Do contact lenses freak you out?
You’re not alone. Many people, including me, find wearing contacts nerve-wracking. But the real question is: Are contact lenses bad for your eyes, or is that just a myth?
Let’s separate fact from fiction.
What’s the Truth About Contact Lenses?
I’m going to cut to the chase—are contact lenses bad for your eyes? The short answer is no.
The contact lens industry is worth billions of dollars. Big brands like Bausch + Lomb and CooperVision have been manufacturing contacts for decades. They have come a long way with innovations such as soft lenses and RGP lenses for a broad range of eye conditions, including astigmatism and presbyopia.
So contact lenses wouldn’t be worn by millions of Americans each day and approved by the FDA (always check that your lenses are certified) if they were bad for your eyes.
But like so many products, if you don’t use them properly, things can go wrong.
I hear you asking, “How wrong?” Well, I’ll break it down for you.
How To Wear Contact Lenses Properly
To avoid some of the bad stuff that can happen when wearing contacts, let’s dive into how to wear them right.
The first rule that any contact lens wearer should live by is don’t forget to wash your hands!
Why?
Well, the simple answer is germs, germs, germs.
These minuscule organisms can cause eye infections. So make sure your hands and nails are clean. If you have long nails, use a brush to get any deep-down dirt out.
As you pop in your contact lenses, avoid touching or scratching your eyeballs. Also, try not to touch the inner side of the lens.
Finally, make sure your eyes are well lubricated, which is especially important for dry eye sufferers.
How To Avoid Problems Caused By Contact Lenses
Don’t wear expired contact lenses.
Are expired contact lenses bad for your eyes? Yes, they are!
It’s kind of the same principle as throwing out expired food. I mean, you wouldn’t drink sour milk, right? So why wear expired contacts?
Each pair will have an expiration date, and it’s smart to stick to that because expired lenses can damage your eyes. The material can degrade over time, and that can mean they’re less comfortable, breathable, functional, and safe to wear.
Always get a prescription.
In the U.S., you NEED a prescription to buy contact lenses. It’s a safety precaution to make sure you’re wearing the correct lenses for your eyes.
Because everyone’s needs and conditions vary, the first port of call should be an eye doctor.
Wearing the wrong type of lenses can be bad for your eye health and your vision. They could end up making your eyesight worse or causing symptoms like headaches and eye strain.
Buy safe, verified contact lenses.
It might be tempting to buy some cheap knock-off contact lenses. We’ve all been there on Halloween, trying to purchase funky colored lenses to finish off a costume. But unregulated contacts can be dangerous.
It’s best to buy from reputable eyewear retailers that sell authentic products. For example, EZContacts has been around for decades and only sells reliable, authentic contact lenses available with a prescription.
No matter how tempting it can be to buy cheaper no-brand contact lenses, it’s not worth the potential vision-related issues.
Take out your contact lenses before sleeping.
It’s easy to nod off and forget, but set an alarm, write on your mirror, or put a Post-it on your bedside table to remind yourself to remove your contacts.
Sleeping with contact lenses can cause eye irritation and, at worst, eye damage. It’s not worth the risk, so always take them out, no matter how late it is or how tired you are.
Makeup and contacts don’t mix.
By all means, wear your favorite makeup with your contact lenses, but avoid contaminating your contacts with your beauty products. Wash your hands before handling your lenses, or put your makeup on after your lenses.
Let your eyes breathe.
Avoid wearing your contact lenses for extended periods of time. If you feel like your eyes need a break, give them one. You can switch to glasses as an alternative, whether it’s for a few hours or a few days.
Store and clean your contacts properly.
When you’re not wearing your contacts, make sure you store them properly. It’s important for reusable contacts because you don’t want them to get contaminated and cause a nasty eye infection.
You should use a specialized cleaning solution and then store them in a clean lens case.
If you have monthly contact lenses and are googling “are contact lenses bad for your eyes,” they shouldn’t be if you clean them properly.
When It Could Be Time To See a Doctor
If your contact lenses are causing irritation, redness, blurry vision, or any type of pain, don’t wait; go to a doctor.
It could be something easily solvable, but it’s not worth risking serious harm to your eyesight. It doesn’t mean that contact lenses are bad for you, but there could be an issue with your prescription, or your contacts could be contaminated.
The doctor will be able to advise you on the next steps better than Google or Reddit can!
TL;DR
Contact lenses are not bad for your eyes, but improper use can be harmful. So, the verdict is it’s all about how you care for them and which lenses you choose:
- Buy reputable, FDA-approved contacts that are available with a prescription from your doctor.
- Ensure your hands and nails are clean before putting in your contacts to avoid contamination.
- If you wear monthly lenses, make sure you keep them clean and store them safely.
- Don’t sleep with your contacts in or wear expired contacts. Doing so can potentially lead to infections and risks to your eye health.
- If you think your contacts are bad for your eyes, see a doctor and talk through the options.
