Another problem is exposure to pollution, smoke, dust or pollen. Lenses tend to collect even smallest particles from air. This causes discomfort and, quite often, inflammation of cornea. If you feel that there is something stuck between your eye and lens, take your lens off immediately and wash both lens and your eye. See additional eye health suggestions.

Sleeping in your contact lenses isn't recommended. Contact lens manufacturers realize that people would very much like to have a lens that they can wear continuously for several days. They put a lot of research into producing such lenses: for example, Focus Night and Day is said to be safe for 30 days of continuous wear, and Acuvue is designed to be worn for a week.

However, from your health point of view it is better to be safe than sorry; don't sleep in your lenses. Of course, if you live in mountains where air is crystal clear, wearing your lenses for several days might be all right. But most of us live in polluted cities and travel a couple hours a day through peak hour traffic. Just imagine all that dust collecting between delicate surface of your eye and a lens for a week, or a month … It's not a pleasant thought, is it?

Early symptoms of keratitis are blurry vision (while wearing lenses) and discomfort when exposed to light. If you notice these signs, don't wear your lenses and see a doctor.

After reading this article you probably think that soft contact lenses are dangerous and you are better off with your old glasses. Please don't. Modern brand-name contact lenses are designed to minimize risks and, if they are properly fitted, worn according to schedule and properly cared for, they are quite safe. The most important thing is to follow advice given above and see your eye doctor immediately, if you start to feel discomfort.