Nearly All Contact Lens Wearers Do It Wrong, Says CDC

WESTCHESTER COUNTY, N.Y. – Nearly every contact lens wearer in a recent poll admitted to engaging in behavior that increases the chance of an eye infection, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

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*

Jim Barg

08/24/2015 4:00 p.m.

According to the poll, 99 percent of wearers engage in risky behavior with their contact lens. A third of those polled admitted going to doctors due to red or painful eyes.

The most likely risky behavior was using their lens case longer than recommended, a practice 82 percent of those polled engaged in.

Next on the list was topping off solution instead of cleaning out the case (55 percent) and wearing lenses while sleeping (50 percent).

“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.

Estimates put the number of contact lens wearers nationwide at 41 million.

The survey was done in tandem with researchers from the Contact Lens Assessment in Youth (CLAY) group.

Some of the simpler ways to properly care for your eyes and lenses are to take the lenses out before bed, and replace the lens case every three months.

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

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