How Often Should You Replace Your Contact Lenses? Maintain Your Eye Health with Proper Contact Care
Wearing contact lenses can provide clear vision and freedom from glasses, but it's essential to follow a proper replacement schedule to maintain the health of your eyes. Many contact lens wearers are unaware of the risks that come with wearing lenses longer than recommended, such as eye infections or discomfort. The type of contact lenses you use—whether daily, biweekly, or monthly—determines how often they should be replaced. In this article, we'll explore the different replacement schedules for contact lenses and explain why it's crucial to follow these guidelines for optimal eye health and comfort.
Types of Contact Lenses and Their Replacement Schedules
Contact lenses come in a variety of types, each with its own recommended replacement schedule. Whether you use daily, biweekly, monthly, or extended wear lenses, it's important to follow the guidelines for how often they should be replaced. Wearing lenses longer than recommended can lead to discomfort, vision problems, and even eye infections.
Single-Use Disposable Lenses
Single-use lenses are designed for daily use, offering a fresh, clean pair of lenses every day. These lenses are popular for their convenience and ease of use, especially for those with busy lifestyles. Since they’re discarded after each wear, you don’t have to worry about cleaning or storing them, reducing the risk of infection or discomfort from lens buildup. In fact, single-use lenses have 8 times less adverse effects than reusable contact lenses. However, it’s important to remember that these lenses should never be worn for more than one day, even if they feel comfortable. Replacing them daily ensures your eyes remain healthy and irritation-free.
Biweekly Disposable Lenses
Biweekly disposable lenses are designed to be worn for 14 days before being replaced. After each day’s use, these lenses must be cleaned and stored properly to maintain their integrity and reduce the risk of eye infections. Biweekly lenses are a great option for those who prefer not to replace their lenses every day but still want a more frequent replacement schedule than monthly lenses. However, it's critical to follow the 14-day replacement guideline, as over-wearing these lenses can lead to protein buildup and reduced comfort.
Monthly Disposable Lenses
Monthly disposable lenses are designed for up to 30 days of wear, making them a cost-effective option for regular contact lens users. While they are worn for a longer period than daily or biweekly lenses, it’s crucial to clean and store them properly to prevent bacterial buildup. Monthly lenses offer convenience and flexibility, but they should always be replaced after the 30-day mark. Wearing them beyond this time can compromise your vision and eye health, increasing the risk of infections and discomfort.
Extended Wear Lenses
Extended wear lenses are specially designed to be worn continuously, even overnight, for a specific number of days, typically ranging from one week to a month. While these lenses can provide convenience, allowing you to wake up with clear vision, they also come with a higher risk of infection due to prolonged wear without removal. If you use extended wear lenses, it’s crucial to follow your optometrist’s guidance on when to replace them. Over-wearing these lenses, especially beyond the recommended period, can lead to serious eye health issues, including corneal ulcers.
Signs You May Need to Replace Your Lenses Early
Even if you’re following the recommended replacement schedule for your contact lenses, there are times when you may need to replace them sooner than expected. Keeping an eye on how your lenses feel and how your eyes look can help you identify when it’s time for a fresh pair.
Discomfort or Irritation: One of the most obvious signs that your lenses need to be replaced is discomfort or irritation in your eyes. If your lenses feel dry, itchy, or gritty, even after proper cleaning, it could be time to replace them. Lenses accumulate debris, allergens, or protein deposits that lead to discomfort, and continuing to wear them in this state can cause more serious issues like eye infections or inflammation.
Blurry or Cloudy Vision: Your contact lenses should sharpen your vision. If you notice that your vision is becoming blurry or cloudy while wearing your lenses, this could be a sign that they need to be replaced. Protein buildup or small tears in the lenses can interfere with your ability to see clearly and using them beyond their optimal lifespan can worsen your vision over time.
Redness or Swelling: Redness or swelling of the eyes is often a sign of irritation or infection, which could be caused by wearing lenses past their prime. If your eyes appear red or feel swollen even after taking out your lenses, it’s essential to stop wearing them and replace them with a fresh pair.
Visible Damage to the Lenses: Contact lenses are delicate, and they can tear or become damaged with handling. If you notice any visible damage, such as tears, scratches, or edges that feel rough, it’s important to replace the lenses immediately. Wearing damaged lenses can cause discomfort and potentially harm the surface of your eyes, leading to serious complications.
Proper Contact Care to Extend the Life of Reusable Lenses
While following the recommended replacement schedule is crucial for maintaining eye health, taking proper care of your reusable contact lenses can help ensure they remain comfortable and effective for the entire duration of their use. Here are some essential practices for cleaning, storing, and handling your lenses to maximize their lifespan and reduce the risk of complications.
