Wearing contact lenses for a long term -- i mean everyday use good for eyes health or wearng spects a bet opt?

Question

Have heard people say that wearing contcts for a long term as dialy use affects oxygen supply to the eyes and makes ur eyes weak in the long term. Is it a myth or a reality? Also what kind of contacts are best for the eyes ( if to be wore for 16 odd hrs)-- monthly,qtrly,yearly. thanx in adv.

Answer 1

I regularly wear mine for 12+ hours a day and most of the time I never have a problem. I use silicone hydrogel lenses that are intended to be used for 2 weeks. I have never heard of it being bad for your eyes to wear them for that long. I think the issue is keeping them properly lubricated.

The only time I ever have problems with my lenses is if I'm in a smoky environment like a casino. My contacts will get very dry and it can be difficult to take them out.

Answer 2

Even the best contact lenses reduce the oxygen supply to the cornea. The only saving grace is that the cornea can survive pretty well with a reduced oxygen supply. However there is a long term,slow damage to some specialised cells, the effects of which may never show up. It is a good idea to keep the use of contact lenses to 8 hours a day or less.

Justins opinion regarding extended wear contact lenses is a typical patients view. The vast majority of patients who wear contact lenses over an extended period do not have a problem. However, in an eye clinic, about 80-95 percent of contact lens related problems are caused by extended wear lenses. Just to put things in perspective, poor hygiene is only the second most common cause!

Answer 3

Completely a myth. First, contacts DO transmit oxygen Second, you're taking them off nightly- plenty of time for your eyes to 'breathe.'

Any contact is 'good' for the eyes if it transmits oxygen well and fits for you- that depends on the specific contact more than it's wear duration. Talk to your doctor.