Risks of Improper Contact Lens Care: Protecting Your Eye Health

The more often you change your contacts, the more you reduce the risk of vision problems or eye infections. Disposable contact lenses--often worn for only a few days or weeks--are an invention of the 1980s to keep eyes free from bacterial build-up. Easier to clean and posing a lower threat of infection, disposable contacts are a health benefit as long as you change them appropriately.

Protein Build-Up

• Contact lenses have the potential for protein build-up, which increases harmful germs that can cause eye infections. Changing your contact lenses frequently will help avoid this build-up.

Breathability

• Eyes need oxygen, but deposits on contact lenses block the oxygen supply. Even with thorough cleaning, some deposits remain and grow with time--making a frequent replacement cycle essential.

Comfort

• The build-up of protein, lipids, and calcium on contact lenses makes them increasingly uncomfortable to wear.

Vision Problems

• When you don't replace your contact lenses on time, dirt, wear, and tear cause their performance to suffer.

When to Change Them

• If your vision is blurry or your contacts feel oddly dry, or if your eyes have become red or infected, your contacts are probably due for a replacement. Talk to your optometrist to find out how often you should replace your lenses for optimal performance and eye health.