Wearing contact lenses offers the convenience of clear vision without the need for glasses. But one common question is: how long can you safely wear contact lenses? The answer depends on the type of contact lenses, your eye health, and your personal habits.
Types of Contact Lenses and Their Wear Time
Daily Wear Contacts
Daily wear lenses are designed for short-term use, typically for 8-16 hours a day. After that, they should be discarded or, if reusable, cleaned and stored. These lenses are not suitable for overnight wear, as this can block oxygen from reaching your eyes, leading to infections or discomfort.
Extended Wear Contacts
Extended wear lenses are designed for continuous use, even during sleep, for up to 7 days. Some brands allow up to 30 days of continuous wear, but overnight use increases the risk of infection. It’s important to follow your eye doctor’s guidance on how long you should wear these lenses.
Disposable Lenses
Disposable lenses come in daily, bi-weekly, or monthly varieties. Daily disposables should be discarded after a single use, while bi-weekly and monthly lenses can be reused with proper cleaning and storage for their recommended duration.
Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Lenses
RGP lenses are more durable and allow more oxygen to reach your eyes. While they can be worn for extended periods during the day, they should be removed before sleeping to avoid eye complications.
Can You Wear Contact Lenses Every Day?
Yes, you can wear contact lenses every day, provided you follow the wear schedule for your specific type of lenses. However, it’s important to give your eyes a break. Wearing contact lenses continuously without rest can lead to irritation and dryness, especially if you’re using lenses that aren’t designed for extended wear. It’s a good idea to have a pair of glasses available to give your eyes a rest from time to time. Daily disposables can be an excellent choice for people who want a fresh pair every day, minimizing the risk of infections.
What Happens If You Wear Contacts for Too Long?
Oxygen Deprivation: Contacts, especially older types, can reduce the amount of oxygen reaching the cornea, which can cause eye strain, redness, and even more severe conditions like corneal hypoxia.
Dryness and Irritation: Extended wear can cause your eyes to become dry and irritated, leading to discomfort or a burning sensation.
Infections: Prolonged wear, especially if lenses are not properly cleaned, increases the risk of eye infections such as keratitis.
Corneal Ulcers: In extreme cases, over-wearing contacts can lead to corneal ulcers, which are painful sores on the cornea that may result in vision loss if left untreated.
If you notice redness, pain, or persistent discomfort, remove your lenses immediately and consult your eye care professional.
What Happens If You Reuse Your Daily Contacts?
Daily disposable contact lenses are designed for single-use only. Reusing them can expose your eyes to several risks:
Increased Risk of Infection: After a full day of wear, daily lenses collect debris, protein, and bacteria. Reusing them without proper cleaning can introduce harmful microorganisms into your eyes, leading to infections like conjunctivitis or keratitis.
Decreased Lens Integrity: Daily contacts are made from thinner, more fragile materials compared to reusable lenses. Reusing them can cause small tears or surface damage, which could scratch your cornea and result in discomfort or serious eye problems.
Reduced Comfort: Since daily lenses aren't meant to retain moisture for more than a day, reusing them can cause dryness and discomfort, leading to irritation or redness in your eyes.
While contact lenses are a fantastic option for vision correction, it’s essential to wear them responsibly. Follow the wear time recommended for your lenses, practice good hygiene, and listen to your eyes.
