Improper contact lens use causes millions of eye infections

Millions of people misuse contact lenses -- wearing them too long, not cleaning them properly -- and that causes almost a million cases of eye infection the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), reports.

These infections are clinically known as keratitis, an infection of the cornea, the clear dome that covers the colored part of the eye. Keratitis can cause pain and inflammation and, in severe cases, even blindness, according to experts. Keratitis can be a scary infection, but it is preventable if people follow healthy habits and take care of their eyes and their lenses, experts opined.

Some bad habits, such as sleeping with contact lenses, failing to clean and replace lens solution frequently, and letting contact lenses get wet while swimming or in the shower, greatly raises the risk for keratitis.

To prevent keratitis the CDC recommends:

•  Washing hands with soap and water before touching contact lenses.
•  Removing contacts before bed, showering or swimming.
•  Rubbing and rinsing contacts in disinfecting solution after taking them out.
•  Rubbing and rinsing the contact lens case with contact lens solution, drying the case and keeping it upside down with the caps off.
•  Replacing lens cases at least every three months.