How Often Do You Change Contacts Lenses

September 8, 2022 Ofelia Braun Uncategorized 0

Contact lenses are amongst the most effective corrective eyewear solutions. Most Americans rely on contacts after getting their eyes prescribed by professionals. But as a new wearer, you often may experience a few challenges. And not comprehending the right time to replace your contacts is one of them. Skipping a replacement schedule may impose a higher risk of eye infection. The replacement schedule depends on the lens type you are wearing. Read the given narration to understand the right time to change contacts lenses. So, here’s presenting the fundamentals concerning contact lens replacement.

When Should You Change Your Lens?

Even if you perfectly maintain your contacts, it might require a replacement. The old contacts might build up contamination and protein deposits on its surface. And that increases the risk of developing eye infections. Soft contact lenses are popular among millennials. That’s because soft lenses are susceptible to contamination and deposits.

Gas permeable lenses might last a year or even longer. Wearing schedule is for the maximum time. So, if your lens has started irritating your eye surface, it’s the right time to replace it. Did you notice a tear in the surface before it completed its lifespan? That might indicate the time for a replacement.

Signs That Indicate It’s the Right Time to Replace Your Contacts:

New contact lens wearers might not know when to change them. As a result, it may affect your eye health. Remember, your eyes need to breathe. More oxygen beneath your lens prevents corneal ulcers that would otherwise lead to permanent damage. If you wear contact lenses regularly and you experience any of these issues, visit an eye doctor at the soonest.

#1 Your Eyes Feel Uncomfortable:

Wearing lenses shouldn’t be a feeling of discomfort. But if you feel uncomfortable after putting them, it might be a serious issue. If your contact’s lifespan is over, it is time to opt for a new one. But if the condition affects your eyes, visit an eye doctor today. If wearing lenses results in red eye conditions, consult an eye specialist.

#2 Are Your Lenses Becoming Cloudy?

If you examine your contacts regularly, they won’t get cloudy within their lifespan. But if something like this occurs, it may indicate the formation of bacteria. Check it by taking them out. Rinse it with your fresh solution every time you take them out. Then, put them back on your eyes. If it’s cloudy, stop using it to avoid damaging your eye health.

#3 Using Old Lenses without UV Protection?

Newer lenses are better than their predecessors. Older contacts usually do not have UV protection. The recent variants come with UV protection that helps your eyes breathe easier. If the contact lenses are not recent, using them is not worth it. It might invite corneal disease, macular degeneration, or even cataracts.

#4 Bent Out or Out of Shape

Scratches aren’t the only damage in contacts. Did you notice dents and bends in their shape? If yes, it’s time to replace them. Bent or dented contact lenses might invite bacteria or unwanted debris. They may affect our eye parts.

So, to prevent encountering a dangerous eye condition now is the right time to consult an ophthalmologist.

#5 A New Prescription?

The prescription expiration date depends on the type of contact lenses. The idea of contact lens replacement is dependable on a few parameters.

Talking about the lifespan of contacts, there are common types of lenses. Understanding these types will help you learn more about the contact lens lifespan.

Daily disposable (each day)
Disposable (one week or two, aka week disposable)
Gas permeable (over a year)
Scleral lenses (similar to gas permeable)
Traditional (Monthly or daily disposables)

Considering disposable ones, these contact lenses get replaced after every two or three weeks of wearing. The daily disposable needs to get replaced each day.

Using a gas-permeable lens is a safer bet as, with proper care, it can last for years. On the other hand, scleral lenses (similar to gas permeable) go over the cornea to bypass the irregular amounts of astigmatism.

Lastly, traditional lenses are quarterly or monthly disposable contact lenses that need replacement quarterly or monthly.

Or you can order contacts without a prescription

Cleaning Your Lens, The Secrets:

The secret to cleaning your lens is to clean your hands first. When it comes to cleaning, the lens type you use does not matter. What matters is how you clean them. Dirt, oil, debris, grime, perfumes, and lotions may affect the contact lens. It may lead to blurred vision, mild irritation, and itchy eyes.

It’s best recommendable to keep your nails short and trimmed. Make sure they have smooth and round edges. A stray nail may impose severe damage to your eyes and lenses both. So, take this suggestion seriously when cleaning your lenses or wearing them.

Remember, your lenses’ lifespan also depend on how perfectly you clean them.

A Concluding Thought:

Always take off your lenses before going to bed every night. Keep them safely inside the contact lens case. And avoid using overnight lenses. Now that you have learned how often it takes to replace your lenses, you may encounter no issues.

However, if you think it’s time for the replacement period, you can consult an ophthalmologist at the soonest.