Wearing contact lenses can be incredibly convenient, offering clear vision without the bulk of glasses. But with that convenience comes responsibility. Poor hygiene with contact lenses can lead to discomfort, eye infections, and even serious damage to your vision. Whether you’re a new wearer or have been using lenses for years, following proper hygiene practices is non-negotiable.
In busy areas like Dubai, where heat and dust are common, clean lens habits are even more important. Whether you’re using Alcon daily contact lenses or stopping by a store for eyewear like Oakley near Dubai Mall, knowing how to care for your lenses can make a big difference.
Why Contact Lens Hygiene Matters
Contact lenses sit directly on your eyes, which are highly sensitive and prone to infection if exposed to bacteria. When lenses aren’t properly cleaned or stored, microorganisms can build up. This leads to problems like redness, irritation, dryness, and in some cases, serious conditions like corneal ulcers.
Even small lapses, like touching lenses with unwashed hands or topping off old solution, can expose your eyes to harmful germs. The good news is that these risks are easy to avoid with the right daily habits.
Wash Your Hands Before Handling Lenses
One of the most basic yet most important rules: always wash your hands with soap and water before touching your lenses. Dry them with a lint-free towel. Oils, dirt, and bacteria from your hands can easily transfer to your lenses and then to your eyes.
This step is especially crucial if you’re in public places or shopping areas, such as near Dubai Mall, where germs can easily spread through high-touch surfaces.
Stick to the Right Wearing Schedule
Every contact lens comes with a recommended wearing schedule. Don’t stretch it. Daily lenses are meant for one-day use only; wearing them longer can lead to dryness and bacterial buildup. Alcon daily contact lenses, for example, are designed to be used once and then thrown away. Their convenience helps reduce the risk of infection, especially for people with busy lifestyles.
If you wear lenses for longer than intended, they may become less breathable and more likely to trap dirt, leading to discomfort and eye health issues.
Never Sleep in Your Lenses (Unless Approved)
Sleeping in contact lenses can severely reduce oxygen flow to your eyes and increase the risk of serious infections. Even lenses approved for overnight wear should be used with caution. Unless your eye doctor has specifically told you it’s safe, always remove your lenses before going to bed.
This applies even more in environments where your eyes are already under stress from air conditioning or heat, like during long days out near Dubai’s shopping districts.
Use Fresh Solution Every Time
If you’re using reusable lenses, always use fresh contact lens solution each time you store them. Never “top off” old solution. An old solution can lose its effectiveness and become a breeding ground for bacteria. Also, avoid using water or saliva to clean lenses. Tap water may contain harmful microorganisms, and your mouth carries natural bacteria that should never come into contact with your eyes.
For people who want to skip this step altogether, switching to Alcon daily contact lenses can be a good idea; they eliminate the need for cleaning or storing altogether.
Clean Your Lens Case Regularly
Lens cases are often overlooked, but can easily collect bacteria. If you’re using one, rinse it daily with fresh contact lens solution, not water, and let it air dry. Replace your case at least every three months, or sooner if it becomes dirty or damaged.
Even if you buy top-quality lenses, using an old or unclean case can cancel out the benefits.
Don’t Wear Lenses While Swimming or Showering
Water can carry bacteria that are dangerous for contact lens wearers. Avoid wearing your lenses while swimming, in the shower, or in hot tubs. If you must wear them in water, use waterproof swim goggles and remove the lenses right afterward.
Exposure to water can also cause lenses to stick to your eyes, increasing the risk of damage when removing them.
Listen to Your Eyes
If your eyes feel irritated, dry, red, or sensitive to light, don’t ignore it. Remove your lenses and give your eyes a break. If symptoms persist, consult your eye doctor before putting the lenses back in. Never try to “push through” discomfort, as it could signal a developing infection or allergy.
Switching to a more eye-friendly option like Alcon daily contact lenses can help reduce irritation caused by buildup or prolonged wear.
Buy from Reputable Sellers
Make sure you purchase your lenses and eye care products from trusted stores or clinics. In Dubai, for example, if you’re visiting a shop for Oakley near Dubai Mall, you’ll likely find authorized opticians or eyewear retailers that also offer prescription contact lenses and accessories. Avoid buying from unverified online sources that may sell expired or counterfeit products.
Getting your lenses from the right place ensures you’re using quality products that meet safety standards.
Replace Makeup and Clean Tools Regularly
Eye makeup can carry bacteria, especially if it’s old or shared. Replace mascara and eyeliner every three months and avoid applying makeup directly on the waterline. Always wash makeup brushes and sponges regularly, and remove all makeup before going to bed.
Makeup particles can get trapped under your lenses, causing irritation or infection.
Visit Your Eye Doctor Regularly
Even if your lenses feel fine, regular eye exams are important. Your vision and eye health can change over time. An eye care professional can check for signs of dryness, allergies, or lens-related issues before they become serious.
If you’re new to the city or searching for clinics while shopping around the Dubai Mall, there are many qualified optometrists nearby who can provide routine eye care and update your prescription if needed.
Conclusion
Good contact lens hygiene isn’t complicated; it just takes consistency. By following basic steps like washing your hands, using fresh solution, and replacing your lenses on time, you can avoid the most common problems and keep your eyes healthy.
Daily lenses like Alcon daily contact lenses simplify the process even more, reducing the need for cleaning and lowering the risk of infection. And when you’re shopping in central locations like near Dubai Mall, be sure to look for reliable optical stores offering both top-tier brands and professional guidance.
Taking care of your lenses means taking care of your eyes, and that’s something you should never compromise.
