Contact lenses have many benefits over glasses. Contacts give you a more attractive appearance and can even be worn while playing sports. However, you could be making mistakes with your contact lenses without even realizing it. Here are five contact lens mistakes to avoid making:

5. Swimming With Contacts

Swimming in a pool while wearing contacts might not seem like a big issue, but you can actually do a lot of damage to your eyes that way. Microorganisms are attracted to contact lenses and can find their way in your eyes. These microorganisms can cause painful infections and even put you at risk of blindness. Always remember to remove your contacts before you go swimming.

4. Sleeping With Contacts

When you have had a long night, it is easy to fall asleep with your contact lenses. However, doing this can deprive your eyes of oxygen, leading to a lot of discomfort and irritation. Sleeping with your contacts may even cause an infection. One of the first things you should do before bedtime is take out your contact lenses.

3. Not Replacing Your Contact Lenses

You should never wait too long to replace your contact lenses, even if you are on a budget. Holding on to old contact lenses can lead to irritation and painful infections. Do not forget to replace your contacts about every three months.

4. Handling Contact Lenses With Dirty Hands

Do you always wash your hands before you handle your contact lenses? If you do not, you could put your eyes at risk of an infection. Do not forget to fully dry your hands afterward because tap water carries microorganisms that are attracted to contact lenses.

5. Not Cleaning Your Contact Lens Case

There is no sense in cleaning your contact lenses if you never clean the case. Your contact lens case can harbor a lot of bacteria that can reach your contacts. Taking the time to properly clean the case every day can prevent the spread of infection. 

If you have ever made these common contact lens mistakes, do not feel too bad. However, you should avoid making them again. If you do not properly care for your contacts, they can hurt your eyes. If your contacts have been bothering your eyes lately, make an appointment to see your eye doctor as soon as possible. Your eye doctor can look at your contacts and determine why they are irritating your eyes.

To learn more, contact a company like The Eye Center with any questions you have.