What Happens If You Wear Contacts Too Long? The Risks of Extended Wear
Wearing contact lenses offers convenience and clear vision, but exceeding the recommended wear time can lead to serious eye problems. Ignoring your eye doctor's advice on contact lens wear schedules can have significant consequences for your ocular health. This article explores the potential risks associated with wearing contacts for too long, answering common questions and providing vital information for contact lens users.
What are the recommended wearing schedules for contact lenses?
Recommended wearing schedules vary dramatically depending on the type of contact lenses. Daily disposables, as the name suggests, are designed to be worn for a single day and then discarded. Extended-wear contacts, on the other hand, may allow for overnight wear, but this must always be prescribed and monitored by an ophthalmologist. Never attempt to wear any contact lens for longer than the prescribed duration without consulting your eye doctor. Ignoring these instructions drastically increases the risk of complications.
What are the short-term effects of wearing contacts too long?
Even short periods of exceeding the recommended wear time can lead to discomfort. This can manifest as:
- Dry eyes: Prolonged contact lens wear can reduce tear production, leading to dryness, irritation, and a gritty sensation.
- Redness and irritation: The eyes become inflamed, appearing red and potentially itchy or painful.
- Blurred vision: Extended wear can cause corneal swelling, temporarily impairing vision clarity.
- Discomfort and foreign body sensation: A feeling that something is in your eye is common.
These symptoms are often a warning sign that your eyes need a break. Removing your lenses and allowing your eyes to rest is crucial. Persistent symptoms warrant immediate consultation with an eye care professional.
What are the long-term risks of wearing contacts for extended periods?
The long-term consequences of wearing contacts for too long are far more serious and potentially irreversible. These include:
- Corneal ulcer: A severe infection of the cornea, which can cause significant vision impairment or even blindness if left untreated. This is a particularly serious risk with extended-wear lenses.
- Giant papillary conjunctivitis (GPC): Inflammation of the conjunctiva, the membrane lining the eyelid and covering the white part of the eye. This can lead to discomfort, excessive mucus production, and blurry vision.
- Contact lens-related microbial keratitis: This is a serious infection of the cornea caused by bacteria, fungi, or parasites. It can lead to scarring, vision loss, and in severe cases, blindness.
- Increased risk of eye infections: Prolonged wear increases the chances of various eye infections, including those that may be resistant to treatment.
- Permanent vision damage: In severe cases, prolonged misuse can lead to irreversible damage to the cornea and a permanent reduction in visual acuity.
Can wearing contacts too long cause blindness?
While not an immediate consequence for everyone, wearing contact lenses beyond the recommended time significantly increases the risk of conditions like corneal ulcers and severe infections that can lead to blindness if left untreated. This is a serious risk, especially with extended-wear lenses. Early detection and treatment are crucial to preventing permanent vision loss.
How can I prevent problems from wearing contacts too long?
- Follow your eye doctor's instructions precisely: This is paramount. They will advise on the appropriate wear schedule for your specific lenses.
- Practice good hygiene: Always wash and dry your hands before handling your contacts. Clean your lenses properly and regularly.
- Remove your lenses promptly: Take them out at the end of your prescribed wear time, without exception.
- Schedule regular eye exams: Regular checkups allow your eye doctor to monitor the health of your eyes and detect potential problems early.
- Don't sleep in your lenses unless explicitly prescribed by your doctor: This is a critical point often ignored, leading to severe complications.
- Replace your lenses as recommended: Different lenses have different replacement schedules. Following these schedules is vital.
Wearing contact lenses is a privilege, not a right. Taking proper care of your eyes and adhering to your eye doctor’s recommendations is crucial for maintaining good vision and avoiding serious complications. If you experience any eye discomfort or changes in your vision, consult your eye care professional immediately. Ignoring these warnings can have life-altering consequences.
