October Is Contact Lens Safety Month

October brings pumpkin spice lattes, cozy sweaters, and something else you might not know about— Contact Lens Safety Month. While you're planning your Halloween costume, millions of contact lens wearers are (hopefully) thinking about their eye health too.

But here's something that might surprise you: this awareness month didn't just randomly pop up on the calendar. There's actually a fascinating story behind why October became the designated time to talk about contact lens safety and understanding it might just save your vision.

The Story Behind Contact Lens Safety Month

Contact Lens Safety Month was established by the association known as Prevent Blindness, as observed by the American Optometric Association (AOA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the early 2000s. October was specifically chosen because it coincides with the beginning of the school year when many young people start wearing contacts for the first time, often for sports or social reasons.

The timing wasn't accidental. Eye care professionals noticed a pattern: fall brought an influx of contact lens-related complications, particularly among new wearers who hadn't yet developed proper care habits. By creating awareness during this critical time, health organizations hoped to prevent the dangerous mistakes that were sending people to emergency rooms.

The Numbers That Started It All

The push for Contact Lens Safety Month became urgent when research revealed some alarming statistics. The CDC found that contact lens-related eye infections affect nearly one million Americans each year, with many cases requiring emergency medical care. Even more concerning, studies showed that up to 85% of contact lens wearers engage in at least one risky behavior that could lead to serious eye infections.

These findings weren't just numbers on a page—they represented real people experiencing painful infections, some resulting in permanent vision loss. The medical community knew they had to act, and October became their annual opportunity to educate the public.

The Dangerous Habits You Need to Avoid

Sleeping in Your Contacts: The Ultimate Risk
The dangers of sleeping in contacts cannot be overstated. Even "extended wear" lenses approved for overnight use carry risks. When you sleep in contacts, your eyes don't get the oxygen they desperately need, a condition known as corneal hypoxia, which creates the perfect environment for dangerous bacteria to multiply.

Swimming with Contacts: A Recipe for Infection
Can you shower with contacts? The short answer is no—and swimming is even worse. Water contains microorganisms like Acanthamoeba that can cause devastating infections. These parasites can literally eat away at your cornea, potentially leading to blindness.

Reusing Contact Lens Solution: The False Economy
Reusing contact lens solution might seem harmless, but it's like washing your dishes in dirty water. Fresh solution contains disinfectants that kill harmful microorganisms. Old solution? It's basically a bacterial soup that puts your eyes at serious risk.

Simple Steps for Safer Contact Lens Use

The good news? Preventing contact lens complications is entirely within your control. Here are the essential safety practices every contact lens wearer should follow:

Master the Hand-Washing Ritual
Always wash your hands with soap and dry them with a lint-free towel before touching your contacts. This simple step eliminates most of the bacteria that cause infections.

Follow the "No Water" Rule
Keep all forms of water away from your contacts—no showering, swimming, or even using tap water to rinse them. If you must swim, use daily disposable lenses and throw them away immediately afterward.

Replace Everything on Schedule
Don't stretch your replacement schedule, whether it's daily, weekly, or monthly lenses. Old contacts accumulate protein deposits and bacteria that can harm your eyes.

Your Action Plan for Healthy Contact Lens Use

Contact Lens Safety Month serves as your annual reminder to evaluate your contact lens habits honestly.

Take this month as an opportunity to reset your contact lens routine. Replace your lens case, stock up on fresh solution, and commit to following proper care guidelines. Your future self—and your vision— will thank you.

Remember, contact lenses are medical devices that require respect and proper care. When used correctly, they're incredibly safe and can enhance your quality of life.

This October, honor Contact Lens Safety Month by making your eye health a priority at Stanton Optical where you can even schedule your supply with our Reorder & Save program getting you 10% off on your contact lens order on top of being able to save on deals like our Contact Lens Value Pack—so, you can keep your contact lens safety practices on track, and your budget in the clear!

References:
Prevent Blindness: October Declared as Contact Lens Safety Month by Prevent Blindness
American Optometric Association: How AOA advocacy keeps contact lens wearers fright free
National Library of Medicine: Risk Behaviors for Contact Lens–Related Eye Infections Among Adults and Adolescents