How long can you safely wear contact lenses?

Millions of people around the world enjoy the convenience and freedom from glasses that Contact Lenses provide. If worn contact lenses correctly, they are safe. If worn incorrectly, contact lenses can be dangerous. Some contact lenses are made to be worn for an extended period of time. But it’s important to know that the risk of eye infection increases the longer you keep a single pair of contact lenses in your eyes.

Risks of wearing contacts too long:

• Corneal ulcers (infectious keratitis): An open sore in the outer layer of the cornea.
• Lack of oxygen can lead to abnormal blood vessel growth into the cornea.
• Damage to corneal stem cells is needed to keep the cornea clear for good vision.
• Chronic inflammation can lead to contact lens intolerance.

Contact Lens Safety Tips:

Follow some safety tips to reduce your risk of infection-

• Always wash your hands with soap and dry them with a towel before picking up lenses.
• Clean, rinse and disinfect lenses when you remove them
• Only cleanse lenses with sterile contact lens solution. Do not use water on lenses, because it can be a source of microorganisms.
• Don’t wear contact lenses overnight, unless your doctor has prescribed them to be worn that way.
• Regularly clean your contact lens storage case. And replace it as suggested by your doctor.
• Never wear contacts after they have expired.

If you want to know how safe your contact lenses then checkout some different types of contact lenses which will help you to know-

Three types of contact lenses:

Soft lenses are the most popular contact lenses. Three types of soft lenses include:

Daily wear lenses: Generally, Daily Wear Lenses are worn during the day and removed each night. A single pair can be worn repeatedly and their duration of use varies according to the manufacturer.

Disposable: Daily disposable lenses can be worn during the day and discarded at night. Disposable lenses can be worn and removed daily, but the lenses are replaced every two to four weeks.

Extended-wear lenses: Extended-wear lenses can be worn continuously for one to four weeks before the lenses are removed and replaced.