In a recent episode of the HuffPost podcast “Am I Doing It Wrong?” hosts Raj Punjabi and Noah Michelson spoke with Dr. Amanda Redfern, an ophthalmologist and assistant professor at Oregon Health & Science University’s Casey Eye Institute, to discuss critical eye care practices. The conversation highlighted common contact lens mistakes that could lead to severe eye damage, emphasizing the importance of proper contact lens hygiene.
Dr. Redfern warns against one particularly risky habit: sleeping with your contact lenses in. Whether it’s an overnight sleep or a short nap, the potential risks are alarming. “It’s like a game of Russian roulette,” she explains. Sleeping in contact lenses can cause corneal ulcers—painful infections that could result in permanent vision loss or even the loss of the eye itself in extreme cases. Even less severe outcomes, such as corneal scarring, can lead to lasting vision impairment, sometimes requiring a corneal transplant.
The Dangers of Contact Lens Contamination
Beyond sleeping with contacts, Dr. Redfern advises against exposing your lenses to water, whether from a swimming pool, lake, or even your shower. Water can introduce harmful bacteria, trapping it between the lens and your eye, which could lead to infections and complications similar to those caused by sleeping in your lenses.
Rinsing or storing lenses with tap water is another risky behavior. When asked what to do if you forget your contact lens solution while traveling, Dr. Redfern firmly advises against using water. Instead, she suggests discarding the lenses altogether and dealing with blurry vision temporarily. “Both of those are awful options,” she emphasizes, referring to the choices of using water or sleeping in the lenses.
Eye Protection: A Simple Step to Prevent Injury
Dr. Redfern also stresses the importance of eye protection, especially during activities that involve potential hazards, such as home improvement projects. Wearing safety goggles can prevent traumatic eye injuries that often require urgent medical attention. If you do get something lodged in your eye, resist the urge to remove it yourself. Instead, tape a paper cup over the eye to protect it until you can seek professional help.
For those looking to maintain optimal eye health, Dr. Redfern’s advice is clear: be cautious with your contact lenses, always use proper storage solutions, and protect your eyes from injury. Missteps in eye care might not always lead to immediate damage, but when complications arise, they can be severe.
