Everyone makes mistakes with their first pair of colored contacts. Most of those mistakes are harmless. A few can damage your eyes or shorten the life of your lenses. Here are the five most common and how to avoid each one.
1. Inserting the Lens Inside Out
An inside-out lens feels scratchy and moves with every blink. Place the lens on your fingertip. If the edges flare outward like a saucer, flip it. If they curve up like a bowl, it is correctly oriented. Check every time — even experienced wearers occasionally put a lens in backwards.
2. Not Replacing Solution Every Night
Topping off old solution is the most common shortcut and the most common cause of lens contamination. Dump the case completely. Rinse with fresh solution. Fill with fresh solution. Every night.
3. Wearing Lenses Past Their Replacement Schedule
The 180-day clock starts when you open the blister pack. It does not pause when you skip a day of wear. Mark the opening date on the package and replace the lenses on schedule. Read about expiration here.
4. Rubbing Your Eyes With Lenses In
Rubbing your eyes shifts the lens, grinds any debris against your cornea, and can tear the lens edge. If your eye itches, remove the lens, address the itch, and reinsert.
5. Buying From Unregulated Sellers to Save Money
The most expensive mistake is not paying a few dollars more for regulated lenses. It is paying for an urgent care visit after wearing lenses made of unknown materials. Learn to spot fake lenses. Shop FDA-registered colored contacts.