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Walter Shurminsky O.D.

Home » News and Events » A Lens a Day Keeps the Redness Away

A Lens a Day Keeps the Redness Away

Have you ever left your disposable contact lenses in for just a bit too long? We don't need to tell you that so many things are in in top form when they haven't been used too much. It's helpful to know that the same principle is also applicable to your lenses. As a rule, you shouldn't leave them in your eyes longer than you've been instructed to. Despite that fact that you might be tempted to wear them just one more time, if you care about your eyes, follow the replacement timetable recommended to you by your optician. In other words, if you're told to replace them every two weeks, then change them every two weeks, because they're not made to withstand reuse.

So many people think, can't I just squeeze two or three more days out of them? To answer this, let's take a look at protein - not the dietary kind, but the natural protein that is a main component of the tears and eye fluids that gradually accumulates on the surface of your lenses which forms a mild haze. Unclear vision is just the beginning.

If this continues, these proteins transform and trick your immune system into thinking the buildup is something foreign, and the body's reaction can be expressed as inflammation in the eye. And this means that you won't be seeing your best. Other factors can also attribute to this, like the build up of dust or pollen on the lens But even when people take great care of their contacts, sooner or later they stop being as smooth and clear, which is the result of normal wear and tear.

It's best to commit to the routine your eye care professional advises for you. When you change your lenses on time, you'll never notice the difference that becomes so apparent when you wear them any longer than you're meant to.

If you have any questions about proper contact lens use call our Nutley or Ramsey, NJ optometrist for the answers you need.