What Happens If You Wear Contacts Too Long? The Risks of Extended Wear
Wearing contact lenses for too long, beyond the recommended wearing schedule, can lead to a range of serious eye problems. While the convenience of contacts is undeniable, prioritizing eye health is paramount. Ignoring recommended wear times significantly increases your risk of developing potentially sight-threatening conditions. This article will explore the consequences of extended contact lens wear, answering common questions and providing essential information to protect your vision.
What are the recommended wearing schedules for contact lenses?
The recommended wearing schedule varies significantly depending on the type of contact lenses you're using. Daily disposable lenses are designed for single-day use and should be discarded each night. Extended wear lenses, while designed for overnight wear, still have specific recommended maximum wear times, which your eye doctor will advise on. Conventional lenses, which require daily cleaning and disinfection, also have specific wearing schedules dictated by their material and your individual eye health. Never exceed the wearing schedule recommended by your eye doctor, regardless of the lens type.
Can wearing contacts too long cause blindness?
While it's unlikely that wearing contacts too long will directly cause blindness, it significantly increases your risk of developing serious eye infections and conditions that can lead to vision impairment or even blindness. These infections, if left untreated, can cause corneal damage and scarring, ultimately affecting your vision.
What are the common complications of prolonged contact lens wear?
Prolonged contact lens wear can lead to a variety of issues, including:
- Corneal ulcers: These are sores on the cornea that can cause pain, blurred vision, and light sensitivity. In severe cases, they can lead to permanent vision loss.
- Contact lens-related infections: Bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms can thrive in the moist environment of the eye, particularly when lenses are worn for extended periods without proper cleaning and disinfection. These infections can range from mild discomfort to severe vision-threatening conditions.
- Giant papillary conjunctivitis (GPC): This is an inflammatory condition of the conjunctiva (the membrane that lines the eyelid and covers the white part of the eye). It's often caused by prolonged contact lens wear and can lead to discomfort, redness, and blurry vision.
- Dry eye syndrome: Extended wear can deprive the cornea of essential oxygen, leading to dryness, irritation, and discomfort.
- Corneal hypoxia: This is a lack of oxygen to the cornea, a serious complication resulting from extended contact lens wear, particularly with certain lens materials. It can weaken the cornea and make it more susceptible to infection.
What are the symptoms of contact lens-related problems?
If you experience any of the following symptoms, remove your contact lenses immediately and consult your eye doctor:
- Redness or irritation: Persistent redness or discomfort in your eyes.
- Blurred vision: A sudden change in your vision clarity.
- Excessive tearing or discharge: More than the usual amount of watery eyes or eye discharge.
- Pain or discomfort: Any significant pain, burning, or stinging sensation in your eyes.
- Light sensitivity: Increased sensitivity to light.
- Feeling something in your eye: The sensation of a foreign body in your eye.
How can I prevent problems from wearing contacts too long?
The best way to prevent complications is to adhere strictly to your eye doctor's recommendations regarding wear time, cleaning, and disinfection. This includes:
- Follow your prescribed wearing schedule: Never exceed the recommended wear time for your lenses.
- Clean and disinfect your lenses properly: Thoroughly clean and disinfect your lenses according to the manufacturer's instructions and your eye doctor’s advice.
- Replace your lenses as directed: Regularly replace your lenses as recommended by your eye doctor.
- Wash your hands thoroughly: Always wash your hands with soap and water before handling your contact lenses.
- Store your lenses properly: Store your lenses in a sterile lens case with fresh contact lens solution each time.
- Schedule regular eye exams: Attend your scheduled eye exams to ensure your eyes remain healthy and monitor for any potential problems.
Wearing contact lenses offers convenience, but neglecting proper care and exceeding recommended wear times can have severe consequences. Always prioritize eye health by adhering strictly to your eye doctor’s recommendations and seeking immediate medical attention if you experience any concerning symptoms. Your vision is invaluable – protect it!
