If you are a contact lens wearer, you know how comfortable and helpful these eye prescriptions can be. However, wearing contacts past the recommended due date can cause complex eye problems. Old or damaged contacts may cause eye infections and corneal ulcers too.
Therefore, you need to monitor the condition of your contacts at all times to enjoy their benefits. So, how can you know it's time to replace your prescription contact lenses? Read on to know key signs that your contacts need replacement.
Fuzzy Lenses
By design, contact lenses are clear, and that's why they enable wearers to see appropriately. If you notice some blurriness on the contacts, which affects their clarity, you should clean or replace them. Cloudy fuzziness on contacts means that you got the wrong prescription or there's a buildup of residue on the contacts.
You may remove the residue in the short term. But you will still need a replacement when more residue accumulates on them since their performance will be significantly affected.
Contacts Don't Sit Flush
Ideally, contact lenses are supposed to sit flush against the eyes. However, wearers may sometimes find it hard to keep their contacts in place. This occurs when the contact fails to sit flush against the pupil and instead moves to the left, right, downward or upward. They will affect your vision and be a source of discomfort.
This problem occurs when the lenses are compromised or due to a wrong prescription. You will need to visit your eye specialist for a retest and refit to get a new pair.
Signs of Permanent Damage
Like eyeglasses, contacts can get damaged at any time. Some common forms of damage include bacteria, dents, bends, or cracks. When such damages occur, they affect the ability of the contacts to protect your eyes and improve vision. They will even allow particles to get to your cornea. The best option is to replace the contacts immediately if you notice signs of damage.
Lenses Are Expired
Every pair of contact lenses has an expiration date. While these dates may vary depending on the type of prescription lenses, you shouldn't wear them once they reach their expiry date. For instance, daily disposables must be discarded daily, so ensure you have new ones for the next day.
If you are using lenses that expire after a fortnight, a month, or several months, you should remove them as soon as they expire. Ensure that you order new ones days before the expiration date to avoid inconveniences. Reach out to eye care services to learn more.
