Are you wearing and caring for your contact lenses properly?

As many as 45 million people in the U.S. depend on contact lenses to correct their vision, and many don't have a problem with the lenses for years. And yet, many contact wearers don't take the necessary time and effort to properly care for their lenses so the end up with eye infections, which can be avoided.

Posted 12:51 p.m. Mar 15, 2018 — Updated 3:08 p.m. Mar 15, 2018

RALEIGH, N.C. — As many as 45 million people in the U.S. depend on contact lenses to correct their vision, and experts say many of the wearers don't experience problems with the lenses for years. And yet, many contact wearers don't take the necessary time and effort to properly care for their lenses so the end up with eye infections, which can be avoided.

Thatiana Medina makes sure she gets regular eye check-ups after she ended up with a scratched cornea.

I forgot to take off my contact lens before going to bed," Medina said.

Consumer Reports says sleeping while wearing contacts can increase the chances of an eye infection by eight times. Experts say taking a nap while wearing contacts can be risky.

Other risks to avoid:

Don't rinse the contact lenses with regular tap water. It's rare, but it could contain a vision threatening parasite.
For the same reason don't swim without wearing eye goggles.
And don't wear the lenses in a hot tub.
Do't use week- or month-long lenses longer than recommended. Daily wear contacts are more expensive but Consumer Reports says it might be worth it.

"Less handling can help make single use lenses a bit safer than those you use multiple times," Interlandi,said.

Wearers shouldn't have to purchase as much disinfecting solution with single day lenses, and if you prevent just one infection you're ahead of the game.

Consumers should ensure they have completely emptied the contact lens case every time a wearer removes their contacts. It's also good to replace your case every time you finish a bottle of disinfecting solution.

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