-
- Contact Lens Safety Month
- Why So Many Patients Choose Contact Lenses
- Why Contact Lens Safety Matters
- The Most Common Mistakes Contact Lens Wearers Make
- Do’s and Don’ts of Contact Lens Care
- Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore
- The Different Types of Contact Lenses Group
- Myths About Contact Lenses
- The Lifestyle Upgrade with Contact Lenses
- Why Eye Exams Are Essential for Contact Lens Wearers
- Take the Next Step This Contact Lens Safety Month
Contact Lens Safety Month
Contact lenses are one of the most popular vision correction options in the world. More than 45 million Americans wear them daily to enjoy sharper vision, more natural sight, and freedom from glasses. Whether you’re looking for comfort, style, or convenience, contact lenses provide an incredible solution.
But here’s the truth: contact lenses are medical devices. That means they require proper use and care. When neglected, they can lead to redness, irritation, or even dangerous infections. That’s why every October, eye care providers across the country, including Visual Eyes in Maryland, recognize Contact Lens Safety Month,a time to highlight the benefits of contact lenses, while teaching patients how to use them safely.
At Visual Eyes, with six convenient Maryland locations in Silver Spring, Hyattsville, Greenbelt, Clinton, Mitchellville, and Frederick, our optometrists specialize in contact lens fittings, exams, and education to ensure every patient sees clearly without compromising eye health.
This comprehensive guide will give you everything you need to know about contact lens safety, why regular exams matter, and why now might be the best time to schedule your own appointment.
Why So Many Patients Choose Contact Lenses
Glasses are a great option, but contact lenses offer benefits that glasses can’t match. Patients who switch to contacts often report feeling more confident, more active, and freer in their everyday lives. Here’s why:
- Unobstructed Vision: Contacts move with your eyes and don’t have frames or glare that block your sight.
- Active Lifestyle: Perfect for sports, workouts, and activities where glasses may slip or fog up.
- Weather-Proof: Unlike glasses, contacts don’t fog in the cold or collect rain.
- Style Freedom: Enjoy sunglasses without prescription lenses, or enhance your look with colored contacts.
- Comfort: Today’s advanced lenses are breathable, moist, and designed for all-day comfort.
At Visual Eyes Group, our optometrists help patients choose the right type of lens whether daily disposables, monthly, toric lenses for astigmatism, or multifocal lenses for presbyopia.
Why Contact Lens Safety Matters
Contact lenses sit directly on the cornea, the clear front surface of your eye. While this gives them the power to provide natural, sharp vision, it also means your cornea is more exposed to bacteria and deposits.
Without proper care, you may risk:
- Eye Infections: The CDC estimates that hundreds of thousands of contact lens wearers develop infections each year.
- Corneal Ulcers: Painful sores that can cause scarring and permanent vision loss.
- Redness and Irritation: Often linked to overwearing lenses or poor hygiene.
- Keratitis: Inflammation of the cornea, sometimes caused by improper lens use.
- Long-Term Vision Problems: Small mistakes repeated over time can cause lasting damage.
Research shows that 40–90% of contact lens wearers admit to unsafe practices. The good news is that almost all of these risks are preventable with the right guidance and care.
The Most Common Mistakes Contact Lens Wearers Make
At Visual Eyes Group, our doctors often hear patients admit to these common but risky habits:
- Sleeping in Contact Lenses
Unless specifically prescribed for overnight use, never sleep in your lenses. It cuts off oxygen and increases infection risk up to 8x.
- Overwearing Lenses
Stretching daily disposables past a day or monthly lenses past 30 days can lead to protein deposits and bacteria buildup.
- Using Tap Water
Tap water contains microorganisms, including Acanthamoeba, that can cause sight-threatening infections.
- Skipping Hand Washing
Handling contacts with dirty hands introduces bacteria directly to your eye.
- Reusing Solution
“Topping off” old solution reduces disinfecting power. Always use fresh solution.
- Swimming or Showering in Lenses
Water exposes your eyes to harmful bacteria and parasites.
- Ignoring Regular Exams
Even if you feel fine, improper lens fit can cause corneal damage without obvious symptoms.
By addressing these mistakes, patients can enjoy the full benefits of contacts while keeping their eyes safe.
