Life without glasses is great
The summer months bring travel, swimming, and a greater sense of freedom – and it’s during this time that people most often become lax with hygiene when wearing contact lenses. A forgotten case, swimming with lenses, or falling asleep without removing them... The result can be eye irritation, pain, or in worse cases, infections that may require medical treatment or even lead to permanent vision damage.
Infections related to improper contact lens use are more common than one might think. According to ophthalmological studies, up to 90% of contact lens wearers break recommended hygiene rules at least once. Many people don’t realise that the eyes are extremely sensitive and highly susceptible to infections, especially when exposed to bacteria from water, dirt from hands, or a contaminated lens case.
All it takes is one evening – after a long day at the beach or on a trip – when you forget to remove your contact lenses or hastily store them in old solution without washing your hands. The next morning, you may wake up with a stinging sensation in your eye, redness, and light sensitivity – typical signs of a developing infection.
“In the summer months, we most often encounter bacterial infections of the cornea or conjunctiva. The main causes are swimming with lenses in, sleeping in them, or poor hygiene when handling them. These infections are often very painful and, if treatment is delayed, can lead to permanent corneal damage,” warns Dr Andrea Janeková, FEBO, FEBOS-CR, Head Surgeon of the Cataract, Refractive, and Vitreoretinal Surgery Centre at Eye Centre Prague.
Many people make avoidable and easily correctable mistakes when using contact lenses:
Not washing hands before handling lenses – bacteria from your hands can easily transfer to the lenses and then to your eyes.
Reusing the same solution for several days – the disinfecting power of the solution decreases, allowing microbes to multiply.
Storing lenses in a contaminated case – the case should be cleaned regularly and replaced often.
Swimming or showering with lenses – water can contain bacteria that get trapped under the lens and cause infections.
Travelling places higher demands on lens hygiene. Since you may not always have access to a clean environment, water, or necessary supplies, it’s important to be prepared. Here are some key tips for taking care of contact lenses when away from home:
Bring enough solution and spare cases – don’t rely on buying them at your destination. In some locations, these products can be hard to find or more expensive.
Wash your hands even in the outdoors – carry hand sanitiser or wet wipes as a backup.
Consider daily disposable lenses – they’re ideal for travel as they don’t require solution or a case. Each day you use a fresh, sterile lens, reducing the risk of infection to nearly zero.
Don’t leave lenses in the sun or heat – high temperatures can affect both the quality of the solution and the lenses themselves.
Avoid wearing lenses while swimming – if you do wear them in the water, use protective swim goggles and replace the lenses with new ones afterwards.
Stick to the recommended wearing time – whether daily, bi-weekly, or monthly lenses, do not exceed the advised duration of use.
If you experience pain, burning, a stinging sensation in the eye, redness, or blurred vision, don’t hesitate – remove your lenses immediately. Allow your eyes to breathe and use over-the-counter eye drops, such as preservative-free artificial tears or products containing eyebright extract, which can help soothe irritation.
If the symptoms don’t improve or get worse, it’s important to see an eye doctor. An untreated infection can have serious consequences, and early treatment significantly increases the chances of a quick recovery.
If you’re repeatedly bothered by discomfort when wearing contact lenses, frequent eye irritation, or infections, there’s no need to simply accept it. Today’s modern eye surgery offers safe and effective ways to get rid of dioptres permanently – without the daily hassle of lenses and without the risks associated with wearing them.
“Laser procedures such as SMILE or femtoLASIK are highly precise, gentle, and suitable for most patients with nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. The result is sharp vision without the daily limitations that come with contact lenses,” explains Dr Janeková. She adds: “For patients with higher prescriptions or those who are not suitable candidates for laser surgery, phakic lens implantation is often an ideal solution. It works like a permanent internal contact lens – without the risk of infection, dry eyes, or fogging.”
These procedures are outpatient, painless, and tailored to each patient’s individual needs. Whether you're seeking relief from contact lens discomfort or simply want more freedom and comfort, permanent vision correction can significantly improve your quality of life.
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