According to Dr. Supriya Samak Sriganesh, Ophthalmologist and CEO of Nethradhama Hospitals Pvt. Ltd (India), the longer you wear contact lenses, the higher your risk of developing eye infections. Using them for too long can damage the corneal epithelium, leading to open sores and corneal abrasions, which can affect your vision, followed by transmission of infection."
Additionally, wearing contact lenses for too long can cause insufficient oxygen flow to the eyes, also known as hypoxia. This can lead to inflammation and cause permanent damage to your vision.
What is the recommended length of time to wear contact lenses?
Dr. Supriya Samak Sriganesh said that you should only wear contact lenses for a maximum of 5 - 8 hours, this is the appropriate amount of time for contact lenses to work best and prevent dry, red eyes.
The exact time depends on a number of factors. Such as the brand, how well your eyes can tolerate contact lenses, how dry and sensitive your eyes are. Also, if your eyes feel uncomfortable after wearing contact lenses for 8 hours straight, you should replace them with glasses to give your eyes a rest.
Notes that contact lens users should follow
To wear contact lenses safely, you should take the following precautions:
- Wash your hands with soap and dry them completely before touching contact lenses.
- Do not wear contact lenses when swimming, bathing or in water such as lakes, rivers or seas.
- Clean and disinfect contact lenses.
- Replace your contact lens case regularly, even if you clean it properly.
- Do not wear contact lenses while sleeping.
How to care for your contact lenses
“Contact lenses come into direct contact with the eyes, so cleaning and maintenance are extremely important,” Dr. Sriganesh emphasizes. “Always clean your lenses thoroughly after wearing them, and never use tap water as it is not sterile. Instead, clean your lenses and case with a sterile saline solution.”
