Laser eye surgery is becoming more and more popular.
A lot of eyebrows were raised when a study conducted by researchers at Oregon Health and Science University’s Casey Eye Institute (Portland, OR) suggested it may be safer in the long run to have LASIK surgery than to wear contact lenses.
Now a new survey may explain why the conclusions of that study may indeed be correct.
1. Poor contact lens care habbits
- 40% don’t wash their hands prior to handling their lenses.
- 20% don’t use fresh solution when cleaning their lenses.
- 40% have put their lenses in their mouth to clean them.
- 70% wear their contact lenses when swimming.
All of these behaviors cause more bacteria and other harmful microorganisms to be transferred to the eyes, increasing the risk for serious eye infections.
2. Propper contact lens care reduces risks!
- Always wash your hands before handling your contact lenses.
- Carefully clean and disinfect your contact lenses upon removing them, following the directions provided by your eye doctor.
- When not wearing them, store your lenses in a clean contact lens case. Rinse the case with your contact lens solution after each use, and leave it open to air dry. Replace the case at least every 3 months.
- Use only the contact lens care products recommended by your eye doctor.
- Use fresh solution each time you clean and store your lenses. Never reuse old solution left in the case.
- Replace your contact lenses as recommended by your eye doctor. Don’t stretch your wearing period, even if your lenses still feel good.
- Don’t wear your contact lenses when swimming or in a hot tub.
(Water in swimming pools and hot tubs often contains chlorine-resistant microorganisms that can adhere to your contact lenses and cause a serious eye infection.) - See your eye doctor as directed for contact lens follow-up visits and routine eye exams.