
Avoid Contact Lens Overuse!
Wearing contact lenses for too long can lead to discomfort and eye health issues. Learn proper lens wear schedules and care techniques to keep your eyes healthy and comfortable.
Overusing contact lenses—whether by wearing them for too many hours, extending their use beyond the recommended replacement schedule, or sleeping in lenses not designed for overnight wear—can lead to serious eye-health issues. Here’s an in-depth look at the potential risks:
1. Eye Infections
- Keratitis: Inflammation or infection of the cornea, often caused by bacteria, fungi, or other pathogens that can thrive in a contact lens environment.
- Corneal Ulcers: Open sores on the cornea, which can result from prolonged lens wear and increase the risk of scarring or permanent vision loss.
2. Hypoxia (Lack of Oxygen)
Read More
Read Less - Contact lenses, especially older designs, can reduce the amount of oxygen reaching the cornea. Extended wear can exacerbate this, leading to symptoms like redness, discomfort, and blurred vision.
- Chronic hypoxia can cause corneal swelling, neovascularization (abnormal blood vessel growth in the cornea), and long-term damage.
- Overuse of contact lenses can exacerbate or contribute to dry eye, causing discomfort, irritation, and blurry vision.
- Lenses may disrupt the natural tear film, leading to inadequate eye lubrication.
- Wearing lenses too long can irritate the eye’s surface, leading to small scratches or abrasions on the cornea.
- Abrasions increase susceptibility to infections and discomfort.
- Prolonged lens wear can cause a buildup of proteins, lipids, and allergens on the lenses, triggering allergic reactions like redness, itching, and swelling.
- Overusing contact lenses can lead to inflammation of the inner eyelids, characterized by large bumps (papillae) and discomfort, particularly with lens wear.
- Continuous misuse can result in structural changes to the cornea or scarring, potentially affecting vision permanently.
- Chronic inflammation and irritation may lead to decreased tolerance for contact lens wear.
- Follow our optomtrist’s guidelines for wearing and replacing lenses.
- Use the appropriate lens care solutions and maintain proper hygiene.
- Never sleep in lenses unless they are specifically designed for overnight wear.
- Give your eyes regular breaks by switching to glasses when possible.
- Schedule regular eye exams to monitor eye health and lens fit.