Countless people around the world wear daily disposable contact lenses or dailies. These popular single-use lenses are removed and discarded at the end of each day, and a new, fresh pair is inserted the next morning. Used properly, dailies promote eye health, and they're comfortable and convenient.

Despite the many advantages associated with wearing daily disposables, there are plenty of ways you can damage your eyes and vision — some you may never have considered.

1. Don't Touch Contacts with Dirty Hands

Before touching your lenses, make sure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. By touching your contact lenses with dirty hands, you transfer bacteria to your lenses, which can lead to an infection.

2. Don't Expose Your Contacts to Water

Any source of water, whether tap, pool, or lake water, can change the shape of your lenses and cause micro-abrasions on your cornea. The water may also contain bacteria that can wreak havoc on your eye health.

3. Don't Reuse Your Contacts

Daily disposable contacts are designed to be thrown away after every single use. The lens material doesn't allow for repeated disinfecting. The risk of complications and infection is not worth the few saved bucks.

4. Don't Insert a Dropped Contact In Your Eye

If you find yourself dropping a lens into the sink or on the floor, don't bother placing it back in your eye. Doing so can cost you your eye health.

5. Don't Ever Put Contacts In Your Mouth

Your mouth contains bacteria that can infect your eyes once you reinsert your contacts.

6. Don't Overwear Your Daily Lenses

The maximum recommended daily use for any contact lens is 14-16 hours. Your corneas receive oxygen from the air, and wearing them for extended periods can significantly reduce the amount of oxygen your eyes receive.

7. Don't Sleep With Your Lenses

Daily lenses should never be worn overnight. You're risking your sight by sleeping in a lens that's not approved for overnight use.

8. Don't Insert Contacts Before Completing Your Morning Routine

Avoid inserting your contacts before you shower or wash your face, since you risk exposing your lenses to tap water and bacteria.

9. Don't Get Makeup On Your Contacts

Insert your contacts before applying makeup, because any makeup residue on your hands can easily transfer to your lenses.

10. Don't Wear Contact Lenses If Your Eyes Are Irritated

If your eyes feel irritated, uncomfortable, or if you notice any pain or redness, don't power through. Contact your eye doctor if symptoms last.

11. Don't Rub Your Eyes

If your eyes feel itchy or dry, rubbing can lead to long-term ocular issues. Your eye doctor can recommend eye drops to relieve any discomfort.

If you have any questions or are interested in finding out more about contact lenses, contact Optique Family Vision Care in Springfield today.