How Often Should You Replace Contact Lenses? Keep Your Eyes Healthy with the Right Care Routine
Contact lenses offer the convenience of clear vision without the need for glasses, but maintaining proper care is essential to protect your eye health. Many people are unaware of the risks associated with wearing their lenses beyond the recommended timeframe, including potential eye infections and discomfort. How often you should replace your lenses depends on the type you use—whether they’re daily, biweekly, or monthly lenses. In this article, we’ll discuss the appropriate replacement schedules for contact lenses and why sticking to these guidelines is key to ensuring your eyes stay healthy and comfortable.
Different Types of Contacts and When to Replace Them
Contact lenses come in various types, each with its own recommended replacement schedule. Whether you use daily, biweekly, monthly, or extended wear lenses, it’s essential to stick to the guidelines for how often they should be replaced. Wearing your lenses longer than advised can result in discomfort, vision problems, and even eye infections.
Single-Use Disposable Lenses
Single-use disposable lenses are designed for single use, providing a fresh, clean pair every day. These lenses are ideal for those with busy lifestyles who prefer the convenience of not needing to clean or store their lenses. Since they are discarded after each wear, the risk of infection or discomfort from lens buildup is significantly reduced—daily lenses are shown to have up to 8 times fewer complications than reusable lenses. However, even if they still feel comfortable, it’s important never to wear daily lenses for more than one day. Replacing them daily is key to keeping your eyes healthy and irritation-free.
Biweekly Disposable Lenses
Biweekly lenses are designed for 14 days of use, after which they should be replaced. These lenses require daily cleaning and proper storage to maintain their quality and reduce the chance of infections. For those who prefer not to replace their lenses every day but want a more frequent change than monthly options, biweekly lenses offer a balanced choice. However, it’s important to stick to the 14-day replacement schedule, as over-wearing can lead to protein buildup, reducing comfort and potentially harming your eyes.
Monthly Disposable Lenses
Monthly lenses are designed for up to 30 days of wear, making them a cost-effective option for regular contact lens users. While they offer the convenience of longer wear, it’s essential to clean and store them properly each day to avoid bacterial buildup. These lenses should always be replaced after 30 days, even if they feel comfortable. Wearing them beyond their recommended period can increase the risk of infections and cause discomfort, compromising your eye health.
Extended Wear Lenses
Extended wear lenses are specially designed to be worn continuously, even overnight, for a set number of days, usually ranging from one week to a full month. While they provide the convenience of waking up with clear vision, they also carry a higher risk of infection due to prolonged wear without removal. If you wear extended wear lenses, it’s crucial to follow your optometrist’s recommendations on how long to keep them in and when to replace them. Over-wearing these lenses, especially beyond the suggested time, can lead to serious eye health problems, such as corneal ulcers.
Signs It May Be Time to Replace Your Lenses Sooner Than Expected
Even if you’re sticking to the recommended replacement schedule for your contact lenses, there may be instances when you need to replace them earlier than planned. Paying attention to how your lenses feel and how your eyes look can help you determine when it’s time for a new pair.
Discomfort or Irritation: One of the clearest 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 switch to a fresh pair. Over time, lenses can accumulate debris, allergens, or protein deposits that cause discomfort, and continuing to wear them in this condition can lead to more serious issues, like infections or eye inflammation.
Blurry or Cloudy Vision: Your contact lenses should provide clear vision. If you notice that your vision is becoming blurry or cloudy while wearing your lenses, it may be a sign that they need to be replaced. Protein buildup or small tears in the lenses can obstruct your vision and wearing them past their prime can worsen these issues.
Redness or Swelling: Red or swollen eyes can indicate irritation or infection, which might result from wearing lenses for too long. If your eyes appear red or feel swollen even after removing your lenses, it’s important to stop using them and replace them with a fresh pair to avoid further irritation.
Visible Damage to the Lenses: Contact lenses are fragile and can tear or become damaged with handling. If you see any signs of damage, such as tears, scratches, or rough edges, it’s important to replace the lenses immediately. Wearing damaged lenses can lead to discomfort and potentially harm the surface of your eyes, increasing the risk of complications.
