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Contact Lens Wearers At Risk Of Infection, Says CDC

PUTNAM COUNTY, N.Y. – Almost every wearer of contact lenses is doing it wrong, according to a recent Centers for Disease Control (CDC) poll.

According to the Centers For Disease Control, the majority of contact lens wearers increase their risk of eye infection by engaging in certain behaviors.

According to the Centers For Disease Control, the majority of contact lens wearers increase their risk of eye infection by engaging in certain behaviors.

Photo Credit: Centers For Disease Control

An eye-popping 99 percent of those polled were found to have engaged in behavior that could increase their chances of an eye infection.

82 percent of those polled used their lens case longer than recommended, while 55 percent topped off their solution instead of getting a fresh batch and 50 percent slept with their lenses in.

“We are finding that many wearers are unclear about how to properly wear and care for contact lenses," said CDC epidemiologist Jennifer Cope in a statement.

The CDC estimated that 41 million people across the country wear lenses.

The survey, a joint effort with researchers from the Contact Lens Assessment in Youth (CLAY), found that a third of those polled had gone to the doctor with some sort of redness or eye discomfort.

Simple methods to better care for the lenses include rub and rinse them when taken out, replacing the lens case every three months and don't sleep with lenses in.

For more information on good practice, go online to www.cdc.gov/contactlenses.

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