Do you have to throw away contact lenses?

Are you a contact lens wearer who’s been wondering if it’s time to say goodbye to your old lenses and replace them with new ones? Fear not! We’ve got all the information you need on whether or not it’s time to throw away those contacts.

The Lifespan of a Contact Lens

Did you know that contact lenses actually have an expiration date? Most types of lenses are only intended to be worn for two weeks. After that, they become increasingly likely to tear, dry out, and allow harmful bacteria and fungi in that could potentially cause irritation or infections.

Pro-tip: Always check the packaging or consult your optometrist for information about how long your specific type of lenses last.

Signs Your Contacts Might Need Replacement

As we mentioned earlier, wearing used up contact lenses is a risky business. Here are some signs that it might be time for new ones:

  • Redness
  • Blurry vision
  • Discomfort
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Itching
  • Pain in eyes ( This should signal immediate replacement!)

If any (or all) of these symptoms sound familiar – consider yourself warned!

On A Serious Note: Health Risks Associated With Overused Contact Lenses

Eye infections caused by reusing dirty or expired contacts can lead to serious issues such as corneal ulcers which might even require surgical interventions. So here’s where things get real: Making sure you don’t go past their expiration date isn’t just important because they won’t feel comfy anymore ( although Comfort is major key) but because over-used daily wear&throw lens can introduce risks while extended-wear may come with more severe threats such as permanent damage!

Additionally; People who sleep with their contacts run greater risk of infection than people who remove theirs before bedtime considering prolonged exposure against the white surface- for 8 Hours!

Types of Lenses: Dailies, Biweekly, Monthly & Others

Most Contact lenses come in one of these four categories:

  • Daily wear – Replace after 24 hours
  • Weekly / Bi-weekly Wear – typically replaced on a biweekly or monthly schedule. ( As the name suggests)
  • Extended wear – Can be worn anywhere from several days to several weeks
  • Cosmetics/ Colored contacts

The type you choose depends majorly on your lifestyle, eye-prescription and medical history!

The Good news is ..your contact’s life doesn’t have to end when it expires! Try Recycling them

If You’re Attached enough with your old lenses that letting go becomes hard,Here’s an interesting fact!: Contacts can actually be recycled. Acuvue has developed a program where customers can send their used-up daily disposable Acuvue contact lenses back in pre-paid packages for recycling by Terracycle, which turns waste into reusable products like playground equipment and watering cans.

Other companies such as Bausch + Lomb also accept used contacts via mail for recycling programs.

So if throwing away perfectly usable yet expired (Yes, underlined) Contacts seems wasteful or just sad; Recycle Them With Care 😉

Tip: To Those who prioritize environmental care alongside all other benefits; Do check out TalkTalk eyewear , they offer eco-conscious trends at affordable prices!!
Not only do they stock a range of recycled product options but the company itself is water-neutral AND partnered up with OrphanAid Africa!

Prosthetic Eyes And Hygiene requirements

If you are someone living with prosthetic eyes then hygiene requirements become extremely important! Make sure to clean those hands thoroughly before taking them out! If you need guidance Wearing On Aesthetics boasts some great tips ; ranging between how-where-how often!!

Once removed store them safetly and keep adding moisture drops to them in between wears!

How To Store Contact Lenses Correctly

Preserving your contacts properly is equally important as replacing them regularly. Here are some tips:

1- Always clean your lenses before storing them.

2- Use only fresh disinfecting solution when cleaning and storing contact lenses overnight or for any extended period of time

3- Never use water or saliva as a substitute for disinfectant; Nor should you try washing the lens with anything besides the suggested solution

4.Store in cool, dry place preferably in its own cleaning casing!

5- Replace storage case frequently (about every three months) to help prevent bacteria growth.

Tip: Don’t confuse one side from another! And do check desired Rehydration limitations indicated on packaging:Excessive soaking can lead to loss of necessary moisture levels increasing susceptibility against damages upon re-wear!

So When Should You Not Wear Contacts?

Contacts may not be suitable for individuals who have certain medical conditions like chronic dry eyes, allergies etc. They may also need specific exercises and care routines from ophthalmologists because prolonged wearing could otherwise worsen existing diseases such as astigmatism.
Moreover-medications that alter eye condition even slightly would heavily impact tolerance towards foreign invasions!!

Pregnancy has hormonal effects that could essentially cause changes within cornea’s fibers structure rendering more harm than good Therefore it’s best postponed until delivery!!

While we know how tempting they are, you wouldn’t want to exacerbate health issues by continuing to rock those lenses .

Always consult a doctor before considering new eyewear with distinct prescription/severe symptoms.. Some visible signs might require immediate attention indicating underlying crucial complications!!

Well folks now you know All there’s needed about getting started on New vision acquaintanceships or maintaining an old relationship!!!!

Stay informed Stay Hygienic & Stay Safe ( pun intended 😉)

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