An interesting question popped up the other day over on Quora regarding the use of monthly disposable contact lenses: “What will happen to my eyes if I use my monthly contact lenses past one month?”.
As a frequently encountered question in eye care, it seemed a wise topic for elaboration. The quick answer is that extending the life of any contact lens increases risk of infection and subsequent damage to the cornea (clear front surface of the eye). Additionally, decreased comfort, increased redness of the eyes, and decreased clarity are all likely.
All of this is a result of the contact lens material. Modern contact lens materials break down over the course of their lifespan and this makes it much easier for bacteria and other organisms or particles to bind to the surface. That’s why the risk of infection increases and comfort decreases.
Understand that a contact lens is a medical device being applied to, perhaps, your most important sensory organ(s). If expense dictates extending the life of your lenses, discuss this with your eye doctor. He/she might be able to suggest different modalities of lens wear that would result in decreased cost without increasing risk.
oh dear, I just wouldn’t risk wearing contact lenses longer than the recommended time. You should probably play it safe and see your eye doctor.
Agreed, Frank, and we appreciate the comment.
As you know, doctors recommend contact lens wearing schedules with patient health and safety as the top priority. If what a patient is wearing isn’t working for them, whether it be for visual, comfort, or financial reasons, this needs to be discussed with their provider.
After reading this article a question popped into my head! I know it is slightly off topic, but is there any way in which glasses can deal with an astigmatism in the way contact lenses can?
Peter
Fashion Glasses
Forgive me, but I am not sure that I fully understand the question. Please feel free to restate the question, although I have a sneaking suspicion you might already know the answer given your link
I recently bought color contacts (no number) just for cosmetic purposes. They are monthly. However, I don’t foresee wearing them every day, maybe once or twice a week and not the entire day. I wish to extend their lives since I will hardly be using them. I understand the problem is wear and tear and bacteria, but if they are hardly worn, can they be kept for longer than a month?
You are correct, Avi. The concern with extending the life of a contact lens beyond your doctor’s recommendation is bacteria and increased risk of infection. Some disinfecting solutions/systems do a better job with prolonged storage than others, too. Therefore, it would be best to discuss this issue with your provider as they’d be able to look at your contact lens material and solution combination to give you the best advice regarding replacement, disinfection, and storage based on your anticipated wearing schedule.
Another option for you to discuss would be a daily disposable colored lens. That way you’d have a new lens each day you decide to wear them and, in turn, less risk.