What Happens If You Leave Contacts in Too Long?

Contact lenses are ideal in that they improve eyesight in a more natural way and the ability to wear them with sunglasses. However, for all their intended benefit, sometimes this comfort can be compromised if you are wearing contacts too long. 

Contact lenses have specific length of wear limits depending on the type of contacts. How long can you leave contacts in depends on whether your contacts are for daily disposable use. Daily disposable contact lenses are to be discarded after one-time use and then replaced by a new pair the next day. Daily wear contacts are worn every day and then removed in the evening and stored. These contact lenses are meant to be worn no more than 2-weeks. 

Sometimes in the quest to save money and time, you may be tempted to be wearing contacts too long beyond the recommended contact lens schedule. But you must keep in mind that keeping contacts in for too long can be risky. There are certain practices that with proper awareness of how contacts work to keep your vision in tune, you will be less inclined to wear contacts for too long. Contact lens maintenance practices are vital knowledge for proper contact lens care and daily hygiene routines. 

The Potential Risks and Side Effects of Leaving Contacts In Too Long

As you consistently wear your contact lenses you will likely rely on their comfort, reliability, ease of use, and improved unrestricted vision that contacts bring. However, leaving contacts in too long, or for periods of time beyond their recommended use can cause issues. Whether falling asleep in your contacts or wearing contacts past their expiration date or replacement schedule, these behaviors can cause conditions such as dry eyes, eye irritation, blurred vision, lens discomfort, and infection. 

Not changing lenses often enough is an issue for those who wear daily lenses that are designed to be disposed of after two weeks of wear can lead to problems. Because contact lenses are placed directly on the eye, the oxygen deprivation caused by extended wear can lead to a condition called neovascularization. When Neovascularization occurs, the angle of the eye is closed by new blood vessels. It is likened to having glaucoma where the cornea becomes cloudy. This is why removing your contacts and not wearing beyond their package recommendations is so crucial.

How Long Can You Leave Contacts In?

Contact lenses are made from different materials, are made based on longevity of wear, and can be used for a specific purpose or intended benefit. Soft contact lenses also known as dailies are made with a hydrogel and are pliable in nature meaning they are more flexible. These lenses are the most prescribed contact that are designed for their comfort, but should be removed after daily wear and use. Daily disposable lenses as their name strongly implies, should only be worn daily and then disposed of at the end of the day to be replaced by a fresh pair the following day.  

Rigid Gas Permeable or RGP lenses are made with more rigid material as their name implies and can be worn longer as they are helpful in addressing more advanced vision issues.  These contacts usually provide a more accurate vision correction due to their nature. These lenses require more cleaning and disinfection.

Wearing contacts beyond their shelf life for example, using daily disposables more than once, is a risk that is not worth taking. Over time, your disposable contacts worn beyond a one-time use can cause eye pain or discomfort, eye redness or itching. These symptoms caused by leaving contacts in too long can be a set up for potential eye infections that can lead to pink eye, corneal ulcers, or a condition called keratitis which is similar to pink eye but directly affects the cornea. And while it sounds harmless to wear contact lenses a day or two past their intended use, it is best to adhere to the contact lens schedule to enjoy uninhibited sight and vision.

How Long Can You Leave Contacts In?

Wearing contacts is a convenience that allows improved vision, freedom of movement, and unrestricted use in a manner that is aesthetically pleasing. In order to experience these great benefits, Hubble’s contact lenses are designed for the safest wear which is for individual, one time use. 

This allows the eye to always have fresh, new contact lenses every time, without worry about contamination or having to sanitize contact lenses all the time. Handling contact lens storage cases that can harbor harmful bacteria just based on the contacts existing in a liquid environment can increase the risk for nuisances to enter the eyes.

Remember that daily contacts should be disposed of following their one-time use. Although tempting, do not attempt to wear them for more than one day. Additionally storing contact lenses in water or contact lens solution for reuse or to gain more wear life is not at all recommended. These practices used to save time, money, or to take a shortcut can allow an unintended eye infection that can lead to more serious eyesight problems down the road.   

Why Doesn’t Hubble Sell Bi-weekly or Monthly Contact Lenses?

Daily lenses are the safest and most comfortable way to wear contacts given that they lower potential bacteria exposure within the eye. Also the worry of wearing contact lenses for too long is greatly reduced when you are applying new contacts every single day. 

Additionally, our customized subscription model eliminates the problem of ever having to worry about running out of  lenses! Daily contact lenses will always be new straight from the package to create uncompromised vision each time.

Proper Care and Maintenance of Contact Lenses

In addition to regular contact lens care including wearing them according to optometrist’s instructions and package labeling, it is important to keep your prescription up-to-date and on track for replacement. Eye exam appointments are a great time to review any necessary changes to your contact lenses. Getting regular eye exams are a great way to ensure the overall health and wellness of your eyes and get the best performance out of your contact lenses. 

Wearing contacts beyond their recommended use including sleeping with your contacts in can cause irritation, dryness, redness, and blurry vision. Wearing contact lenses for too long can eventually cause eye infections. Sleeping with contacts also deprives the eyes of much needed oxygen.

Some more general healthy eye practices for contact lens users:

• Get your eyes checked regularly to ensure you always have the correct prescription.
• Wash and dry your hands thoroughly before handling your contact lens.
• Remove your contacts before swimming or getting into a pool. 
• Never shower or bathe with your contacts in.
• Do not sleep with your contacts in, unless they are explicitly intended for overnight use. 
• Use contact lens solution for cleaning your contacts. Never rinse with saline solution or water.

What To Do If You Leave Your Contacts In Too Long

If you accidentally wear contact lenses too long, just remove them and throw them away. Usually if there is no harm, pain, or consequence to your eye health, you will likely be just fine. However, it’s always a good idea to reach out to your eye doctor or health care provider should you begin to notice eye pain, redness, infection, or discomfort. 

Never Run out of Lenses with Hubble Contacts

Using your contact lenses accordingly and with good proper maintenance will ensure reliable vision correction and the ability to enjoy unencumbered eye health. At Hubble, we’re pleased a special offer to new customers on your first box of our Classic or Hydro by Hubble single vision soft contact lenses. You can safely choose our FDA-approved, convenient and affordable lenses. Hubble contacts are designed for easy insertion, all-day comfort, and crystal-clear vision. Accessible and affordable, never run low on your lenses again with Hubble.