Are You Over-Wearing Your Contact Lenses?
The answer could be yes. Whether you are a first time contact lens wearer, or have been wearing them for years, you could be over-wearing your lenses. You need to give your eyes a break from your lenses from time to time, to allow them to breathe. See below to determine if you are over-wearing your lenses.
Red Eyes
Are your eyes abnormally red? Do they look red all day long, not just in the early morning? You may be over-wearing your lenses. Red eyes are usually a sign of tiredness, but if it's all day long, every single day - there is a problem. Also abnormal eye pain can be a sign of over-wearing your contacts, especially if the pain persists after taking your lenses out.
Dry Itchy Eyes
Are your eyes dry and itchy? Are they still dry and itchy, even after cleaning your lenses with a contact solution? If yes, your contacts may be irritating your eyes and need a break.
Excessive Blood Vessels In Eyes
Do you have a lot of blood vessels showing in your eyes? If you notice an excessive amount of blood vessels in your eyes, it can be from lack of oxygen. This is caused when you over-wear your lenses.
Helpful Tips:
- Take A Break. Give your eyes a break from your contact lenses from time to time. Your eyes need oxygen and moisture. Be sure to take your lenses out for a couple of hours each day to let them breathe.
- Do Not Wear Overnight. Never wear your contact lenses overnight, unless they are designed for this type of use. Your lenses can stick to your eyes and be difficult to remove, which can cause damage to your cornea.
- Change Lenses. Be sure to change your lenses as directed, i.e. every three months, or every other month. Do not wear them longer than you are supposed to.
- Clean Lenses. Clean your lenses with a contact lens solution, rubbing them between your fingers, and place them into a solution over-night.
- Use Wetting Drops. Use wetting drops to help with dry eyes, but be sure to only use drops that are specially made for contact lenses. Any other type of drops can damage your lenses.
- Wear Glasses. Wear your glasses when giving your eyes a break. You may not like the way they look, but your eyes will appreciate the break from your contact lenses. If you don't have glasses to wear as a backup, you may want to think about getting a pair.
Over-wearing your contact lenses can cause irreversible damage to your eyes, so be sure to properly take care of your lenses and your eyes. If you have problems like the ones listed above, be sure to make an appointment with your optometrist immediately for a check-up. To learn more, contact a company like South Jersey Eye Physicians with any questions you have.
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