Here’s a look at the things you shouldn’t do if you wear contact lenses.

The general mistake most people make is sleeping in their contact lenses.

You might feel relieved that your contact lenses are FDA-approved for sleep."

woman inserting a contact lens

As it turns out, you shouldn’t use that as an excuse, ophthalmologists say.

Danielle Richardson, O.D., agrees.

A variety of factors can contribute to contact lens irritation, so you shouldn’t ignore it.

woman sleeping wearing sleep mask

If discomfort continues, take it out again and take a closer look.

The lens might be torn, which could be the reason for your discomfort.

If this is the case, throw it away.

woman rubbing her eyes

If you could’t find anything wrong with the lens, it’s time to contact your optometrist.

Even if you’ve been wearing contacts for years, you should remain vigilant.

“Would you go days without brushing yourteethor wear the same underwear for days without washing?”

woman putting in contact lens

Well, of course not!

If that’s not enough to put you off, your risk of infection also increases.

“Lens materials start to break down after their approved wear period,” Ann Morrison, O.D.

woman dispending soap into her hand

This means bacteria can drop your eyes more easily.

Bacteria are everywhere, and the last thing you want to do is transfer them to your eyes.

Bacteria are really smart, and they move all around," MacRae cautions.

woman pouring contact lens solution

Doing this almost guarantees that you’ll develop an eye infection.

Reusing this solution means you’re simply plunging your lenses back into bacteria instead of cleaning them.

The contact lens solution you use can significantly impact your eye health.

woman rubbing eyes

These extra ingredients found in multipurpose solutions tend to trigger allergic reactions in some people.

These lenses are often prescribed due to their ability to allow more oxygen to pass to the eyes.

Don’t ignore it if you experience irritation after switching to new lenses or solutions.

woman in swimming pool

Pay a visit to your optometrist so they can help find the cause.

The most significant danger, however, is developing Acanthamoeba Keratitis.

Therefore, it’s best to have your eyes checked out every year.

woman blowing her nose

So even though the case seems clean, it’s really a breeding ground for bacteria.

So get ready to rub; the health of your eyes depends on it.

You should, however, only apply makeup after you’ve inserted your contacts.

woman undergoing an eye exam

This will also prevent irritation and is a great way to prevent infection.

To keep your lenses and eyes in good shape, you’ll have to get picky about your makeup.

This is a recipe for trouble.

contact lens case

The same goes for mascaras that contain fibers.

you’ve got the option to also opt for cream shadows instead.

Last but not least, check whether the eye makeup you buy has been ophthalmologist-tested and is hypo-allergenic.

woman rubbing contacts with finger

You use regular eyedrops

It’s certainly understandable if you thought all eye drops were the same.

As it turns out, wearing contact lenses means you oughta start reading the labels.

Check the ingredient list if you’re unsure whether eye drops are safe to use with contacts.

woman inserting a contact lens

Some preservatives can severely harm your eyes if you wear contacts.

According toVerywell Health, the best eye drops for contact lens wearers are rewetting eye drops.

woman applying mascara

woman using eye drops