“Do your eyes need a rest from contacts?”
I am a 31 year old male and I wear contact lenses. I want to know if your eyes need a rest from contacts?
12 Answers
David Hamilton
Ophthalmologist
Great question. Anytime there is a "foreign body" on the surface of the eye, it causes inflammation. And yes, a contact lens qualifies as a "foreign body". Also, as the day goes by, the natural lubrication on the surface of the eye, the tear film, decreases. It becomes thinner. As a result, the contact lens is more irritating to the now dryer eye. These 2 factors, foreign body on the surface of the eye (contact lens) and less lubrication as the day goes both contribute to contact lens discomfort the longer you wear them. Minimizing or eliminating contact lens wear is the best solution. This is where refractive surgery (LASIK and SMILE) comes in. Consider these procedures...they are safer and more effective than ever! And get rid of your contact lenses for good!
D. Rex Hamilton, MD, MS, FACS
D. Rex Hamilton, MD, MS, FACS
The simple answer is, "sometimes a break is a good idea." However, many of my patients wear medically necessary contacts and while I always recommend daily (no overnight) wear, not everyone is able to take an entire day off because glasses may offer inadequate vision. I would always follow the advice of the eye doctor who evaluated your contact lens fit, as they know your eyes best!
I generally recommend “contact lens holidays”. Meaning that give your eyes a few hours of without contact lens. Let say you are coming back home 6 pm and not planning to go out. Take out your contacts.
Most eye doctors recommend you not sleep in your contacts as it increases the chance of severe infection by 40-50 times.
Alan J. Franklin MD, PhD
Alan J. Franklin MD, PhD
They absolutely do. Contact lenses restrict the amount of oxygen your cornea, the outermost clear layer of the eye, receives. Contact lens over wear risks corneal vascularization, or blood vessels growing on/in the clear part of the eye, infection, and other complications.
Contact lenses should be removed at the end of the day. Never sleep in contacts even if advertised as such. If you wear contacts you should follow the instructions of the prescribing Ophthalmologist.
George D. Fivgas
George D. Fivgas
Extended contact lens use is not ideal. If you want to use contacts all the time follow up closely with an ophthalmologist to diagnose any early signs of over wear.
Yes, the corneas can be deprived of oxygen if contact lenses are worn continuously. This can lead to irritation, swelling with blurred vision, and possible infections. These problems may be accelerated by dryness and allergies. Removing lenses for a few waking hours each day and not wearing them during sleep will help to keep the corneas healthy.
Yes it’s recommended 14 to 16 hours maximum wearing time and contacts should be remove before going to sleep
Absolutely !
Yes, wear glasses at night when at home
Yes. Even with new high DK contacts we need to give the corneas a break occasionally.
