CDC survey shows most contact wearers are reckless with their lenses

The findings were culled from an online survey administered to a sample of more than 4,200 contact lens wearers.

“Taken together, the survey results indicate that millions of Americans could be at risk for serious eye infections because of poor contact lens hygiene behaviors”, the CDC said in a release.

“Prevention efforts could include vigorous health promotion activities that encourage contact lens wearers to improve their hygiene behaviors, such as keeping all water away from contact lenses, discarding used disinfecting solution from the case and cleaning with fresh solution each day, and replacing their contact lens case every 3 months”, the authors offered as recommendations to curtail these bad habits. About 85 percent said they’d showered with contact lenses in, and 61 percent reported going swimming with them. “Even household tap water, although treated to be safe for drinking, is not sterile and contains microorganisms that can contaminate lens cases and contact lenses and cause eye infections”, the CDC said.

The most common offense: napping in contact lenses.

Rub and rinse contacts in disinfecting solution each time they’re removed.

Wash hands with soap and water and dry well before touching contact lenses. “When you have the plastic contact lens over the eye, you are depriving the eye of oxygen but also increasing the risk of germs attacking the cornea”.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has more about contact lenses.

Not using contact lens case: 8.9%.

The study delved deeper into the unfortunate and unhygienic habits, and found that 55.1% add new solution to their existing supply, instead of entirely emptying the case and completely resupplying it, as per the guidelines. According to Dr. Jennifer R. Cope, the devices hold the largest risk factor for the microbe to find its way in and threaten your eye care.

Carry a backup pair of glasses in case contact lenses have to be taken out.

In fact, one third of the study’s participants have paid visits to medical professionals in order to seek help after experiencing red and painful eyes, a highly preventable situation that could have been avoided by following the guidelines for proper hygiene.