Contact Lens Safety: Do’s and Don’ts

By Bradley Middaugh, O.D. | Optometric Physician

When it comes to vision correction, contact lenses offer a convenient and effective solution. They provide clear vision without the frames of glasses, but it’s essential to prioritize safety while wearing them, especially during occasions like Halloween. In this article, we’ll explore the do’s and don’ts of contact lens safety, and why costume contacts should be a definite “no” during the spooky season.

Do’s for Contact Lens Safety
1. Consult an Eye Care Professional
Before you start wearing contact lenses, schedule a comprehensive eye exam with an eye care professional. They will assess your eye health, prescribe the right type of lenses, and teach you how to wear and care for them properly.

2. Wash Your Hands Thoroughly
Always wash your hands with soap and water before handling contact lenses. This simple step can prevent the transfer of dirt, oils, and bacteria to your eyes, reducing the risk of infection.

3. Follow the Recommended Wearing Schedule
Different types of contact lenses have varying wearing schedules. It’s crucial to follow the guidelines provided by your eye care professional or the lens manufacturer. Overwearing lenses can lead to discomfort and eye problems.

4. Clean and Disinfect Your Lenses
Clean and disinfect your contact lenses as instructed. Use the recommended solutions and avoid using tap water, saliva, or homemade cleaning solutions, as they can lead to infections.

5. Replace Lenses as Directed
Don’t exceed the recommended replacement schedule for your lenses. Using old or damaged lenses can harm your eyes and decrease vision quality.

6. Store Lenses Properly
Store your contact lenses in a clean, sterile case with fresh disinfecting solution. Replace your lens case regularly, typically every three months.

7. Remove Lenses if Irritated
If you experience discomfort, redness, or any unusual symptoms while wearing contact lenses, remove them immediately and consult your eye care professional.

Don’ts for Contact Lens Safety
1. Don’t Share Lenses
Sharing contact lenses can transfer bacteria and increase the risk of eye infections. Always use your own prescribed lenses.

2. Don’t Sleep in Lenses
Unless prescribed for extended wear, avoid sleeping in your contact lenses. Overnight wear can reduce oxygen flow to your corneas, increasing the risk of complications.

3. Don’t Wear Lenses While Swimming
Water, whether in a pool, hot tub, or the ocean, can introduce harmful bacteria to your eyes. Remove your lenses before swimming.

4. Don’t Use Costume Contacts
Halloween is a time for fun and creativity when people often seek to enhance their costumes with unique accessories. Costume contacts might seem like a fun idea, but they can pose significant risks to your eye health. These non-prescription decorative lenses are not regulated like regular contact lenses and can be of questionable quality.

Costume contacts are often purchased without a prescription or proper fitting, which can lead to discomfort and damage to your eyes. They may not allow your eyes to breathe properly and could potentially scratch the cornea or cause infections. In worst-case scenarios, using costume contacts irresponsibly can lead to permanent vision impairment.

To enjoy a safe and spooky Halloween, prioritize your eye health by avoiding costume contacts. If you want to incorporate special effects into your costume, consider using makeup or other accessories that don’t compromise your vision or well-being.

In conclusion, contact lenses offer a convenient way to correct your vision, but it’s crucial to follow the do’s and don’ts of contact lens safety. Prioritize consultation with an eye care professional, proper hygiene, and adherence to recommended wearing and cleaning routines. This Halloween, remember that costume contacts are a definite “no” if you want to ensure your eyes stay healthy and happy while you celebrate the season.

BRADLEY MIDDAUGH, O.D.
Optometric Physician
Dr. Bradley Middaugh is a board-certified optometric physician committed to providing his patients the highest level of care through innovative technology and a focus on providing an excellent patient experience. Dr. Middaugh has extensive training in ocular disease, vision testing, eyewear prescriptions, specialty contact lenses and the diagnosis and treatment of eye disorders for patients of all ages, from pediatric to geriatric.

Dr. Middaugh graduated from Wake Forest University and earned his doctorate at The University of Alabama at Birmingham. He has been in private practice since 1988 and founded The Fort Myers Eye Center in 1993. In 2020, he joined the Center For Sight team to offer his patients direct access to the some of the finest cataract, LASIK, glaucoma, cornea, retina, and oculo-plastics specialists in Southwest Florida.

Dr. Middaugh has served on the Lee County School Board as a member of the Health Care Advisory Panel and the Early Intervention Health Care Panel. He is also an active member of the Southwest Florida Optometric Association, the Florida Optometric Association, and the American Optometric Association, and Above Board Chamber. In addition, he enjoys leading Medical Mission teams annually to El Salvador.

Dr. Middaugh and his wife, Meg, enjoy raising their two boys. The family is very active in their church, Walk to Emmaus, Kairos Prison Ministry, and enjoy serving on medical mission teams.

Center for Sight Southwest Florida

239-310-2020
www.centerforsightswfl.com
1537 Brantley Rd, Fort Myers, FL 33907