A contact lens’s lifespan varies. Gas permeable and scleral lenses can last for years, but most people use soft contacts, which generally come in three variations: (1) traditional contacts, which are replaced monthly or quarterly, (2) disposable lenses, which are replaced every two weeks, and (3) daily disposable lenses, which are replaced after just one day of wear. No matter which of these contacts you use, you might be tempted to ignore the replacement schedule. But can you wear daily contacts more than once?
Can You Wear Daily Contacts More Than Once?
Obviously, daily disposable contacts are designed to be worn just once. Why else would they bear the name daily disposable? But, for a variety of reasons, some users wonder if they can wear the contacts for longer periods of time. So, can you wear daily contacts more than once?
No! It is important that you wear your contacts as prescribed by your eye doctor and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Daily contacts must be disposed of after every use to keep your eyes healthy. They’re thin and breathable, and they’re not made to last for more than a single use. Because you pop in a new pair every day, they always feel fresh and clean. Daily contacts are also typically sold in large packs because manufacturers know that wearers will insert a new pair every day.
Rewearing daily contacts could lead to discomfort, eye dryness, or serious eye infections.
Though you may be tempted, it’s important for your eye health that you discard daily contacts at the end of each day. No exceptions!
For How Many Hours Can You Wear Daily Contacts?
Though there are 24 hours in a day, it’s important to note that most daily contacts are not meant to be worn for 24 hours at a time.
Typically, daily contacts are not designed to be worn while sleeping. This means that their lifespan is generally a bit shorter than a day, falling between 8 and 16 hours.
In addition, note that you may need to shorten this timeframe if you suffer from dry eyes or eye sensitivity. If you struggle to tolerate contacts for long periods of time, you may need to switch to glasses in the evenings or push back the time at which you insert your contacts in the morning.
Ask your eye doctor about the specific product you’ve been prescribed and how long they recommend that you wear your daily contacts each day.
Do I Need to Clean and Store Daily Contacts?
Nope! Unlike other contact lens wearers, you don’t need to invest in contact cases and contact solution. Daily disposable contacts are made of a very thin material that is not designed to be cleaned. Attempting to clean the contacts may cause them to break down or make them vulnerable to germs and bacteria. It could also increase the likelihood that a lens will rip while on your eye. So after you remove your daily contacts, always dispose of them.
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Would you like to learn more about wearing contacts? If you live in southwest Missouri, stop by Heffington’s. Since 1975, the Heffington family has been assisting the Springfield community with top-quality eye care and affordable eyeglasses and contacts. One of the unique features of our family-owned business is that we manufacture lenses at our own laboratory, giving us total control over the service and pricing, and we’re happy to pass our savings on to you. To learn more about our products and services, please get in touch with us online, send an e-mail to asktheexperts@heffingtons.com, or give us a call at 417-869-3937 (Optiland location) or 417-882-3937 (House of Vision location). We look forward to hearing from you!