Clean Your Lenses Thoroughly
Each time you remove your reusable lenses, it’s important to clean them using a recommended solution. Gently rub the lenses with the solution to remove any buildup of proteins, dirt, and debris that can accumulate throughout the day. Never use water or saliva to clean your lenses, as these can introduce harmful bacteria that could lead to infections. By cleaning your lenses regularly, you’ll help prevent discomfort and ensure your lenses stay clear and comfortable for as long as possible.
Store Lenses in a Case
When not in use, contact lenses should always be stored in a clean, sterile case filled with fresh contact solution. Never reuse old solution, as this can allow bacteria to grow in the case and contaminate your lenses. It’s also essential to replace your lens case every few months to further reduce the risk of contamination. A clean case and fresh solution will keep your lenses safe and ready for wear.
Wash Your Hands Before Handling Lenses
Before touching your lenses, always wash your hands with soap and water to minimize the risk of transferring dirt or bacteria to your eyes. Avoid using moisturizing soaps or lotions before handling your lenses, as residue from these products can stick to the lenses and cause irritation. Clean, dry hands are a simple yet effective way to protect both your lenses and your eyes.
Follow the Manufacturer's Guidelines
Different types of lenses may have specific care instructions, so it’s important to follow the guidelines provided by your optometrist or the lens manufacturer. This includes using the correct type of contact solution, cleaning method, and storage practices. By adhering to these instructions, you’ll extend the life of your lenses and minimize the risk of issues like discomfort, blurred vision, or infection.
Avoid Overwearing Your Lenses
Even with proper care, it’s important to avoid wearing your lenses beyond the recommended duration. Overwearing your lenses can lead to a buildup of deposits, reduced oxygen flow to the eyes, and increased risk of irritation or infection. Stick to your lens replacement schedule, and if your lenses start to feel uncomfortable before the replacement date, it’s better to switch to a fresh pair early.
What Happens If You Don't Replace Your Lenses on Time?
Failing to replace contact lenses on time can lead to a range of eye health issues, from mild discomfort to more serious, long-term complications. Even if your lenses feel fine past their recommended replacement date, continuing to wear them can put your eyes at risk. Here are some of the potential consequences of not replacing your lenses on time:
Eye Irritation and Discomfort: Over time, contact lenses can accumulate deposits of proteins, lipids, and debris from your tears and environment. These deposits can make the lenses feel less smooth, causing irritation, dryness, or a gritty sensation. Even if you clean your lenses regularly, wearing them beyond their intended lifespan can lead to a noticeable decline in comfort, making it harder to wear them for extended periods.
Blurred or Cloudy Vision: As lenses degrade or collect buildup, they can become cloudy or less effective at providing clear vision. Wearing lenses for too long can result in hazy or blurry eyesight, impacting your ability to see clearly throughout the day. Additionally, small scratches or tears that develop in overworn lenses can distort your vision, making tasks like reading or driving more difficult.
Increased Risk of Eye Infections: One of the most serious risks of not replacing contact lenses on time is the heightened chance of developing an eye infection. Bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms can build up on lenses over time, especially when they aren’t replaced regularly. These microorganisms can lead to infections such as keratitis, which can cause redness, pain, discharge, and even long-term damage to your cornea if left untreated.
Reduced Oxygen Supply to the Eyes: Contact lenses naturally limit the amount of oxygen that reaches your eyes, but modern lenses are designed to allow sufficient airflow to keep your eyes healthy. However, as lenses age, they can become less breathable, further reducing oxygen flow to your cornea. This can cause a condition known as corneal hypoxia, which may lead to redness, swelling, and even more serious complications if oxygen deprivation persists.
Corneal Ulcers and Long-Term Damage: In the most severe cases, wearing lenses for too long can lead to the development of corneal ulcers—painful open sores on the surface of your eye. Corneal ulcers can cause extreme discomfort, sensitivity to light, and a risk of permanent vision loss if not treated promptly. While ulcers are rare, they are more likely to occur when lenses are not replaced as directed, highlighting the importance of adhering to your replacement schedule.
Find the Best Contacts for You at Clarkson Eyecare
Replacing your contact lenses on time is essential for maintaining the health and comfort of your eyes. Whether you use daily, biweekly, monthly, or extended wear lenses, following the recommended replacement schedule helps prevent discomfort, infections, and long-term damage. By staying on top of your replacement schedule and practicing good lens hygiene, you’ll enjoy clear vision and healthy eyes.
Each person is different, and it can be difficult to find the best type of contacts for your needs and preferences. The experts at Clarkson Eyecare can provide personalized guidance and ensure you get the contacts that are best for you. Schedule your contact lens exam today to get started.