The Consequences of Contact Lens Overwear

If you tend to wear contact lenses more than glasses, then you already know how convenient they are when using them. They’re a more comfortable alternative to traditional glasses, and you can have them custom-made to your prescription. But while they may be more visually appealing than traditional glasses, you’ll need to put in a bit more effort in cleaning, storing and replacing them to prevent damage. And if you’re wearing them daily, you should be aware of the dangers associated with over-wearing them. 

Why Over-Wearing Contacts Isn’t Recommended

Despite following regular hygiene practices, such as rinsing them with contact lens solution after each use, the buildup of protein deposits, microorganisms and allergens on your contacts can happen over time. Over-wearing your contacts can cause a decrease in oxygen flow to the cornea, leading to a loss of corneal sensitivity. This means you can have a foreign body under your lens while wearing them and you won’t even feel it, which can result in complications and infections that threaten your eyesight.

How to Properly Use Your Contact Lenses

The consequences of overusing your contact lenses include blurred vision, eye irritation, redness, light sensitivity, dry eye and even a burning sensation. The best way to avoid these is to follow your eye doctor’s instructions on how to use your contacts properly. This includes using the correct solutions and cleaning methods to ensure these vision correction devices are clean each time before and after usage.

Signs of Over-Wear and Treatment

Extended contact lens usage can lead to what’s called “over-wear syndrome”, which can happen after wearing them too long in a day or even sleeping with them when they’re not meant to be used in such a manner. Since you get a decreased amount of oxygen getting to the cornea, this can also affect how your eyes produce tears while under the lenses. If you’re starting to feel redness, swelling and inflammation in the cornea, you’ll need to refrain from using them until the signs and symptoms have subsided.

Turn to Insight Vision Center Optometry for top-notch eye care! If you are getting your first-ever contact lens prescription from us, you can count on one of our staff members to teach you how to apply and remove your contact lenses as well as give you the necessary cleaning solutions to get you started. You can reach us at (714) 486-3315 or fill out our convenient online contact form. We serve Costa Mesa, Newport Beach and the neighboring areas.