a disinfecting solution and wearing them for several days or even weeks at a time. This is problematic, as the lens material doesn't allow for repeated disinfecting.
How do you wash your hands before using contacts? ›
Before inserting or removing contacts, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least twenty seconds to remove dirt and germs. Also make sure to dry your hands completely, because, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, microbes that can cause eye infections are often found in water.
How do you remove a contact lens without pinching it? ›
But you might be wondering how to take out contacts with long nails, or what to do if you really can't make the pinch work. Instead, you can try a sweeping-down method, where you use the index finger of your dominant hand to slide the contact lens down to the lower white portion of your eye.
How do you know if your contact lens is still in your eye? ›
You should be able to tell if a contact is still in there by looking at the area of your eye where the dark and the white parts come together, advised Dr. Le. If you still don't see it, flip your upper eyelid to see if it's hiding up there, then try saline drops to flush it out.
How do you remove contact lenses from behind your eyes? ›
If you wear contact lenses that are gas permeable, and one gets stuck, don't massage the eyelid, as this can cause abrasion to the eye. The best way forward is to reach out to your optician, and under their guidance, use a small 'suction cup' device to gently pull the lens from the surface.
Type of Contact Lens
| Type of Contact Lens | Cost Per Month | Cost Per Year |
|---|
| Daily Use | $50-$75 | $600-$900 |
| Biweekly Use | $20-$35 | $270-$360 |
| Monthly Use | $15-$25 | $180-$300 |
| Extended-Wear | $30-$40 | $360-$450 |
Mar 8, 2023
Daily disposable contacts are more expensive than biweekly and monthly disposable contacts. (Read more about the difference between daily and monthly contacts.)
Why can I feel my contact when I blink? ›
Does your contact lens feel like it's moving around in your eye? It may mean your lens does not fit your eye properly. If your lens is too loose on your eye, or if the diameter or base curve is not accurate, it can cause an increased awareness of your lenses, especially when you blink.
How many hours should I wear contacts on the first day? ›
When you start wearing contacts, it's best to gradually increase the time you wear your contacts each day. On your first day, you might wear your contacts for four hours and add one hour each day. Your eye doctor will recommend a schedule for you when you start wearing contacts.
Can I wear my contacts all day the first time? ›
There is no right answer to how long you should wear your contact lenses on the first day. Granted that in the beginning the lenses will create a bit of discomfort for your eyes, which will need some time to adjust, you should aim to wear the contacts as much time as you're able to without too much discomfort.
How much do contacts cost? ›
Table of Contents. Generally, they cost between $20 and $30 a box. Most people with average prescriptions should be able to get a year's worth of contact lenses for $200 to $500. The price range for contacts can feel broad, but they have a highly variable price tag depending on a lot of factors.
How long can you wear monthly contacts in a day? ›
You can typically wear monthly contacts during the day for up to 30 days (hence the name), but after that, throwing the lenses away and replacing them with a new pair is essential. Because these contacts aren't replaced daily, you must store them in fresh solution between wears to keep them clean and free from germs.
Can you swim or shower with contacts? ›
Avoid water while wearing contacts. Keep your contacts away from water. Make sure to remove your contacts before showering, bathing, or swimming. Don't rinse or store your contacts in water, and if it does occur, make sure to throw away or disinfect them thoroughly.
Can I wash my face with contact lenses on? ›
The short answer is no. Water and contact lenses are incompatible, meaning they don't and shouldn't go together. This means washing your face, taking a shower, and swimming are all out of the question when you have contact lenses on.
Can I cry with contacts in? ›
Absolutely! Crying with contacts doesn't damage your eye and isn't cause for major concern. But it can make seeing tricky because the glands in your eyelids produce extra tears, which leave deposits on the lenses.
Regardless of whether you experience any eye irritation or symptoms, if you forgot to take out your contact lenses before sleeping, you should see your local optometrist for an eye exam as soon as possible.
What can't you do with lenses? ›
Let's take a look at some of the things that you can't do when wearing contact lenses.
- Go anywhere without a bathroom. ...
- Sleep or take a siesta. ...
- Wear any makeup. ...
- Go swimming or near water. ...
- Touch or rub your eyes. ...
- Have a life outside your lenses. ...
- Live spontaneously and go with the flow. ...
- Save money on your vision.
There are a number of ways you can protect your vision and encourage a good night's sleep: Remove your contact lenses a while before bed. This will allow your eyes to rehydrate properly through blinking before you shut them all night. Eat a varied diet, rich in Vitamins A, C and E and antioxidants.
What happens when you wear lens for the first time? ›
Contact lenses sometimes cause mild eye irritation during the first few days of use as you get used to the new sensation. You may feel uncomfortable that there is something in your eye or notice when your contact lenses begin to dry out. After a day or two, these symptoms typically go away.
When you first started out wearing contact lenses, it is likely that you felt a sense of freedom – the freedom to be able to see clearly without the annoyance of constantly carrying (and likely losing) your glasses. But, for many contact wearers, this feeling slowly begins to fade away.