Are You Making These 7 Common Mistakes with Your Contact Lenses?

  • By Zeliha
  • •
  • 04 Mar, 2025
  • •

Contact lenses have become a popular choice for vision correction, offering convenience and improved aesthetics. However, improper care and handling of contact lenses can lead to serious eye health issues. Avoiding common mistakes is crucial for maintaining eye health and comfort.

contact lenses
Contact lenses have become a popular choice for vision correction, offering convenience and improved aesthetics. However, improper care and handling of contact lenses can lead to serious eye health issues. Avoiding common mistakes is crucial for maintaining eye health and comfort.

1. Not Washing Hands Before Handling Lenses

When you don’t wash your hands before touching your contact lenses, you risk transferring bacteria and other harmful pathogens to your eyes. This can lead to infections such as conjunctivitis. Always wash your hands with soap and water and dry them thoroughly with a lint-free towel before handling your lenses to prevent contamination. For more tips on proper hand hygiene, check out our detailed guide here.

2. Sleeping in Contact Lenses

Sleeping in contact lenses, unless they are specifically designed for overnight wear, can significantly increase the risk of eye infections and corneal damage. The lack of oxygen in your eyes can lead to serious conditions such as corneal ulcers. For those who find it inconvenient to remove lenses every night, consider extended-wear lenses that are approved for overnight use, but always consult with your eye care professional first.

3. Using Tap Water or Saliva to Clean Lenses

Using tap water or saliva to clean your lenses is a major mistake. Tap water can contain microorganisms that are harmful to your eyes, and saliva is full of bacteria. Always use sterile contact lens solution to clean and store your lenses. This helps to properly disinfect the lenses and maintain eye health.

4. Overwearing Lenses Beyond the Recommended Time

Wearing contact lenses longer than recommended can cause discomfort, dryness, and increase the risk of eye infections. Each type of contact lens has a specific wear schedule designed to keep your eyes healthy. Stick to this schedule, whether it’s daily, bi-weekly, or monthly disposables, and replace your lenses as instructed. For more information on the risks of overwearing, visit this resource.

5. Ignoring the Lens Case Hygiene

A dirty lens case can harbour bacteria and fungi, leading to eye infections. Clean your lens case regularly with contact lens solution, not water, and let it air dry. Replace your lens case every three months or as recommended by your eye care provider to ensure it remains hygienic. Our guide on lens case hygiene offers step-by-step instructions.

6. Skipping Regular Eye Exams

Regular eye exams are essential for monitoring your eye health and ensuring your contact lens prescription is up to date. During these exams, your eye care professional can detect early signs of potential problems and address them before they become serious. Don’t skip these important check-ups, even if your vision seems fine. Schedule your next eye exam with us here.

7. Using Expired Lenses or Solutions

Using expired contact lenses or solutions can be detrimental to your eye health. Expired products may not be sterile, increasing the risk of infections. Always check expiration dates and make sure to replace your lenses and solutions as needed. Keeping track of these dates can help you avoid unnecessary risks.

Conclusion

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can enjoy comfortable and healthy vision. Remember to wash your hands, avoid sleeping in your lenses, use the proper cleaning solutions, follow the recommended wear schedule, maintain lens case hygiene, attend regular eye exams, and never use expired products.

Avoid these common mistakes and enjoy a comfortable, healthy vision with our expert tips. Schedule an appointment with us today for personalised advice!

Barking and Dagenham Business Awards: Proudly Celebrating with Our Community

By proadAccountId-420323 • June 20, 2025

We were honoured to once again be part of the Barking and Dagenham Chamber of Commerce Awards this year—a vibrant celebration of local enterprise, innovation, and community spirit. For the third time, we joined fellow businesses from across the borough to recognise the outstanding contributions being made to our local economy and community.

This year's event was particularly special for the Care Optics family. We were thrilled to be shortlisted for the Green Business Award, a recognition that speaks to our deep commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility in all that we do.

The highlight of the evening was seeing our very own Director receive the prestigious Businessman of the Year award. This is an incredible honour and a powerful testament to his leadership, vision, and unwavering dedication to both our company and the community we serve.

