Contact Lenses: What Happens When You Overwear Them?

Contact lenses offer a safe and effective way to correct poor vision, being especially useful to those who find eyeglasses inconvenient or uncomfortable. But in order to get the most out of your contact lenses, you’ll need to make sure they’re worn properly. Some people, for instance, leave their contact lenses in for too long, which is risky and highly discouraged. Lumen Optometric, the premier eye exam doctor in the area, explains more.

Why You Shouldn’t Overwear Contact Lenses

Avoid wearing your contact lenses for too long in a day, and you absolutely shouldn’t leave them on when you sleep. Doing so can lead to complications with your eyesight. In fact, prolonged contact lens use may cause the wearer to experience the following symptoms:

• Inflammation of the cornea, or keratitis
• Redness and swelling of the conjunctiva, or the transparent skin covering the whites of the eyes
• Eyelid swelling
• Light sensitivity
• Blurred vision
• Dry eyes
• Burning sensation when the contact lens are inserted

But How Long Is ‘Too Long’?

The period may vary with each patient, but it’s generally recommended that contact lenses are worn for a maximum of 10-12 hours each day. Anything longer than that can put the eyes at risk of infection and discomfort. If you’re using contact lenses for the first time (and don’t have dry, sensitive eyes) your eye care specialist may suggest wearing them for 6-8 hours on that first day.

How to Deal With Overwear

If you’ve left your contact lenses for too long and are now experiencing adverse effects, the first thing you’ll need to do is visit a trusted eye doctor like Lumen Optometric for a comprehensive eye exam and the necessary solution. Our eye specialists will suspend contact lens wear until all the symptoms have been resolved. As your eyes heal, we may suggest switching to a new lens material with higher oxygen permeability, or recommend using daily disposable lenses. 

Schedule Your Eye Exam Today

Whether you need contact lens exams or corneal reshaping therapy, Lumen Optometric has got you covered. Expect a lifetime of clear and healthy eyesight when you choose us for your vision correction needs. Schedule an appointment by calling (626) 921-0199 or filling out this convenient form. We proudly serve the communities in and around Sierra Madre, CA.