There are 64 percent wear glasses and 11 percent of them wear contact lenses. Yes, there is a huge market for eye care providers. However, not all eye doctors are created equal.
There are many common eye care errors that even the best eye doctor appointment might make. So, how do you know if you have a killer prescription or an infected eye? The truth is, you have to know what to watch out for.
Today, we are breaking down three of the most common eye issues. Want to learn more? Keep reading to discover everything you need to know!
- Rubbing and Touching Your Eyes
This can irritate your eyes and spread harmful bacteria, leading to excessive redness, itching, inflammation, and even infections. To avoid this error, it is important to keep your hands clean. If and when you must touch your eyes, always use clean hands or a tissue.
Also, do not touch cosmetics, creams, or any other products that come in contact with your eyes without properly washing your hands first. Lastly, do not rub your eyes with force because this can damage the delicate structures around and in your eyes.
- Using Expired Drops and Solutions
Bacterial contamination can occur after the expiration date, so it’s important to check the date before each use. It’s also important to never share eye care products, even with family members, as this increases the risk of contamination. To ensure maximum benefit, use a solution that is no older than four weeks old and avoid keeping them in warm or damp places.
To further reduce your risk, look for preservative-free products that are typically replaced more often, such as contact lenses. Finally, always wash your hands before touching your eyes and when handling eye care products.
- Using Non-Prescribed Eye Drops
Using the wrong kind of Eye Drops or administering the wrong dose can cause various forms of irritation and inflammation. Additionally, always clean and rinse the area around your eyes before administering them. Make sure you use the eye drops properly, following the directions of your doctor or pharmacist.
Only use eye drops that are recommended by your ophthalmologist as these are designed specifically for the individual; avoid using “over-the-counter” drops. Finally, always ensure that the eye drops are opened and used properly; if they are not, they could cause an infection. Contact your optometrist today to discuss preventative eye care and peripapillary atrophy screenings.
- Sleeping in Contact Lenses
This can cause serious, permanent damage to the eyes. Not only can bacteria build up and cause an eye infection, but the lenses can strip the eyes of their natural moisture and cause corneal abrasions. It is important to avoid sleeping with contact lenses to protect one’s eyesight.
The first step is to make sure that there is proper cleaning, disinfection, and cleaning solution on the contact lenses. Additionally, it is important to wear contact lenses that are designed specifically for sleeping and to follow the expiration date on the labels of the products.
Keep Your Eyes Healthy To Avoid Common Eye Care Errors
Overall, taking care of our eyes is an essential part of leading a full, healthy life. Avoiding common eye care errors is easy by covering up, getting regular eye exams, and wearing proper eye protection when appropriate. If any vision difficulties or changes in your eyes occur, be sure to talk with your eye doctor right away.
Don’t delay! Visit your ophthalmologist today to ensure healthy vision.
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