Proper Contact Lens Care to Extend the Life of Reusable Lenses
While it’s important to follow the recommended replacement schedule for your lenses, taking proper care of reusable contact lenses can help ensure they stay comfortable and effective throughout 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, be sure to clean them using an approved contact lens solution. Gently rub the lenses with the solution to remove any protein, dirt, and debris that may build up during the day. Never use water or saliva to clean your lenses, as they can introduce harmful bacteria, increasing the risk of infections. By cleaning your lenses regularly, you can help prevent discomfort and ensure they remain clear and comfortable for as long as possible.
Store Lenses in a Clean Case
When your lenses aren’t in use, always store them in a clean, sterile case filled with fresh contact lens solution. Avoid reusing old solution, as this can lead to bacterial growth that contaminates your lenses. It’s also a good idea to replace your lens case every few months to minimize the risk of contamination. Proper storage helps keep your lenses safe and ready for wear.
Wash Your Hands Before Handling Lenses
Always wash your hands with soap and water before touching your lenses to reduce the risk of transferring dirt or bacteria to your eyes. Avoid using lotions or moisturizing soaps before handling lenses, as these can leave a residue that sticks to the lenses and causes irritation. Clean, dry hands are essential to protecting both your lenses and your eyes.
Follow the Manufacturer's Care Instructions
Each type of lens may have specific care instructions, so it’s crucial to follow the guidelines provided by your optometrist or the lens manufacturer. This includes using the correct cleaning solution, adhering to the recommended cleaning method, and following proper storage practices. By sticking to these instructions, you’ll help extend the life of your lenses and minimize the risk of complications like discomfort, blurred vision, or infection.
Avoid Overwearing Your Lenses
Even with proper care, it’s important not to wear your lenses beyond the recommended time. Overwearing can lead to the buildup of deposits, reduced oxygen flow to your eyes, and an increased risk of irritation or infection. Stick to your lens replacement schedule, and if your lenses feel uncomfortable before the replacement date, it’s better to switch to a fresh pair early.
What Are the Risks of Not Replacing Your Lenses on Time?
Failing to replace your contact lenses on schedule can lead to various eye health issues, ranging from mild discomfort to more serious, long-term complications. Even if your lenses still feel comfortable beyond their recommended replacement date, continuing to wear them can put your eyes at risk. Here are some potential consequences of not replacing your lenses when needed:
Eye Irritation and Discomfort: Over time, contact lenses accumulate deposits of proteins, lipids, and debris from your tears and surroundings. These deposits can make the lenses feel less smooth, causing irritation, dryness, or a gritty sensation. Even with regular cleaning, wearing lenses beyond their intended lifespan can lead to decreased comfort, making it harder to wear them for extended periods.
Blurred or Cloudy Vision: As contact lenses age or accumulate buildup, they may become cloudy or less effective at providing clear vision. Wearing lenses past their recommended time can result in hazy or blurry vision, 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 challenging.
Higher Risk of Eye Infections: One of the most serious risks of not replacing your lenses on time is an increased chance of developing an eye infection. Over time, bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms can build up on the lenses, especially when they aren’t replaced as recommended. These microorganisms can lead to infections like keratitis, which can cause redness, pain, discharge, and even long-term damage to your cornea if left untreated.
Reduced Oxygen Supply to Your Eyes: Contact lenses naturally limit the amount of oxygen that reaches your eyes, but modern lenses are designed to allow sufficient airflow to maintain eye health. However, as lenses age, they can become less breathable, further reducing oxygen flow to your cornea. This can result in corneal hypoxia, a condition that causes redness, swelling, and potentially more serious complications if oxygen deprivation continues.
Corneal Ulcers and Long-Term Damage: In severe cases, wearing lenses too long can lead to the development of corneal ulcers—painful open sores on the surface of the eye. Corneal ulcers can cause extreme discomfort, sensitivity to light, and even permanent vision loss if not treated promptly. While ulcers are rare, they are more likely to occur when lenses aren’t replaced on time, emphasizing the importance of following your replacement schedule.
Find the Best Contacts for You at EyeCare Associates
Replacing your contact lenses on time is crucial for keeping your eyes healthy and comfortable. Whether you wear daily, biweekly, monthly, or extended wear lenses, following the recommended replacement schedule helps prevent irritation, infections, and potential long-term damage. By staying on top of your lens care and practicing good hygiene, you’ll maintain clear vision and ensure the health of your eyes.
Everyone's vision needs are different, and finding the right type of contact lenses can sometimes be a challenge. The experts at EyeCare Associates can provide personalized advice to help you choose the best contacts for your lifestyle and preferences. Schedule your contact lens exam today to find the perfect fit for you.