A Legacy of Excellence

This year’s successes build on a proud history of recognition from the Chamber of Commerce. Our team’s dedication to excellence has been consistently acknowledged, and we are humbled by the commendations we've received over the years, including:

  • Business of the Year (Winner, 2023)
  • Employer of the Year (Winner, 2023)
  • Training, Developing and Supporting Education (Winner, 2023)
  • The Judges’ Award (2024)
  • Customer Service
  • Charity and Community Impact
  • Innovation through the Use of Digital Media

Each award and nomination is a reflection of our team's collective hard work and our mission to deliver exceptional care and service. We believe a strong business is built on a foundation of community support, innovation, and a commitment to nurturing talent.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the winners and nominees of the evening. We are inspired to be in the company of such incredible local businesses and look forward to many more years of growth, impact, and celebration within Barking and Dagenham.

Myopia Control: What Every Parent Should Know to Protect Their Child’s Vision

By proadAccountId-420323 • June 5, 2025

As parents, we want to give our children every possible advantage—from a great education to a healthy diet and a safe environment. But one thing that often gets overlooked is their eye health. And when it comes to children’s vision, Myopia—commonly known as short-sightedness—is becoming more common than ever. At Care Optics, we specialise in Myopia Control, helping children maintain clearer vision and a brighter future.

Let’s explore what Myopia is, how to spot it in your child, and the amazing ways we can help manage and slow its progression.


Experience the future of eyewear with Ray-Ban | Meta smart glasses

By proadAccountId-420323 • May 5, 2025

Here at Care Optics, with our friendly teams in both Woodford and Dagenham, we're always on the lookout for the latest and greatest innovations to bring to your eyewear experience. And let me tell you, we're absolutely buzzing to announce our newest arrival: the revolutionary  Ray-Ban | Meta smart glasses!

Imagine seamlessly blending iconic style with cutting-edge technology. Well, stop imagining, because these incredible glasses are here, and we're thrilled to be able to offer them to you. Get ready to step into the future of eyewear!

Your Questions Answered: The Care Optics Opticians FAQ

By proadAccountId-420323 • April 28, 2025
Questions answered, about eye tests, hearing tests. Services available in Dagenham and Eye care in Woodford.

Is Poor Vision Affecting My Child’s Performance?

By proadAccountId-420323 • April 14, 2025
Children may not always realise they have a vision problem. They assume everyone sees the way they do, which is why early detection is key and an early diagnosis will not just help your child's vision long term, but will also help them develop.

How Can You Tell If Your Glasses Prescription Is Wrong?

By Zeliha • March 19, 2025
Experiencing headaches, blurry vision, or eye strain? Your glasses prescription might be wrong. Learn the signs and what to do about it. Read more at Care Optics!

Pterygium - What is it?

By Monica Coelho • February 27, 2025
Find out more on Pterygium. What causes Pterygium? How to treat Pterygium?

Are Contact Lenses Better for You Than Glasses? | Opticians in Dagenham & Woodford

By Zeliha • February 24, 2025
Contact lenses vs glasses – which is better? Find out the pros and cons from expert opticians in Dagenham & Woodford at Care Optics. Book your eye test today!

The Digital Eye Strain Epidemic: Protecting Your Eyes in a Digital World

By Care Optics • February 19, 2025
Spending too much time staring at screens? Learn how to combat digital eye strain with tips & solutions from Care Optics. Protect your vision in the digital age!

February: Shine a Light on Eye Health – AMD and Low Vision Awareness Month at Care Optics

By Care Optics - • February 19, 2025
February is AMD and Low Vision Awareness Month, a crucial time to focus on eye health and early detection of vision-threatening conditions. Learn about Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD), low vision solutions, and how to protect your sight with expert eyecare at Care Optics in Woodford and Dagenham. Take advantage of our special offers, including 20% off eyewear every Wednesday and discounted eye exams for over-60s before 1pm. Book your appointment today and prioritise your vision health!