Signs It's Time to Replace Your Contact Lenses

Importance of Timely Replacement

Replacing your contact lenses on schedule is one of the most important aspects of maintaining eye health. Even if your lenses still feel comfortable and you can see clearly, microscopic deposits and degradation of the lens material can lead to serious eye health issues if lenses are worn beyond their recommended replacement schedule.

According to research from the American Optometric Association, wearing contact lenses longer than recommended significantly increases the risk of complications, including:

• Eye infections and inflammation
• Corneal ulcers (open sores on the cornea)
• Reduced oxygen flow to the cornea
• Corneal neovascularization (growth of abnormal blood vessels into the cornea)
• Giant papillary conjunctivitis (bumps on the underside of the eyelids)

Manufacturer's Recommendations

The most straightforward guideline for when to replace your lenses is the replacement schedule prescribed by the manufacturer and your eye care professional. These schedules are established based on extensive research and are designed to ensure optimal eye health and lens performance.

Common Replacement Schedules

• Daily disposable lenses: Discard after a single day of wear
• Bi-weekly lenses: Replace every two weeks, regardless of actual wearing time
• Monthly lenses: Replace every 30 days, even if not worn every day
• Quarterly lenses: Replace every three months (less common today)
• Rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses: Typically replaced annually or when recommended by your eye care professional

Remember that these schedules represent the maximum time you should wear lenses before replacing them. If you notice any signs of wear or discomfort before reaching the end of the recommended period, replace your lenses immediately.

Tracking Your Replacement Schedule

To help stay on track with lens replacement:

• Mark replacement dates on your calendar
• Set reminders in your phone
• Use a contact lens app to track your schedule
• For monthly lenses, consider starting fresh on the 1st of each month
• Keep a backup pair of glasses for times when you need to replace lenses but don't have replacements on hand

Physical Signs on the Lenses

Regardless of the calendar date, there are visible indicators that a lens needs to be replaced immediately. Inspect your lenses regularly for these warning signs:

Damage to the Lens

• Tears or chips: Any rip, tear, or missing piece is an immediate signal to discard the lens
• Changed shape: Lenses that have lost their proper curvature or appear warped
• Thinning edges: Areas where the lens material has become noticeably thinner

Deposits and Discoloration

• Protein deposits: Cloudy or filmy areas that don't clean off
• Lipid (oil) deposits: Greasy smears that persist after cleaning
• Discoloration: Any yellowing or change in the lens tint
• Visible particles: Debris stuck to the lens that won't rinse away

Surface Changes

• Scratches: Fine lines visible when the lens catches light
• Rough texture: A lens that no longer feels smooth
• Calcium buildup: White, chalky spots that don't clean off

To properly inspect your lenses, place them in the palm of your clean hand with a few drops of solution, and examine them under good lighting. If you're unsure whether a lens is damaged, it's always safer to replace it.

Symptoms Experienced by the Wearer

Your body will often signal that it's time to replace your lenses through various symptoms. Don't ignore these warnings:

Discomfort

• Persistent dryness that doesn't improve with rewetting drops
• Burning or stinging sensation, especially after several hours of wear
• Feeling of something in your eye that doesn't go away with blinking
• Increased lens awareness - when you can constantly feel the lens on your eye
• Pain of any kind (remove lenses immediately and consult an eye care professional)

Vision Changes

• Blurred or fluctuating vision that doesn't clear with blinking
• Halos or glare around lights, especially at night
• Reduced contrast sensitivity - difficulty distinguishing similar colors or shades
• Inconsistent vision that changes throughout the day

Eye Appearance

• Redness that persists after lens removal
• Excessive tearing or watery eyes while wearing lenses
• Unusual discharge or crusty eyelids, especially in the morning
• Swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes
• Increased light sensitivity (photophobia)

If you experience any of these symptoms, remove your lenses immediately. If symptoms persist after lens removal, consult an eye care professional as soon as possible.

For more information on eye health with contacts, see our article on preventing dry eyes with contact lenses.

Environmental Factors

Certain environmental conditions or events can necessitate earlier replacement of your contact lenses, regardless of their age:

Exposure to Contaminants

• Water exposure: Swimming, showering, or hot tub use while wearing contacts
• Smoke or air pollution: Heavy exposure can cause deposits to form more quickly
• Makeup or skincare products: Accidental contact with mascara, eyeliner, or creams
• Dusty environments: Working in construction, landscaping, or other high-particle settings

Storage and Solution Issues

• Improper storage: Lenses left in a case without fresh solution for more than 24 hours
• Solution contamination: Using solution from a bottle with a damaged tip or expired solution
• Dry-out: Lenses that have completely dried out should never be reused

Health and Medication Changes

• Eye infections: Always use new lenses after recovering from any eye infection
• Illness: Consider replacing lenses after a cold or flu, especially if you've had eye symptoms
• New medications: Some can affect tear production or lens comfort
• Allergies: Seasonal allergies can cause deposits to form more rapidly on lenses

Regular Check-ups

Regular visits to your eye care professional are essential for maintaining eye health with contact lenses. These appointments serve several important purposes:

• Confirming your prescription is still appropriate
• Checking for any signs of complications or eye health issues
• Evaluating whether your current lens type and replacement schedule are optimal
• Updating you on new lens technologies that might better suit your needs
• Reviewing your lens care routine to ensure it's effective

Most eye care professionals recommend annual check-ups for contact lens wearers, though some may need more frequent visits based on their eye health history or specific lens type.

When to Schedule an Immediate Visit

Don't wait for your regular appointment if you experience:

• Persistent redness, pain, or discomfort
• Sudden changes in vision
• Light sensitivity with pain
• Discharge from the eye
• Swelling of the eye or eyelid

These symptoms could indicate a serious condition requiring prompt medical attention.

Conclusion

Contact lenses are medical devices that require proper care and timely replacement to ensure eye health and comfort. By following your prescribed replacement schedule and being vigilant for signs that your lenses need to be replaced, you can minimize risks and enjoy the many benefits that contact lenses offer.

Remember these key points:

• Always follow the replacement schedule recommended by the manufacturer and your eye care professional
• Inspect your lenses regularly for signs of damage or deposits
• Pay attention to symptoms like discomfort, blurred vision, or redness
• Replace lenses immediately if they've been exposed to water or other contaminants
• When in doubt, throw it out - your eye health is worth more than the cost of a new lens

For more information on proper contact lens care, see our article on contact lens care and cleaning.