Do’s and Don’ts of Contact Lens Care
✅ Do:
- Wash and dry your hands before handling lenses.
- Follow the wear schedule prescribed by your doctor.
- Use only contact lens solution, never water.
- Replace your case every 1–3 months.
- Take breaks by wearing glasses when needed.
- Schedule yearly eye exams at Visual Eyes Group.
❌ Don’t:
- Sleep in your lenses (unless prescribed).
- Swim, shower, or use hot tubs with contacts.
- Wear damaged, expired, or torn lenses.
- Share lenses with anyone else.
- Ignore symptoms like pain, redness, or blurred vision.
Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore
If you wear contacts and experience any of these symptoms, remove your lenses immediately and call Visual Eyes Group:
- Redness that won’t go away
- Eye pain or irritation
- Blurred or cloudy vision
- Light sensitivity
- Excessive tearing or discharge
These may be early signs of infection, keratitis, or corneal injury. Early treatment makes a huge difference.
The Different Types of Contact Lenses
Not all contacts are the same. At Visual Eyes in Maryland, we fit a wide range of lenses, including:
- Daily Disposable Lenses – Fresh pair every day, hygienic, low-maintenance.
- Bi-Weekly and Monthly Lenses – More cost-effective, require proper cleaning.
- Toric Lenses – Designed for patients with astigmatism.
- Multifocal Lenses – Perfect for patients over 40 who need help with both near and distance vision.
- Colored Lenses – Cosmetic enhancement, with or without prescription.
- Rigid Gas Permeable Lenses (RGP) – Provide sharp vision, long-lasting, but require adjustment.
Our optometrists evaluate your eye health, prescription, and lifestyle before recommending the right option.
Myths About Contact Lenses
There are many myths that discourage people from trying contacts. Let’s set the record straight:
- Myth: Contacts can get lost behind your eye.
Fact: A thin membrane prevents anything from moving behind your eye.
- Myth: Contacts are uncomfortable.
Fact: Modern lenses are made from breathable, moisture-retaining materials. Most patients forget they’re even wearing them.
- Myth: They’re too expensive.
Fact: With daily, bi-weekly, and monthly options, there’s a solution for every budget.
- Myth: Contacts aren’t safe.
Fact: With proper care and exams, contacts are safe and effective for millions of people worldwide.
The Lifestyle Upgrade with Contact Lenses
Many patients who switch from glasses to contacts notice:
- More confidence in professional and social settings.
- Easier participation in sports and outdoor activities.
- Greater fashion freedom with sunglasses and accessories.
- A more natural, frame-free appearance.
Contacts don’t just correct your vision,they give you flexibility and freedom.
Why Eye Exams Are Essential for Contact Lens Wearers
Even if you’ve worn the same lenses for years, regular exams are essential. At your appointment, our Maryland optometrists will:
- Check your corneal health.
- Ensure your lenses fit properly.
- Update your prescription as needed.
- Detect early signs of infection or eye disease.
Skipping exams may mean missing small but important changes that can affect long-term vision.
How Visual Eyes Group Can Help
With six convenient Maryland locations in Silver Spring, Hyattsville, Greenbelt, Clinton, Mitchellville, and Frederick, Visual Eyes Group provides:
- Comprehensive eye exams
- Custom contact lens fittings
- Education on safe lens wear
- Wide selection of lens types and brands
- Ongoing support for eye health
Whether you’re new to contact lenses or a long-time wearer, our team ensures you enjoy clear, comfortable, and safe vision every day.
Take the Next Step This Contact Lens Safety Month
Your eyes are too valuable to take chances with. Contact lenses are safe and life-changing—but only when used properly.
This Contact Lens Safety Month, make the commitment:
- Practice good hygiene.
- Replace lenses as directed.
- Never ignore symptoms.
- Always schedule your yearly exam.
At Visual Eyes Group, our doctors are ready to help you enjoy the freedom and confidence of contact lenses while protecting your vision for the future.
Visit us at any of our 6 Maryland locations: Silver Spring, Hyattsville, Greenbelt, Clinton, Mitchellville, Frederick
Call us today at (301) 324-9500
Or book online at www.visualeyesgroup.com
Don’t wait your vision deserves the best care.