Avoiding Eye Infections By Carefully Cleaning Your Contacts

Most people with contacts probably think that they take pretty good care of their contact lenses. Unfortunately, studies show that this is not the case. And this mistake is dangerous because improper care can cause infections that can threaten a person's health.

Almost Nobody Follows Proper Eye Contact Cleaning Methods

One of the biggest problems with contact cleaning is that few people follow proper procedures. In fact, it was found that just about two percent of all people follow all of the required care techniques. These methods include the ways to clean contacts, when to wear them, and how long that they need to be worn.

Even more surprisingly, it was found that 47 percent of all users didn't even properly store them or clean them with contact solution. This problem is concerning because it could lead to an outbreak of serious eye infections that could threaten the health and well-being of many individuals.

Infections Can Occur

While infections due to contact lenses are not common, they can still occur. In one case in 2006, there were 154 cases in 33 different stages. Over 94 percent of these cases were due to a person wearing soft contact lenses that weren't properly cleaned. While a certain brand of cleaner was associated with this infection, improper care techniques were the main culprit.

Infections in the eye are dangerous because it is such a delicate area of the body. Fungus or bacteria can quickly move into the eye and along the nerves. As a result, the eye can be severely damaged. This damage can then spread in towards the brain and cause even more problems.

Cleaning Lenses To Avoid This Problem

Avoiding fungal infections caused by contact lenses is as easy as cleaning them regularly and taking a few safety precautions. First of all, they need to be removed when a person sleeps, showers, exercises, or goes swimming. Failure to follow these steps can cause them to get affected by bacteria and spread that bacteria to the eye.

It is then important to clean them at least once a day using antibacterial soap. They need to be stored in fresh contact lotion and must never be allowed to touch tap water. This water is not purified and could cause them to be infected. It is also important to make sure to get them replaced every three months or so. This act is essential for keeping them from getting stained.

By following these simple steps, it is possible to keep contact lenses in great shape and avoid eye infection. Cleaning them regularly is the first, but best, step towards keeping contact lenses safe and healthy.

Click here for more information on keeping your contact lenses clean. 


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