Maybe you’ve just discovered that you’re on your last pair of lenses and forgot to place another order, or you’re on a budget and are trying to squeeze every ounce of life out of your lenses that you can. No matter what the situation is, it’s tempting to over wear our contact lenses - especially when it’s a color we love!
However, the actual wearing schedules of contact lenses can get some people confused and when you take days off to wear your glasses, things get even more unclear. The question that we’re about to answer is one that many ask - how long can you really wear contacts?
Daily Disposable Contact Lenses
While it seems straightforward, both corrective and colored contact lenses that are intended for daily wear oftentimes get overworn with ease. What if you only wear them for a few hours? Can you then save them for another day? Do you really have to throw them away when it feels like a waste?
These common questions can be summed up with some simple information. Daily disposable lenses are manufactured differently than other extended wear contacts and yes, they have to be thrown away at the end of each day. It doesn’t matter if you wore them for two hours or for twelve - these lenses are not designed to handle the wear and tear that comes with multiple days of use.
Bi-weekly Disposable Contact Lenses
People really like to blur the lines when it comes to these types of contact lenses, as all kinds of exceptions to the rule seem to come into play. A bi-weekly lens is designed to be replaced every 14 days. If the word “bi-weekly” seems confusing or you can’t remember what day you first started wearing them, just remember that 14 is your guiding number.
If you like to switch it up between contacts and glasses, that’s ok with bi-weekly lenses. Simply mark down on your calendar the days that you wear them and once you’ve reached 14 days, throw them out. Keep in mind that leaving them in your case for months on end probably isn’t the best idea, so if they’ve been sitting around for longer than a month, you might be better off with a fresh set.
Monthly Disposable Contact Lenses
These lenses are by far the most durable of them all, but just like bi-weekly contacts, you need to count how many days you’ve worn them. After 30 days of wear, they must go in the trash without question. Full-time colored contact lens wearers typically have an easy time of remembering to replace them but using an app or even just a piece of paper to help you remember when it’s time for a new set is helpful.
Color Contact Lenses Replacement Cycles: What You Need to Know
Color contact lenses are a popular option for changing your eye color, enhancing your natural eye color, or simply trying out a new look. With so many different types of color contact lenses available, it's important to understand the differences between them, including their recommended replacement cycles. In this article, we'll explore the different types of color contact lenses and their recommended replacement cycles, as well as the top brands for each type and the importance of following the recommended replacement cycle.
Types of Color Contact Lenses
There are several different types of color contact lenses available, including daily, monthly, 3-month, 6-month, and yearly disposable lenses. Let's take a closer look at each type.
Daily Color Contact Lenses
As their name suggests, daily color contact lenses are designed to be worn for a single day and then disposed of. These lenses are a great option for people who only want to wear color contact lenses occasionally or for special events. Since they are only worn for a day, daily color contact lenses do not require any cleaning or storage, making them a convenient and hassle-free option. Some of the top brands for daily color contact lenses include Solotica Aquarella One-Day, Bella One-Day, Freshlook One-Day, and Anesthesia ONCE.
Monthly Color Contact Lenses
Monthly color contact lenses are designed to be worn for up to 30 days before they need to be replaced. These lenses are a popular option for people who want to wear color contact lenses on a more regular basis. Monthly lenses require cleaning and storage after each use, but they offer a more cost-effective option than daily lenses. Some of the top brands for monthly color contact lenses include Freshlook and Air Optix Colors.
3-Month Disposable Color Contact Lenses
3-month disposable color contact lenses are designed to be worn for up to three months before they need to be replaced. These lenses offer a longer replacement cycle than monthly lenses, but they still require cleaning and storage after each use. Some of the top brands for 3-month disposable color contact lenses include Bella, a popular brand in the Middle East particularly in the UAE, Kuwait and Saudi but also in the UK, USA, Canada and in Europe.
6-Month Disposable Color Contact Lenses
6-month disposable color contact lenses are designed to be worn for up to six months before they need to be replaced. These lenses offer an even longer replacement cycle than 3-month lenses, but they still require cleaning and storage after each use. Some of the top brands for 6-month disposable color contact lenses include Anesthesia.
Yearly Disposable Color Contact Lenses
Yearly disposable color contact lenses are designed to be worn for up to one year before they need to be replaced. These lenses offer the longest replacement cycle of any color contact lenses, but they still require cleaning and storage after each use. Some of the top brands for yearly disposable color contact lenses include Solotica. It's important to note that Solotica also offers color contact lenses for astigmatism as an option for yearly disposable lenses.Yearly disposable color contact lenses are designed to be worn for up to one year before they need to be replaced. These lenses offer the longest replacement cycle of any color contact lenses, but they still require cleaning and storage after each use. Some of the top brands for yearly disposable color contact lenses include Solotica. It's important to note that Solotica also offers color contact lenses for astigmatism as an option for yearly disposable lenses.
