Signs You Should No Longer Wear a Contact Lens

If you wear contact lenses in Pittsburgh, PA, you know that feeling when you insert your lens and your eye immediately reacts negatively. Maybe your eye tears up, or it’s painful to blink. That always necessitates taking out the lens and figuring out what’s wrong before you put it back in. But maybe that lens is no longer viable, or it’s time to switch to eyeglasses. Here are signs you should no longer wear a contact lens.

Redness or Irritation

If your eyes become red, itchy, or watery after inserting your lenses, it’s a clear sign something isn’t right. The lens may be dirty, damaged, or not sitting correctly. Ignoring irritation can lead to more serious problems like inflammation or infection.

Blurry or Cloudy Vision

When lenses no longer provide clear vision, it could mean they are scratched, dirty or your prescription has changed. If cleaning and reinserting the lens doesn’t help, it’s best to remove it and avoid wearing it again until you’ve spoken with an optometrist.

Extended Wear Beyond Recommended Time

Each type of lens is designed to be worn for a specific period. Wearing them longer than intended increases the risk of buildup, oxygen deprivation and bacterial growth. Following the recommended replacement schedule helps prevent avoidable complications.

Physical Damage to the Lens

Even minuscule tears, cracks or bends in a contact lens can scratch your eye’s surface and cause irritation. Always inspect your lenses before wearing them. If there’s any sign of damage, discard the lens immediately to avoid harming your eye.

If your eyes are telling you something feels wrong, listen. Removing the lens and reaching out to your optometrist in Pittsburgh, PA will prevent long-term damage and protect your overall eye health—and vision for the rest of your life.