Contact lenses are a practical and widely favoured choice for vision correction. However, one of the most critical factors in maintaining eye health is knowing when to replace them. Failing to replace your lenses on time can lead to discomfort, irritation, and even severe eye infections. In this guide, we’ll explore when and why you should replace your contact lenses and provide tips on keeping your eyes healthy.

Why Replacing Contact Lenses on Time is Important

Contact lenses rest straight on the surface of your eyes, which makes proper hygiene and timely replacement crucial for your eye health. Wearing lenses beyond their recommended time can cause bacteria and deposits to build up on the lenses, leading to potential eye infections and other complications.

Risks of Wearing Old Contact Lenses

Over time, contact lenses accumulate protein deposits, dust, and other debris, even if you clean them regularly. These build-ups can cause:

• Eye Infections: When lenses are not replaced frequently enough, bacterial or fungal infections can develop, leading to painful conditions such as keratitis.
• Dry Eyes and Irritation: Old lenses can dry out, leading to discomfort, redness, and eye fatigue.
• Reduced Oxygen Flow: Contact lenses are designed to allow oxygen to reach the cornea. Wearing lenses beyond their recommended period can reduce oxygen flow to the eyes, potentially causing corneal damage over time.

To mitigate these risks, it’s essential to replace your contact lenses according to the suggested schedule.

Various Types of Contact Lenses and Their Replacement Schedules

There are multiple types of contact lenses, each with varying schedules of replacement. Understanding the kind of lenses you use will help you follow the correct replacement guidelines.

1. Daily Disposable Lenses

Daily disposable contact lenses are crafted for single-day use. They are worn during the day and discarded before bedtime. These lenses offer the convenience of no daily cleaning or storage, making them ideal for people with busy lifestyles or those who prefer fresh lenses every day.

• Replacement Schedule: Every day. Never reuse daily disposable lenses.

2. Bi-Weekly Disposable Lenses

Bi-weekly lenses are crafted to be worn for 14 days. They need to be removed and cleaned every night, then stored in a disinfecting solution. These lenses are more affordable than daily disposables but require a consistent cleaning routine to maintain hygiene.

• Replacement Schedule: Every two weeks. Regardless of how often you wear them, follow the 14-day cycle.

3. Monthly Disposable Lenses

Monthly disposable lenses are crafted to be worn for up to 30 days before being replaced. Like bi-weekly lenses, they require nightly cleaning and proper storage. They are a good option for those who want to balance cost with convenience, as they offer extended wearability compared to daily or bi-weekly lenses.

• Replacement Schedule: Every month. Stay within the 30 days, even if the lenses seem comfortable.

4. Extended Wear Lenses

Extended-wear lenses are designed to be worn continuously, even overnight, for a specified period, typically up to one week or sometimes longer. However, wearing contact lenses overnight increases the risk of eye infections and complications, so it’s essential to follow your optometrist’s advice closely when using extended-wear lenses.

• Replacement Schedule: Follow your optometrist’s guidelines. Depending on the brand, they may recommend replacing these lenses every week or month.

Signs That It’s Time to Replace Your Contact Lenses

Even if you follow the recommended replacement schedule, there are signs that you should replace your contact lenses sooner. If you experience any of the following issues, it may be time to replace your lenses:

1. Discomfort or Redness

If you begin to experience discomfort with your contact lenses or your eyes become red, this is a clear sign that they may be worn out. Old lenses can dry out or become coated with deposits, leading to irritation.

2. Blurry Vision

If your vision becomes blurry or cloudy, it may be due to protein build-up on the lenses. Replacing your lenses can restore clear vision and improve comfort.

3. Lens Damage

Any visible damage to your lenses, such as tears, chips, or cracks, means they need to be replaced immediately. Damaged lenses can scratch the surface of your eye and increase the risk of infection.

4. Increased Sensitivity to Light

If you notice increased sensitivity to light while wearing your lenses, this could be a sign of an eye infection or other issue related to overworn lenses. Replace the lenses and consult your eye care professional if the problem persists.

How to Extend the Life of Your Contact Lenses

Although all contact lenses have a set lifespan, proper care and maintenance can assist you maximize the comfort and safety of your lenses throughout their wear cycle.

1. Follow Proper Cleaning Procedures

Proper cleaning and storage of lenses is necessary for bi-weekly, monthly, and extended-wear lenses. Always use the suggested contact lens solution to clean and disinfect your lenses each night. Never use water or saliva to clean your lenses, as this can introduce harmful bacteria.

2. Store Lenses in a Clean Case

Always store your lenses in a clean, disinfected case filled with fresh solution. Replace your contact lens case every three months to prevent contamination.

3. Avoid Sleeping in Lenses (Unless They’re Extended Wear)

Unless your lenses are mainly designed for overnight wear, permanently remove them before going to bed. Sleeping with regular contact lenses can increase the risk of eye infections and complications.

4. Attend Regular Eye Exams

Regular eye exams are essential for managing good eye health and confirming that your contact lenses are still the best option for your visual requirements. Your optometrist can check for any changes in your prescription or eye health and advise you on proper lens care.

Conclusion

Replacing your contact lenses on time is crucial for maintaining healthy eyes and avoiding potential complications. Whether you wear daily, bi-weekly, or monthly lenses, sticking to the recommended replacement schedule can help prevent discomfort, infection, and vision issues. If you notice any signs of irritation or damage to your lenses, don’t hesitate to replace them sooner and consult your eye care professional.

At Markham Vision Centre, we are dedicated to helping you achieve optimal vision health. If you have any concerns about your contact lenses or need advice on the best replacement schedule, book an appointment with us today and let our expert team assist you.