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How Long Do Contacts Last? Understanding Contact Lifespan

For contact lens wearers it’s important to know how long do contacts last to experience optimal vision and maintain eye health. The lifespan of your contact lenses refers to the designated period in which you should be wearing and taking care of your contact lenses. Whether you wear daily, biweekly, monthly, or extended-wear contacts, how long you can wear contacts will be based on their replacement schedule to ensure comfortable use and improved vision.

Deciphering Contact Lens Durations

Let’s review and discuss the different types of contact lenses and the average duration each is designed for.

Types of Contact Lenses Infographic

Daily Disposable Contacts

Daily wear contacts are designed to be worn once and then discarded. They are typically worn for a single day, and you should not reuse them. Daily wear lenses are typically considered the safest and most comfortable options because a new pair of lenses are used daily greatly reducing the chances for eye infections since protein deposits are less likely to form on the lens.

Bi-weekly and Monthly Contacts

Bi-weekly and monthly wear contact lenses are planned replacement lenses typically that come in a wider variety of options compared to daily use lenses and can be more affordable. These lenses are designed to be worn for two weeks or a month, depending on the specific brand and type. They need to be cleaned and stored properly when not in use. Because they aren’t discarded as frequently, biweekly lenses also reduce waste from discarded lenses.

Extended Wear Contacts

Extended-wear contact lenses are designed to be worn continuously, including during sleep, for an extended period (typically up to a month) before they need to be replaced. Some contact lenses are designed to be worn continuously for up to three months. However, these should still be removed and cleaned regularly.

These contact lenses work best for those with lifestyles that may prevent them from removing lenses at night, such as military personnel or emergency service workers.

While they offer convenience, there are some risks associated with extended-wear contact lenses that you should be aware of:

Increased Risk of Infections

Extended-wear lenses have a higher risk of causing eye infections compared to daily-wear lenses. Wearing lenses continuously can create a favorable environment for bacteria and other microorganisms to thrive.

Dryness and Discomfort

Extended-wear lenses can lead to increased dryness and discomfort, especially if they are not designed specifically for extended wear. Prolonged lens wear can disrupt the normal tear film and lead to irritation and discomfort.

Deposit Buildup

Extended-wear lenses are more prone to protein and lipid deposits, which can accumulate on the lens surface. These deposits can reduce vision clarity and comfort and may require more frequent lens replacement.

Increased Cost

Extended-wear lenses may be more expensive over time due to the need for frequent replacement and potential additional care products.

The Risks of Over-Wearing Contacts

If you're wondering how long can you wear contacts, itt may be tempting to extend the life of your contact lenses by wearing them beyond the expiration date or disposal schedule. Contacts should be only worn for the designated time that is indicated on the packaging.

Wearing old or expired contact lenses beyond their expiration date can cause trouble including eye irritation, redness, discomfort, and even infection. The solution in which contact lenses are packaged does expire and can create an environment where bacteria and fungal bacteria can grow on them. You may feel pain or discomfort, experience eye redness or itching, and you may set yourself up for a potential eye infection or in extreme cases an infection that can lead to blindness. If you are ever experiencing eye condition symptoms or unsure that a medical reaction is occurring due to contact lens wear, always consult an eye doctor or other eye health professional.

Best Practices for Contact Lens Wearers

Taking care of your contact lenses is an important part of maintaining your contacts and protecting your eyes’ health. To maximize the lifespan of your contact lenses, use a fresh contact lens solution each time and store your contacts in your case. Remember that proper hygiene and care are crucial to maintaining the health of your eyes when wearing contact lenses. Always wash your hands before handling lenses, use the recommended cleaning and storage solutions, and never sleep in lenses unless they are specifically designed for extended or continuous wear. Dispose of old solutions before storing your contact lenses. Note that contact lenses should never be rinsed with or stored in water.

  • Keep your contacts in the contact case when not in use. Be sure to periodically clean your contact lens case as well to remove any protein deposits or potential bacteria.

  • Change your contact lens case occasionally; every 3 months is recommended. Additionally do not wear your contact lenses while swimming or showering.

  • It may be time to dispose of your contact lenses should your eyes begin to experience noted discomfort or pain, and if the lenses are blurry or are scratched.

  • These practices will help ensure consistent, comfortable wear of your contact lenses.

Why Choose Hubble Contacts: Daily Disposable Contacts Subscription

Explore Hubble Contacts range of comfortable and affordable contact lenses and experience the convenience of their subscription service. Your eyes are unique, and your lenses should be too. And with FDA-approved lenses and a user-friendly approach, Hubble Contacts is here to provide you with clear and comfortable vision for less.

One of the primary benefits of a Hubble Contact Lens subscription is convenience. With a Hubble subscription, you receive a regular supply of contact lenses delivered directly to your doorstep on a schedule that suits your needs. This eliminates the need to make frequent trips to an eye care provider or a retail store to purchase lenses. Plus, you can modify your subscription at any time in the Hubble Member Portal.

A Hubble Contacts subscription ensures that you receive fresh lenses regularly according to your prescribed replacement schedule. This helps maintain optimal eye health and vision correction. With Hubble, you can choose the cadence in which your lenses are delivered, so you’ll never end up with too many or too few lenses no matter how often you wear them.

At Hubble, we feature a range of daily disposable contact lenses to meet the needs of all types of wearers. Our daily contact lens personalized subscription changed the way people receive and wear contacts, and we’ve expanded our contact lens offerings over the years to accommodate an even wider range of vision needs.

Boxes of Classic, SkyHy and Hydro by Hubble Contact Lenses

Our Classic by Hubble lenses remain priced at $1 for your first order of a 15 day-supply and feature 55% water composition, UV protection, and a sleek edge, for effortless insertion and enduring all-day comfort.

Experience the soothing and naturally moisturizing Hydro by Hubble, which reduces friction and heightens comfort with its ultra-slim edges, all while being encased in the planet's most compact eco-conscious packaging.

And introducing SkyHy by Hubble contacts, the latest addition to our Hubble lineage. These are our most breathable lenses, crafted from silicone hydrogel to enhance oxygen flow and breathability. Don’t worry: we’ve got you covered with first-order discounts on any of our lens types!

Take Care of Your Eyes with Hubble

Boxes of Hubble Contacts

It's important to follow the recommended wearing schedule and care instructions when it comes to how long can you wear contacts, as provided by your eye care professional and the contact lens manufacturer. Contact lenses should be used with proper care and maintenance to avoid eye infections and other complications. With Hubble, you can find quality, affordable optical contact lenses. You'll enter your prescription, and then after that, Hubble will take care of the rest, shipping them directly to you. To get the most out of your contact lenses—and save some time on contact lens care—try daily contacts from Hubble. Start your daily contact lens subscription today for only $1 and find out why contact lens wearers love Hubble.