How Long Can You Wear Contact Lenses For?
12th Aug 2024
If you get a feeling of relief after you take off your contact lens at the end of the day, chances are that you have been wearing them for too long. And you are not alone in this. Most users of contact lenses tend to overwear them. This can prove risky for the eyes in the long run. So how long is too long to wear contact lenses?
Every contact lens wearer should know two key things: the maximum duration for daily wear and how long you can use contact lenses before needing to replace them.
Types of contact lenses (by length of wear)
1. Daily Disposable Contact Lenses
Daily disposable contacts are designed to be worn for one day and discarded each night. This means you don’t need to worry about care solutions or cleaning routines.
Their single-use nature makes them ideal for first-time wearers or those with active lifestyles, as they offer an effortless and hygienic option.
2. 2-Week or (Bi-Weekly) Contact Lenses
These lenses require daily cleaning and overnight storage in a lens solution to ensure they remain safe and hygienic.
Designed for two-week use, these contacts need simple daily care, making them a good balance between convenience and long-term wear.
Suitable for users who prefer a routine but not the daily hassle of single-use lenses.
3. Monthly Contact Lenses
With basic daily cleaning and overnight storage in a lens solution, monthly contact lenses can be kept for up to a month.
Monthly contacts are perfect for those who prefer fewer replacements and don’t mind a bit of responsibility to keep their lenses clean and safe.
It is ideal for those who want a cost-effective solution with minimal daily maintenance.
Contact lens wear time for disposable contacts
Generally, it is recommended that you wear your contact lenses for a maximum period of 8 to 16 hours at a time. After this, they must be cleaned and stored in solution. The period depends on the type of the lenses, the daily wear contact lenses can only be worn for 8-16 hours while extended wear lenses can be worn for a maximum period of 1 week to 4 weeks. But not all eyes can tolerate this continuous wear. Usually, your optometrist will guide you regarding the proper wearing time during the fitting of your lenses.
Before you opt for any type of contact lenses, it is important to note that the risk of an eye infection increases as the duration of wear increases. Ensuring you follow the cleaning instructions and wearing guidelines will reduce the risk of:
● Corneal ulcers
● Hypoxia
● Corneal stem cell damage
● Chronic inflammation
Common Mistakes in Contact Lens Care
Sleeping with contacts - Unless they are designed for overnight wear, always remove your contacts before sleeping.
Using water to clean lenses - Only use the recommended lens solution; tap water can introduce harmful bacteria.
Extending wear beyond recommended time - Always follow to the recommended replacement schedule to avoid eye health issues.
Skipping hand washing - Wash your hands before handling your lenses to avoid passing dirt and bacteria to your eyes.
Check these articles for further reading:
● Best Daily Contacts in 2024: Beyond 20/20, What’s Next?
● What Are the Best Monthly Contact Lenses Available in 2024
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