Is prolonged contact lense use harmful?

Question

It just seems like your eyes need to get a certain amount of oxygen. Have there been any research in long-term contact wear?

Answer 1

It depends on the contacts you wear. There are brands that are approved as extended wear where you can sleep in them. I've been wearing them for three years now. My optometrist suggests that I leave them out for at least one night a week but I can never seem to remember to. I've had no side-affects or problems.

I think as long as you wear them according to the instructions and see your optometrist regularly, you should be fine.

Answer 2

THe reason prolonged contact lens use is not recommended is :
1) Increase risk of infection
2) Dry eyes
3) Your contact lenses need a certain duration of time immersed in solution to maintain their hydration -- using them too long makes them dry and sticky - which isn't very good for your eyes. Also, it prevents the overall moisturizing of your eye. The lacrimal ducts secrete tears which lubricate your eyes uniformly -- but this cant happen completely when you wear contact lenses.
For the same reason, it is advised not to sleep while wearing contact lenses.
A non0lubricated contact lens is vulnerable to tearing, and it decreases the overall life of the lens. As you must be aware, each contact lens comes with an expiry date... using it for prolonged intervals of time dereases the overall life -- as it is prone to tear. It is for this reason, too, that it is advised to regularly lubricate the lens.

As such, contact lenses enable you to be free from spectacles, they're light and comfortable, and often give 'new life' to chronic spectacle wearers... some even say they stabilize the eye 'number'. But you must always remember to take proper care of them, and follow all instruction regarding their use and especially proper hygiene to avoid complications and infections, which are really very, very common -- the leading cause being due to poor contact lens hygiene and care.

Answer 3

Contact Len's are designed to be worn all day long but opticians do warn that they must be taken out at the end of the day. Prolonged use can cause allergies in some people from tha lack of oxygen going to your eyes. Having said that they're are now even contact Len's you can wear all night long and for months without taking them out. I found wearing the disposable Len's irritating and made my eyes sore.

Answer 4

Isn't there a type of contact lens that you can leave in your eye for a month? You may want to look into this. I wear eyeglasses because I'm too poor to afford contact lenses.

I apologize that I don't know the manufacturer of the lens.

Answer 5

Yes, that's the reason why any oculist advises to begin using contact lense very late in the adolescence. Their daily and constant use even change the eye bending.