Common Contact Lens Mistakes Students Make

Common Contact Lens Mistakes Students Make

At University Optometric Center, we love seeing our student patients thrive—whether it’s acing an exam, discovering a new favorite coffee shop, or finally figuring out how to use the laundry machines in their dorm. But when it comes to contact lenses, students often learn through… less-than-ideal trial and error.

So, let’s unravel the most common contact lens blunders college students make, and how to avoid them, with a touch of whimsical wisdom.
 

1. The “Nap Attack” with Lenses In

It starts innocently enough: a quick study break turns into a 3-hour nap, and—oops—you wake up with lenses glued to your eyes. Sleeping in lenses (unless specially designed for overnight wear) reduces oxygen supply to your cornea, increasing risk of infection and irritation. Moral of the story? If you feel your eyelids getting heavy, give your eyes the same break you give your brain.
 

2. Water Isn’t Your Friend

It might feel harmless to rinse your lenses with tap water or to shower wearing them, but water can harbor Acanthamoeba—a microscopic critter that can cause severe eye infections. Contact lenses belong in solution only. Think of your lens case as a five-star hotel, and water as the questionable roadside motel.
 

3. Skipping the Rub-and-Rinse Ritual

Between classes, labs, and late-night snacks, students are tempted to cut corners. One common casualty? Properly cleaning lenses. Even if you’re using multipurpose solution, a quick rub-and-rinse removes protein deposits and keeps your vision sharp.

4. Overstaying Their Welcome

Wearing lenses past their replacement schedule is like trying to stretch one more semester out of your student ID for discounts. The lenses may look fine, but microscopic damage builds up, compromising comfort and safety. If your lenses are labeled “two weeks,” they mean 14 days of wear—not “whenever they feel uncomfortable.”

5. Mixing and Matching Products

Using random drops, expired solution, or topping off old solution in the case? These shortcuts can invite eye irritation or worse. Stick to recommended solutions, and remember: lens hygiene is not the place to experiment.

The Bright Side

Avoiding these pitfalls is simple with a bit of awareness. Think of contact lenses as your study buddies—they help you see clearly, but only if you treat them right. When in doubt, ask your optometrist (that’s us!) for guidance.

Contact our University Optometric Center team in Irvine or Newport Beach at (949)-854-7122 or (949) 476-2870 to schedule your next eye exam and keep your lenses (and your eyes) in top shape.