For the millions of Australians who rely on contact lenses for crisp vision and the freedom from glasses, understanding the lifespan of these little optical wonders is crucial. While they provide unparalleled convenience, wearing lenses beyond their recommended usage can pose a significant risk to the health of your eyes. So, how often should you replace your contact lenses? Read on as we explore the guidelines surrounding contact lens replacement to ensure your eyes remain healthy and your vision crystal clear.
Daily Disposables - Convenience and Hygiene
Daily disposable contact lenses are the epitome of convenience and hygiene. Designed for single use, they eliminate the need for cleaning and storage, offering a fresh pair every day. This option significantly reduces the risk of eye infections and discomfort, making them an excellent choice for those with sensitive eyes or an active lifestyle. You should always throw away daily disposable lenses after use, even if you only wore them for a little while.
Two-Week and Monthly Lenses - The Routine Replacement Plan
Two-week and monthly disposable contact lenses offer a balance between convenience and cost-effectiveness. Following a strict replacement schedule as advised by your eye care professional is vital. Regular cleaning and proper storage are also necessary to maintain eye health and lens durability.
Extended Wear Lenses - Understanding the Risks
Extended wear contact lenses, designed for continuous use even during sleep, might seem like a convenient choice. However, they do carry a higher risk of eye infections and complications due to prolonged wear. Your trusted optometrist will advise a replacement schedule, and it’s important that you adhere strictly to it to minimise risks.
The replacement frequency of contact lenses can also be influenced by individual factors, such as eye sensitivity, tear production, and environmental conditions. Your contact lens optometrist can guide you on a suitable replacement schedule tailored to your specific needs.
Regular eye exams are also paramount to ensure that the type of contact lenses and their replacement schedule suit your eye health and vision requirements. Changes in prescription or eye health conditions may necessitate a change in the type or replacement frequency of your lenses.
Signs It's Time for a Change
You should always be attentive to signs that indicate it's time to replace your contact lenses. If you experience discomfort, dryness, redness, blurred vision, or notice tearing or damage to the lenses, it's essential to replace them promptly. If any of these symptoms persist, make an appointment with your contact lens optometrist as soon as possible.
Maintaining healthy eyes and clear vision with contact lenses is a commitment that comes with the responsibility of proper lens care and timely replacement. Choosing the right type of lenses and replacing them as advised by your eye care professional are crucial steps to ensure your eyes remain healthy and your vision remains sharp.
Abernethy Owens has access to prescribe an extensive range of contact lenses to suit your individual needs. From a large range of daily, fortnightly and monthly contact lenses through to lenses that correct particular eye conditions we are here to help you find the right contact lenses to suit your specific needs. Book an appointment online now.