Importance of Following the Recommended Replacement Cycle
It's important to follow the recommended replacement cycle for color contact lenses to ensure the health and safety of the wearer. Over time, contact lenses can accumulate debris, bacteria, and other particles that can irritate the eye and increase the risk of infection. By replacing your color contact lenses according to the recommended replacement cycle, you can help minimize the risk of eye infections and ensure that your eyes stay healthy.
In addition to following the recommended replacement cycle, it's also important to properly clean and store your color contact lenses. This includes washing your hands before handling your lenses, using the proper cleaning solution, and storing your lenses in a clean and dry contact lens case.
What’s The Big Deal?
Sticking to a wearing schedule is important for your lenses because various materials are designed to only last so long. Once they are past their lifespan, they slowly degrade and your lenses are more prone to tearing which can lead to major irritation.
Bi-weekly and monthly lenses, in particular, become harder to clean as they age, and this buildup of proteins can lead to discomfort or even infections. While you might not want to throw your precious lenses in the trash so regularly, it’s crucial for the health of your eyes!
Ready for a fresh set of contacts? Visit lens.me for the best selection of contact lenses, fast shipping, and awesome customer service. After all, there’s nothing like the feeling of putting on brand new lenses.
Posted: October 13, 2018
Categories: Eye Knowledge, Eye Health
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FAQs
How Long Can You Really Wear Your Contacts? ›
How many hours per day can you safely wear contacts? Most people can safely and comfortably wear contact lenses for 14 to 16 hours per day. It's always best to try to remove them as soon as possible before you go to bed at night to give your eyes a chance to breathe without lenses in.
Is it okay to wear contacts for 24 hours? ›Most contact lenses should not be worn overnight, as it could increase the risk of eye infection. Contacts meant for daily or one-time use can generally be worn up to 14 to 16 hours with no problem, but your doctor may recommend a contact-free hour or two before bedtime in order to rest your eyes.
How long can you really wear 30 day contacts? ›The lenses can be worn for up to 30 continuous days and nights and can be easily discarded and replaced with a new pair. Do Night & Day contact lenses require any cleaning or disinfection? Night & Day lenses do not require daily cleaning or disinfection when worn continuously for up to 30 days.
What happens if you wear contacts for 20 hours? ›Wearing contacts for longer than is recommended can lead to eye infections, corneal problems, hypoxia (a lack of oxygen flowing to the eye), inflammation, pink eye, distorted vision, and potentially even blindness. The risk of an eye infection increases the longer you wear contacts continuously.
Can I take a 20 minute nap with contacts in? ›Can You Nap with Contacts? If you are taking a short, 20–minute nap, your contact lenses shouldn't be a problem. However, you will likely need to freshen them with the special solution after napping, as they will go dry. You don't want this to become habitual, because it can cause eye trouble.
Is wearing contacts for 14 hours bad? ›How many hours per day can you safely wear contacts? Most people can safely and comfortably wear contact lenses for 14 to 16 hours per day. It's always best to try to remove them as soon as possible before you go to bed at night to give your eyes a chance to breathe without lenses in.
Can I swim with contacts? ›No, swimming with your contacts in puts you at risk for multiple eye issues, including dryness, irritation, and infection. In rare cases, it can lead to serious infections or corneal ulcers that endanger your vision and eye health.
Do daily contacts dry out faster? ›The disadvantage of daily lenses for anyone with an active lifestyle is that the thinner contacts tend to dry out more quickly.
Is it OK to wear daily contacts for 2 days? ›Can I wear my daily contacts for two days? You can't wear daily disposable contacts for two days. Even if you wear them for only a few hours one day, you still need to toss them after that use and open a fresh pair the next day.
What if I accidentally slept with my contacts? ›If you fell asleep with contacts in, remove them as soon as possible. If you can't remove them easily, don't tug at them. Place several drops of sterile contact solution in your eyes, blink, and try again. The extra lubrication should help dislodge them.
What happens if I accidentally sleep with my contacts in? ›
Sleeping for hours with your contacts increases your risk of developing an eye infection. Without good access to oxygen, your cornea will begin to enlarge and swell up. This condition is called keratitis, meaning the physiology of the eye is being altered and damaged.
