or if an infection is severe, keratitis can lead to serious complications that may permanently damage your vision.
Serious eye infections that can lead to blindness affect up to 1 out of every 500 contact lens users per year, the CDC notes.
RELATED: 7 Things Every Contact Lens Wearer Needs To Know
Caring for your contact lens
If you’re thinking about making the switch from glasses to contacts soon, welcome to the club, but just know that it will take some getting used to. Here are 10 ways to keep your eyes healthy while wearing contacts and prevent any serious eye infections:
1. If you store your contact lenses in solution for more than 10 days, dispose of them and the solution and start fresh. Of course, read the directions on the back of your contact lens solutions to know exactly what to do.
2. Use a lint-free towel when drying your hands after washing.
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3. Never touch the tip of the contact lens solution. You could contaminate it with germs without knowing it.
4. Clean your contact lens case often and replace it every few months to prevent bacteria from building up.
5. Never wear your contact lenses longer than prescribed.
6. Never sleep or take a nap in your contact lenses unless you have the type that is safe enough to sleep in, but even then, be cautious.
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7. Always rinse, re-wet and store your contact lenses using fresh solution – NOT water.
8. Thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water before inserting and removing your contact lenses.
9. Get regular eye exams. Unless you have diabetes or glaucoma, most people can get away with one visit per year.
10. Do not wear decorative contact lenses. These can lead to permanent eye damage.
