How Long is it Safe to Wear Contact Lenses?

How long do you wear your contact lenses before taking them out? One day? Two days? A week or more?

You may be wondering how long is safe to wear contact lenses. Some contacts are made to be worn for an extended period of time. But it’s important to understand that the risk of eye infection increases the longer you keep a single pair of contact lenses in your eyes.

Contact lenses that are left in too long can lead to the following conditions:

• Corneal ulcers (infectious keratitis): An open sore in the outer layer of the cornea.

• Hypoxia: A lack of oxygen that can lead to abnormal blood vessel growth into the cornea.

• Damage to corneal stem cells needed to keep the cornea clear for good vision.

• Chronic inflammation that can lead to contact lens intolerance.

• Some forms of Dry Eye Types of Contact Lenses

Soft lenses are the most popular form of contact lenses worn in the United States. Three types of soft lenses include:

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

• Disposable: Daily disposable lenses can be worn during the day and discarded at night.

• Extended Wear Lenses: Extended wear lenses are worn continuously for 1-4 weeks before the lenses are removed and replaced. Contact Lens Safety Tips

Contact lenses are a healthy option for vision correction and are relatively easy to use when handled properly. To reduce your risk of infection:

• Always wash your hands with soap and dry them with a lint-free towel before picking up lenses.

• Clean, rinse and disinfect lenses when you remove them, following the instructions on the product label.

• Only cleanse lenses with commercially prepared, sterile contact lens solution. Do not use water on lenses because that 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 directed by your doctor.

• Never wear contacts after they have expired.

• Report any eye irritations and infections to your health care professional. To schedule a contact lens appointment in Minneapolis with Dr. Hennen, contact Eyecare MPLS by calling 612-470-9871 or visiting eyecarempls.com.