Do eyes need a break from contacts? ›Your eyes need a break and fresh air. As mentioned above, contacts can inhibit the flow of oxygen to the eye. By taking a break, you allow your eyes to breathe. Even if you're not planning to sleep, take your contacts out when you've passed the healthy wearing period.
Can you shower with contacts in? ›All types of contact lenses, including extended-wear contacts, should be removed from your eyes before showering to prevent complications. Even though extended-wear contacts can be worn for multiple days at a time, you're still putting your eyes at risk for infection or irritation if the contacts become wet.
Can I cry with contacts in? ›Absolutely! Crying with contacts doesn't damage your eye and isn't cause for major concern. But it can make seeing tricky because the glands in your eyelids produce extra tears, which leave deposits on the lenses. Even though this won't create problems, you might sometimes experience cloudy lenses because of it.
Can I close my eyes with contacts in? ›Here's how it works: Your cornea is one of the only places in your body that doesn't get its much-needed oxygen from blood vessels. It gets it from the air instead. When you wear soft contact lenses, a limited amount of oxygen gets to your eye, which is fine until you close those eyes for prolonged periods of time.
What age should you stop wearing contacts? ›“There's no age limit: You can wear contact lenses as long as they're working for you.” While that's surely good news for both long-time and would-be lens wearers, there are a few other myths we'd like to dispel. Here, Dr. Wong shares the truths and insights that Generation Xers and Baby Boomers might want to know.
Why is my eyesight worse after wearing contacts? ›Some of the possible causes of blurry vision while wearing contacts include a change in your prescription, deposits (like dirt) on the lens surface, dry eyes, allergies, infections, or other eye health problems.
Can you take out daily contacts and put them back in same day? ›Daily disposable contacts are designed to use for one day that's why they are called “Daily disposable contacts”. These are thinner, fragile, and can't hold moisture for long. So reusing them is nothing but inviting eye problems.
Can you wear contacts in the military? ›In Vietnam dust and poor hygiene often led to eye irritations that precluded the wearing of contact lenses by soldiers. Nevertheless, persons in the army are often in favor of contact lenses. In the air force and navy, wearing contact lenses seems compatible with nearly all military duties.
How much does a year of contacts cost? ›Most people with average prescriptions should be able to get a year's worth of contact lenses for $200 to $500. The price range for contacts can feel broad, but they have a highly variable price tag depending on a lot of factors.
Can I put my contacts in salt water? ›
Saline solution: A simple saltwater solution, which is used for rinsing your lenses before inserting them, but is not suitable for cleaning, disinfecting, or storing.
Why are my contacts blurry all day? ›One of the leading causes of blurry contact is dirty lenses from protein buildup. Wearing contacts for longer than is recommended can lead to protein deposits on the lenses. These deposits can blur your vision and possibly lead to further eye health problems.
What's cheaper daily or monthly contacts? ›Daily disposable contacts are more expensive than biweekly and monthly disposable contacts. (Read more about the difference between daily and monthly contacts.) Toric contacts for astigmatism are more expensive than spherical (non-toric) contacts for nearsightedness or farsightedness.
How many times can you reuse daily contacts? ›The truth is that you shouldn't reuse your daily contact lenses. They are specifically designed to be worn only once, and reusing them actually negates their benefits. By being worn only once, daily contacts protect your eyes from contaminants and help keep them comfortable.
How can I make my contacts last longer? ›- Wash and dry your hands well before handling your lenses.
- Always clean your lenses every time you remove them.
- Never use expired solution.
- Keep your contact lens case clean, too!
Over time, protein buildup on the lenses can further decrease the oxygen that reaches your eyes and make them increasingly prone to irritation and infection that can eventually lead to vision loss if not properly treated.
What is contact lens overwear? ›Overwear is one of the most commonly reported problems related to contact lenses. When you wear contact lenses longer than the prescribed amount of time, you risk developing contact lens complications. When contact lenses are used for an excessive period of time, they obstruct the oxygen absorption process.
How can I store my contacts without solution? ›Other alternatives for contact solution: Saline!
Saline is one of a few alternatives for contact solution as a temporary storage liquid to keep contact lenses hydrated and lubricated.
If you can't find the lens in your eye, it may be hiding under your eyelid. You will need to check by flipping your eyelid inside out carefully and examining it for the lost contact in your eye. If you find it attached to the underside of the lid, you may be able to remove it from there easily.
Is it better to wear one contact or none? ›Using a single contact lens won't hurt your eyes if that's what your prescription calls for. However, if you're not wearing both contacts because you lost one of them, you may experience vision loss symptoms in the unprotected eye. Blurry, distorted vision and other side effects of uncorrected vision can return.
