You’re wearing contact lenses the wrong way

Researchers have found different bacteria in the eyes of contact lens-wearers. Photo: Getty

Contact lens wearers know the rules: don’t leave them in for too long and wash them properly and often.

But a new study is a timely reminder why it’s so important to wash your hands before popping in your lenses: people who wear contact lenses have different types of bacteria in their eyes than non-users.

Microbiologists from New York University found that putting foreign objects in eyes change the microbiome. During the small-scale study, researchers swabbed the eyes of 20 subjects (nine wore contact lenses) and found those who wore contacts had four different kinds of bacteria to none contact wearers; one bacteria was connected eye ulcers. We know: gross.

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If you do wear contacts, follow these rules to keep your eyes as clear as possible.

Replace your lenses as directed: Stretching your daily lenses to two days, or your weeklies to a fortnight is not a good move. It’s like inviting your eyes to have an infection.

Keep backup glasses handy: the best way to avoid infection is to give your eyes a rest. Wear contact lenses only during workdays, and limit them to 12 hours at most. And never go swimming in contacts – pool water can be teeming in infectious bacteria.

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Wash your contact case daily and replace every three months: They might look clean, but contact lens cases can be swimming in bacteria.

Proper care will reduce your risk of cornea inflammation or infection. But if you do suffer any symptoms including irritation, redness, pain or eye discharge - remove your contacts and head straight to an eye health professional.

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