5 Side Effects Of Wearing Contact Lenses For Too Long

By Shubhi Kumar
06 Jun 2025, 16:00 IST

While contact lenses offer clear vision and convenience, wearing them for extended periods can lead to serious eye health issues. Tap to read potential side effects!

Infection

Longer hours of contact lens wear lead to an elevated risk of developing infections, particularly microbial keratitis. It causes pain, redness, and even potential loss of vision.

Corneal Inflammation (Keratitis)

Prolonged wearing of contact lenses can bring about keratitis. It is a distressing condition in which an inflammation predominantly affects the cornea and demands treatment.

Corneal Changes

Contacts used for an extended period can alter the corneal form and thickness. This leads to distorted vision and discomfort.

Dry Eye

Contacts decrease tear flow and can trap a lot of debris. They are a source of dry eyes, causing irritation or a gritty feeling.

Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)

Prolonged Contact wear can cause pinkeye due to a bacterial or viral infection. It is characterised by redness, swelling, discharge, and irritation.

Information credits

This information is sourced from the National Institute of Health (NIH). However, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional for eye health concerns.