If you’re new to contact lenses or considering switching to monthly lenses, you probably have questions about how long you can safely wear them. The answer is more nuanced than you might expect. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about monthly contact lens wear time and safety.
What Are Monthly Contact Lenses?
Monthly contact lenses are designed to be worn for up to 30 days before being replaced with a fresh pair. However, this doesn’t mean you can wear the same pair continuously for a month.
The “monthly” designation refers to the replacement schedule, not how long you can keep them in your eyes at one time. Most monthly lenses are designed for daily wear, meaning you should remove them each night, clean and store them properly, then put them back in the next morning.
How Many Hours Per Day Is Safe?
For standard monthly lenses, the general recommendation is to wear them for no more than 12-14 hours per day. This gives your eyes adequate time to rest and recover overnight.
Your cornea (the clear front surface of your eye) needs oxygen to stay healthy, and even the most breathable contact lenses reduce the amount of oxygen that reaches your eye. When you first start wearing contacts, your eye doctor will likely recommend building up your wear time gradually.
You might start with just 4-6 hours on the first day, then increase by a couple of hours each day until you reach your comfortable maximum.
Extended Wear vs. Daily Wear
Some monthly lenses are approved for extended wear, meaning they can be worn overnight. However, sleeping in contacts significantly increases your risk of serious eye infections and complications.
Even lenses approved for extended wear should only be worn overnight under your eye doctor’s supervision and with regular check-ups. The FDA has approved certain silicone hydrogel monthly lenses for up to 6 nights of continuous wear, but this doesn’t mean it’s risk-free.
Many eye care professionals recommend removing contacts every night regardless of the lens type, as this is the safest approach for long-term eye health.
Factors That Affect Wear Time
Several factors can influence how long you can comfortably and safely wear your monthly contacts:
Your eyes’ natural moisture levels play a crucial role. If you have dry eyes, you might find that your comfortable wear time is shorter than the recommended maximum. Some people can comfortably wear contacts for 12-14 hours, while others may experience discomfort after just 8-10 hours.
Environmental conditions also matter. Air conditioning, heating, wind, and low humidity can dry out your lenses and eyes more quickly. If you work in a dry office environment or spend time outdoors in windy conditions, you might need to reduce your wear time or use rewetting drops more frequently.
Your age can affect lens tolerance. As you get older, your eyes may begin to produce fewer tears, which can impact comfort and safe wear time. Additionally, hormonal changes, particularly in women, can affect tear production and lens comfort.
Overall eye health is another important factor. If you have allergies, frequent eye infections, or other eye conditions, your doctor might recommend shorter wear times or more frequent lens replacement.
Signs It’s Time to Remove Your Lenses
Your eyes will usually tell you when it’s time to take out your contacts. Watch for these warning signs:
- Discomfort, burning, or stinging sensations
- Excessive tearing or dry feeling
- Blurred or hazy vision
- Redness or irritation
- Feeling like something is in your eye
- Unusual discharge
If you experience any of these symptoms, remove your lenses immediately. If symptoms persist after removal, contact your eye care provider.
Maintaining Your Monthly Lenses
The longevity and safety of your monthly lenses depend heavily on proper care. Always wash your hands thoroughly before handling your lenses. Use only the contact solution recommended by your eye doctor, and never use tap water, saliva, or homemade solutions.
Clean and disinfect your lenses every time you remove them, even if you’ve only worn them for a short time. Replace your lens case every three months, and never reuse old solution.
These steps help prevent bacterial buildup that could lead to serious eye infections. While monthly lenses are designed to last 30 days, sometimes you need to replace them sooner.
If your lenses become damaged, torn, or excessively dirty despite proper cleaning, don’t try to make them last the full month. It’s better to open a fresh pair than risk your eye health.
Some people find that their monthly lenses don’t stay comfortable for the full 30 days, especially if they have allergies or produce more protein deposits. In these cases, your eye doctor might recommend switching to a bi-weekly or daily replacement schedule.
The Importance of Regular Eye Exams
Regular check-ups with your eye care provider are essential for contact lens wearers. These visits allow your doctor to monitor your eye health, assess how well your lenses fit, and make adjustments to your wearing schedule if needed.
Most contact lens wearers should have comprehensive eye exams annually, though some may need more frequent visits based on their individual circumstances.
Your Eye Health Comes First
Remember that everyone’s eyes are different, and what works for one person may not work for another. Pay attention to your comfort levels, follow proper hygiene practices, and maintain a regular exam schedule with your eye care provider.
When in doubt, it’s always better to err on the side of caution. Your vision is irreplaceable!
If you’re experiencing any issues with your contact lenses or have questions about proper wear time, schedule an appointment at Blaine Eye Clinic in Blaine, MN. We’re here to help ensure your contact lens experience is both comfortable and safe.
