Imagine embarking on your daily endeavors with a crisp,
clear vision sans the burden of spectacles. Contact lenses offer this
liberating experience, transforming routine activities into effortless tasks.
Yet, this liberation comes with a responsibility––timely replacing these
lenses.
But how often should you do this? Are there telltale signs
to tell you when it's time for a change? Read on to unfold the mystery and
understand when to replace your contact lenses.
The Expiration Date Has Passed
Just like perishable food items, contact lenses too have an
expiration date. And it's there for a good reason––to ensure your eyes'
safety.
Each pair of contact lenses is designed to be worn for a
specific period, after which the lens material degrades. This degradation can
cause the lens to become less comfortable, potentially causing eye irritation
and increasing the risk of more serious eye infections. As such, you need to
replace your contact lenses once their expiration date has passed to maintain optimal
eye health.
The expiration date is not arbitrary but is based on
clinical trials and extensive testing by manufacturers to determine the maximum
safe usage period. Also, remember that the expiration date also pertains to the
lens solution in which the lens is stored. Beyond the expiration date, the
solution's sterility cannot be guaranteed, which can compromise the cleanliness
of the lenses.
Wearing poorly sanitized lenses can introduce harmful
bacteria to the eyes, leading to serious complications such as corneal ulcers.
You might have to deal with more than you bargained for if you try to stretch
the life of your contact lenses beyond this expiration date.
You Have Symptoms of Discomfort
Experiencing discomfort when wearing contact lenses is a
warning that something may be amiss. The discomfort can be due to different
factors, like lens material deterioration, a tear or crack in the lens, or
harmful bacteria.
The lens material can deteriorate even before the
expiration date. This can lead to dryness, itchiness, or a gritty feeling in
your eye, making it uncomfortable to wear the lenses. Furthermore, a damaged
lens can scrape the delicate surface of your cornea, causing pain and possibly
a corneal abrasion.
This is why it's crucial to replace your lenses at the
first sign of discomfort, as continued usage can exacerbate these issues and
potentially cause severe eye damage.
A buildup of debris on the lenses can also trigger
discomfort and decrease the lenses' ocular performance. Debris proteins or lipids
accumulate on the surface of the lens with time, reducing its absorbency and
blurring your vision. This debris can also make your lenses difficult to wear
as they may stick to your eye more than usual.
Additionally, a buildup of cells and proteins on contact
lenses can lead to complications such as microbial keratitis––an eye infection
caused by bacteria, fungi, or viruses. Keratitis can cause pain, redness, and
inflammation that may require urgent medical treatment. So don't ignore any
discomfort you feel while wearing your lenses. Consult an eye care professional
immediately to avoid these extreme consequences.
They Frequently Tear or Fall Out
Contact lenses that fall out may suggest they no longer fit
your eyes properly. This could be due to eye shape changes or an incorrect
initial fitting. Wearing ill-fitting lenses can cause redness and irritation,
potentially leading to serious eye conditions like corneal abrasion and corneal
ulcers.
In addition, if your contact lenses fall out, it can also
mean that the lens are not maintaining hydration effectively, which could dry
out your eyes and lead to discomfort. This can happen as the lens material
degrades with time. It becomes more rigid and less capable of locking in
moisture.
You need to replace lenses that frequently slip off or fall
out, as this is a sign that the lens has lost its optimal characteristics and
will not provide adequate eye protection or visual acuity.
Contact Calvert
Ophthalmology Center
for a fresh contact lens exam to help you get
your vision back to its best.
