What Happens if I Wear My Contacts for Too Long?

Updated April 4th, 2025 – If you wear contact lenses, you probably enjoy their convenience, natural field of view, and freedom from glasses. They can be easy to use, even if you are new to contacts.

However, wearing lenses longer than recommended can increase the risk of dryness, irritation, redness, and more serious eye problems. This is especially important if you use reusable or overnight contact lenses, since these must be worn only according to the schedule approved by your eye care professional.

The Dangers of Prolonged Contact Lens Wear

All contact lenses have recommended wearing and replacement schedules. The former dictates when to remove your contact lenses, while the latter tells you when to discard your current pair and use a fresh one.

Contact lenses come with these recommendations to ensure safety and comfort. If you wear reusable lenses such as bi weekly contacts, overwearing can allow deposits, debris, and bacteria to build up on the lens surface. This can increase the risk of discomfort, dryness, redness, infection, and other eye problems.

Here are some of the most common dangers associated with contact lens overwear:

Bacterial Growth

The longer you wear your contact lenses, the more debris can build up, creating a breeding ground for bacteria and other microorganisms. These microorganisms can then transfer to your eye, leading to an infection.

Corneal Abrasions

When contact lenses are worn for too long, they dry out (this is why your eye may feel itchy or scratchy after a long day of wearing contacts). A dry contact lens can scratch the cornea, making it easier for microorganisms to enter the eye and cause an infection.

Hypoxia

Overwearing contact lenses can also decrease the amount of oxygen that reaches the cornea, a condition known as corneal hypoxia. This can cause the cornea to swell, leading to discomfort and impaired vision. Corneal hypoxia also weakens the ocular immune system, which protects your eyes from infection and regulates healing following injuries.

Contact Lens-Induced Acute Red Eye

Contact lens-induced acute red eye (CLARE) is an inflammatory reaction of the cornea and conjunctiva (the transparent membrane that covers the white part of the eye) associated with contact lens overwear.

CLARE typically occurs when you sleep with contact lenses not approved for overnight or extended wear. When considering contact lens wear, “sleep” can mean anything from a short afternoon nap to a full night’s sleep. The key element here is that the eye is closed for an extended time.

In most cases, CLARE requires no treatment, but it’s recommended that you remove your contact lenses and temporarily discontinue lens wear. But if redness, irritation, or pain persists after 24 hours, you should visit your eye doctor.

Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis

Giant papillary conjunctivitis (GPC) is when the inside of your eyelid gets red and irritated, usually due to contact lens overwear. GPC is one of the most common acute conditions related to contact lens overwear, and it can happen at any time, even if you’ve worn contacts for many years.

Common GPC symptoms include:

Red, painful, and itchy eyes
Discomfort when wearing contact lenses
Irritation even when you’re not wearing contact lenses
Feeling like your contact lens moves up your eyeball when you blink
Swollen eyelids
Red bumps on the underside of the upper eyelid

How Long Can You Wear Contacts?

Ultimately, how long you can wear contact lenses depends on the type of lens your eye doctor prescribed. Following your eye doctor’s recommendations and the manufacturer’s guidelines for your specific contact lenses is important.

Different types of contact lenses are available, and their wearing schedules vary.

Daily – Daily disposable contact lenses are soft single-use lenses. Most people can safely wear daily disposable contacts for 14-16 hours per day. But if you have sensitive eyes or eye allergies, you might need to remove your contacts after only a few hours.
Bi-weekly – Bi-weekly disposable contact lenses are soft contacts you replace every 14 days. Some weeklies are FDA-approved for up to 6 days of extended wear, but they must be replaced after that period.
Monthly – Monthly disposable contact lenses are soft contacts you replace every 30 days. Some brands of monthly contacts are FDA-approved for extended wear, but they need to be replaced after the maximum extended wear period.
Annually – Rigid gas-permeable (RGP) contacts are hard, durable lenses that don’t contain water. They provide sharper vision than conventional soft lenses. Most RGP lenses can be worn daily for up to a year before needing replacement.

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How to Avoid the Dangers of Contact Lens Overwear

Contact lens overwear can lead to a variety of eye problems. The good news is that there are steps you can take to avoid the dangers of contact lens overwear.

Take out your contact lenses before bed. Removing contact lenses before going to bed is usually recommended because wearing them overnight can increase your risk of eye infections, irritation, and other complications. If you must nap or sleep in them, be sure you are wearing a lens designed for overnight or extended wear.

Replace your contact lenses regularly. Wearing contact lenses longer than recommended by your eye doctor or the manufacturer can compromise the lenses and negatively impact your eye health. Remember:
- A daily disposable contact lens should be thrown away every day.
- A bi-weekly disposable contact lens intended for daily wear should be discarded after 14 days.
- A monthly disposable contact lens intended for daily wear should be thrown away after 30 days.
Keep your contact lenses clean. Proper cleaning and storage of your contact lenses are essential to prevent infections and other contact lens-related complications. Always wash your hands before handling your contacts or touching your eyes.

Prioritizing Eye Health with Proper Lens Care

Contact lenses can enhance vision and quality of life, but it’s crucial to understand the risks of overwear and take preventive measures. Adhering to your eye doctor’s recommendations for wear time and replacement schedules ensures optimal eye health and reduces the risk of complications.

If you experience discomfort, vision changes, or symptoms of overwear, remove your lenses immediately and consult an eye care professional. Your eyes deserve proper care to keep them healthy and your vision clear.

What Happens if I Wear My Contacts for Too Long?

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