What if I forgot to take my contacts out before bed? ›
Regardless of whether you experience any eye irritation or symptoms, if you forgot to take out your contact lenses before sleeping, you should see your local optometrist for an eye exam as soon as possible.
Is it bad to wear contact lenses everyday? ›Unfortunately, regular daily contact lenses aren't suitable for continuous wear. Though good for the daytime, they don't actually allow enough oxygen to pass through when the eyelids are closed which can result in a range of problems, such as blurred vision and infections.
What are the long term side effects of contacts? ›Other long-term effects of contact lenses can include: changes in thickness and shape of the cornea, formation of micro cysts, decreased corneal sensitivity, and even vision loss.
Do your eyes get worse if you don't wear your contacts? ›Prescription Glasses & Eye Health
You can stop wearing your glasses or contact lenses for many eye conditions without risking your eye health. You may experience uncomfortable symptoms, but it won't damage your eyes.
Your optician will be able to discuss with you what is best in your individual case, but as a general point, it's recommended that you wear your contact lenses for a maximum of 10-12 hours per day. Wearing your lenses for longer may cause your eyes to become uncomfortable, red and prone to infection.
Is it okay to wear my contacts for 12 hours? ›“Most people can safely and comfortably wear contact lenses for up to about 12 hours per day, though I always recommend giving your eyes a chance to breathe without lenses in,” she says. A good rule of thumb is eight to 12 hours a day, and removing them at night to let your eyes rest as you sleep.
What happens if you wear daily contacts for more than 12 hours? ›Like any part of your body, your eyes need rest. Overwearing your daily contacts can limit oxygen nourishment in your eye, causing complications such as corneal swelling. According to experts, contact lenses should be worn for about 14 to 16 hours per day or according to your optometrist's advice.
What happens if I fall asleep with contacts in? ›Sleeping for hours with your contacts increases your risk of developing an eye infection. Without good access to oxygen, your cornea will begin to enlarge and swell up. This condition is called keratitis, meaning the physiology of the eye is being altered and damaged.
Can you shower with contacts? ›Say It With Us: Nope. To recap: Contacts and water don't mix. When wearing contacts, keep them away from water to prevent discomfort, infection, and other eye issues. Even if you've showered with your lenses in before and didn't experience any problems, that still doesn't make it a good idea.
Can you wear daily contacts for 48 hours? ›Can you wear daily contacts for a few hours on several days? You can only wear daily disposable contacts for one day and you cannot use them more than once. Without exception, you should throw them out after removing them, whether it's at the end of the day or after only a few hours.
What can happen if you wear contacts too long? ›
Contact lenses that are left in too long can have a negative impact on your eye health. If you overwear your contacts regularly, you may be susceptible to discomfort, eye damage, and infections, which can severely affect your vision and overall health.
Is it OK to wear contacts for 18 hours? ›Wearing your lenses for long periods of time can damage your eyes, even if they're daily contacts. The maximum recommended daily use for any contact lens is 14-16 hours, though your eye doctor at Ditto and Musick Eye Care Center will determine the exact number of hours you should wear your lenses.
Who Cannot wear contact lenses? ›Although, not everyone can wear them comfortably. Eye conditions, such as dry eye disease or blepharitis, may make wearing contacts uncomfortable and risky. A severe refractive error, allergies, or contact lens intolerance can also make wearing contact lenses difficult.
Can you rub your eyes with contacts in? ›Rubbing your eyes with the contact lens on has the possibility of damaging the cornea, which may further lead to vision impairment. To avoid any such instance, it becomes essential to avoid rubbing the eyes.
Can I reuse disposable contacts? ›Daily disposable contacts are not meant to be reused. They are to be discarded each night and replaced with brand new ones the next day. Daily reusable contacts may be taken out each night, cleaned and disinfected, and then reused the next day.
Can I reuse contact lenses? ›The truth is that you shouldn't reuse your daily contact lenses. They are specifically designed to be worn only once, and reusing them actually negates their benefits. By being worn only once, daily contacts protect your eyes from contaminants and help keep them comfortable.
Can I wear my daily contacts for 3 days? ›Daily disposable lenses are worn for one day only. They aren't designed to be resistant to germs, bacteria, or other buildup that collects on the lens throughout the day.
Why can't you wear daily contacts longer? ›Daily contact lenses that are disposable and single-use only should not be worn more than once after daily usage. Daily contacts that are old can scratch your eye and also cause more dangerous conditions to develop.