Quote:
Originally Posted by linnea
I have monthly air-optix aquas that I take out every night and put in solution. I'm only supposed to wear them for a month and then throw them away, but it seams like such a waste if they still work! I have worn a one pair for up to four months, but I usually wear them for three months. I haven't noticed any difference in them-They are just as comfortable as ever. The only reason I throw them away is because I don't want to hurt my eyes. Any advise? I have noticed that if I have two contacts, one in each hand, and one is older, the newer one will be more slippery. But I don't notice this in my eyes.......?
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Hi linnea.
Have you looked around this site? You're not the first one to ask that question. The
contact lenses may still sharpen your vision even after they're worn too long, but that's not why there's a time limit.
Here's what it said in an article I found when I searched for "
contact lens over wear."
Contact lenses are most often designed to be worn on a monthly, bi-weekly, or daily schedule. When lenses are worn past the recommended amount of time, the material starts to deteriorate. Protein deposits on the lens will increase, and will cause the lens to become cloudy, and less comfortable. It is important that contact lens wearers follow the recommended wear schedule given to them by their eye doctor. While it may seem harmless, contact lens over-wear can lead to problems later.
Contact lens over-wear is a problem that Eye Care Professionals have been trying to combat for many years. Even with newer materials that allow more oxygen and moisture to the eye, patients continue to be seen for a variety of problems associated with the overuse of . . . soft hydrogel contact lenses. Approximately twenty to thirty percent of contact lens wearers have reported incidences of contact lens over-wear.
Corneal ulcers are one problem that can arise from wearing contact lenses after they are supposed to be thrown away. Because the lenses will have started deteriorating, the edges can begin to scrape against the cornea, creating tiny tears which can become infected with bacteria from the lens.
Among the many eye conditions that can occur, corneal ulcers cause the most eye damage. Symptoms of a corneal ulcer include redness of the eye, swollen eyelids, discharge, light sensitivity, and blurred vision. If a corneal ulcer goes untreated, it can cause permanent damage to the cornea, including scarring. Corneal scarring, at a minimum causes a haze in the vision. In some cases, corneal scarring must be treated by a corneal transplant. Even if the ulcer does not cause permanent scarring, it can take several months to heal completely. In extreme cases, corneal perforation [a hole in the cornea] can occur. Corneal perforation, while treatable, is painful, and requires treatment from an optometrist or ophthalmologist.
You say you haven't noticed a difference, but what about your eye doctor? Does he or she know about your contact lens wearing habits?
I know it seems like a waste to throw away lenses that seem like they're good as new, but they're really not. Please follow your eye doctor's instructions for when to throw your lenses away. If you're throwing out lenses that are still good, you're out a few bucks. Big deal. If you're wearing them too long, you can be in for a painful and expensive experience. Why risk it?
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08-15-2011, 10:38 AM
Is it bad to over-wear?
I'm going in for an eye appointment very soon and I will talk to her then. I really appreciate it!
Linear Mode
