What Happens If You Wear Contacts Too Long? The Risks of Extended Wear
Wearing contact lenses for extended periods beyond their recommended wear time can lead to a range of serious eye problems. Ignoring the manufacturer's instructions and your eye doctor's advice can significantly increase your risk of discomfort, infection, and even permanent vision damage. This article will explore the potential consequences of prolonged contact lens use.
What are the recommended wear times for contact lenses?
The recommended wear time for contact lenses varies depending on the type of lenses you are using. Daily disposable contacts are designed to be worn for a single day and then discarded. Extended wear contacts, as the name suggests, can be worn overnight for a specified period (typically a few days or weeks), but this is only appropriate if prescribed by your eye doctor and if you meet the specific health criteria they've established. However, even with extended wear lenses, there are still limits, and exceeding these limits is highly risky. Always follow the instructions provided by your eye care professional and the manufacturer.
What are the risks of wearing contacts for too long?
Prolonged contact lens wear, regardless of the type, increases your risk of several eye conditions:
-
Microbial Keratitis: This is a serious infection of the cornea, the clear front part of your eye. It can cause pain, redness, blurred vision, and light sensitivity. In severe cases, it can lead to vision loss or even blindness. The longer your contacts remain in your eyes, the greater your risk of accumulating bacteria and developing this infection.
-
Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis (GPC): This is an inflammatory condition affecting the conjunctiva, the membrane lining the inside of your eyelids and covering the white part of your eye. It often manifests as large bumps on your conjunctiva, causing discomfort and irritation. Prolonged contact lens wear, especially with unsuitable lenses or improper hygiene, is a common trigger.
-
Corneal Ulcers: These are open sores on the cornea, potentially caused by infection or injury. Extended wear significantly increases the likelihood of developing corneal ulcers, which can be incredibly painful and lead to scarring and vision impairment.
-
Hypoxia: The cornea needs oxygen to stay healthy. Contact lenses can reduce the amount of oxygen reaching your cornea. Prolonged wear intensifies this hypoxia, potentially damaging corneal cells and leading to various complications.
-
Dry Eye Syndrome: While not always directly caused by extended wear, it can exacerbate pre-existing dry eye or trigger it in individuals not previously affected. The prolonged presence of the contact lens disrupts the natural tear film, leading to dryness, irritation, and discomfort.
Can wearing contacts overnight cause blindness?
While unlikely in most cases, wearing contacts overnight significantly increases the risk of serious complications that could lead to blindness, particularly microbial keratitis. The longer the lenses are in the eyes, the higher the risk of infection and damage to the cornea. Blindness is a severe, but rare, outcome, but the risk is undoubtedly heightened with extended wear.
How can I avoid problems associated with extended contact lens wear?
- Follow your eye doctor's instructions precisely: This includes wearing your contacts only for the recommended duration.
- Maintain meticulous hygiene: Thoroughly wash and dry your hands before handling contacts, use fresh cleaning solution, and regularly replace your lens case.
- Remove contacts immediately if you experience any discomfort: Do not ignore symptoms like redness, pain, or blurred vision.
- Schedule regular eye exams: This allows your eye doctor to monitor the health of your eyes and ensure your contacts are suitable and being worn correctly.
- Choose the right type of contacts: Discuss different lens types with your eye doctor to determine which are best suited to your lifestyle and eye health.
Wearing contact lenses responsibly is crucial for maintaining good eye health. Always prioritize your eye health by adhering to your eye doctor's recommendations and maintaining proper hygiene practices. If you have any concerns or questions about your contact lens wear, don't hesitate to schedule an appointment with your eye care professional. Your vision is worth protecting!
