Daily disposable contact lenses are popular single-use lenses that are removed and discarded at the end of each day. Used properly, dailies promote eye health and are comfortable and convenient. However, there are many ways you can inadvertently damage your eyes and vision.

11 Things to Avoid with Daily Disposable Contacts

1. Don't Touch Contacts with Dirty Hands

Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before touching your lenses. Dry them with a disposable paper towel, not a cloth towel.

2. Don't Expose Your Contacts to Water

Any source of water — tap, pool, or lake — can change the shape of your lenses and cause micro-abrasions on your cornea. If you get water on your contact lenses, dispose of them and insert a new pair.

3. Don't Reuse Your Contacts

Daily disposable contacts are designed to be discarded after every single use. Reusing them breaks down the lens material and dramatically increases the risk of complications and infection.

4. Don't Insert a Dropped Contact Lens

If you drop a lens, throw it away and use a new one. Daily lenses are less expensive per lens than other types, so the savings aren't worth the health risk.

5. Don't Put Contacts in Your Mouth

Your mouth contains bacteria that can infect your eyes once you reinsert your contacts. Always carry an emergency pair of glasses or extra contacts.

6. Don't Overwear Your Daily Lenses

The maximum recommended daily use for any contact lens is 14-16 hours. Wearing them longer can reduce the amount of oxygen your eyes receive, leading to corneal swelling or infection.

7. Don't Sleep with Your Lenses

Daily lenses should never be worn overnight. Doing so risks ocular irritation, swelling, and corneal ulcers.

8. Don't Insert Contacts Before Completing Your Morning Routine

Avoid inserting contacts before you shower or wash your face, as you risk exposing your lenses to tap water and bacteria. Insert them after styling your hair as well, since aerosols can coat the lenses.

9. Don't Get Makeup On Your Contacts

Insert your contacts before applying makeup. If makeup residue contacts your lenses, remove and clean them immediately or replace with a new pair.

10. Don't Wear Contacts If Your Eyes Are Irritated

If your eyes feel uncomfortable, remove your contacts. If symptoms persist, contact the team at Dayton Optometric Center at (937) 228-2020.

11. Don't Rub Your Eyes

Rubbing your eyes can lead to blurred vision and may damage your cornea. Instead, ask your eye doctor about appropriate eye drops to relieve discomfort.

If you have questions about contact lenses, contact Dayton Optometric Center in Kettering, Ohio today.