I use Accuview disposable lenses, take them out every night, sterilize them, and clean them 2X a week. Instead of disposing of them after two weeks (as directed by my optomotrist), I find I can make them last for as much as a month. Am I in any danger? I can't be at greater risk for infection since I sterilize them. Is the condition of these lenses any worse than those of daily wear after they have been worn a couple of months? Can my eyes properly "feel" if the lenses are worn? Thanks for your help.
Answered by Richard E. Gans, M. D.
"Am I in danger?" --> YES !
"I can't be at greater risk for infection since I sterilize
them." --> WRONG !
"Is the condition of these lenses any worse than those of
daily wear after they have been worn a couple of months?"-->
YES !
"Can my eyes properly feel if the lenses are worn? --> NO !
Even under the most controlled, ideal circumstances, contact lenses can cause serious, permanent, visually threatening, complications. Willfully abusing the contact lenses is courting with disaster!
I see countless patients with conventional lenses, lenses that are designed to last at least a year, that disintegrate in a few weeks time. It is foolish to assume that a lens that is only designed to last two weeks, under ideal circumstances could last longer and still keep its shape.
Second, remember that what seems "sterile" to you is not really sterile. The lens may be sterile, but your lens case is not. Your hands are not sterile when they come in contact with the lens as you insert it. Your eyelids, and even the surface of your eye are not sterile. Therefore, once you open that case, your lens is contaminated before it even gets close to your eye. The longer you wear the lens, the more the bacteria accumulate.
It is strongly recommended that you use your contact lenses exactly as they are prescribed in order to minimize your risk of complications.
PLEASE NOTE: The information contained on this system is not intended to supplant individual professional consultation, but is offered as a community education service. Advice on individual problems should be obtained directly from a professional.
Copyright, 1994. Richard E. Gans, M.D.
Last Modified: August 23, 1996