Think of waking up in the morning with burning eyes, a sticky feeling and cloudy vision. You might dismiss it as a bad night’s sleep or hay fever. But if you wear contact lenses, they might be the harbingers of something more serious: Contact Lens Overwear Syndrome (CLOS).

What Is Contact Lens Overwear Syndrome?

Contact Lens Overwear Syndrome occurs when contact lenses are worn for too long, which obstructs oxygen from the cornea (the clear front part of your eye). That deprived oxygen causes inflammation, pain and, in severe cases, more serious eye health problems.

Why Does Overwear Happen?

Overwear of contact lenses usually stems from some of the following habits and misconceptions:

Busy Lifestyles

People wear contacts for a longer period of time to make up for a packed schedule without taking good care of their eyes. This neglect can make the cornea receive less oxygen and risk complications.

Convenience

Some people would rather keep the lenses in than remove and wash them as recommended, so they take lens hygiene lightly. This is an exercise that leads to the accumulation of proteins on the lenses which causes pain and eye infection.

Forgetting to Remove Lenses

People sometimes fall asleep without removing their contacts inadvertently, particularly after a long day. Wearing lenses that aren’t for overnight use is also a big contributor to eye infection and corneal hypoxia.

Lack of Awareness

Many are unaware of the risks associated with extended lens wear, and this could lead to improper usage and neglect of recommended guidelines. This ignorance can result in serious eye health issues over time.

When to See a Professional

Consult your eye doctor immediately if you have any of the following symptoms, as early detection can help you avoid more serious complications and maintain good vision:

  • Persistent Discomfort: Chronic irritation or feeling something in your eye that does not subside once you take off your contacts.
  • Redness: Eyes that are still red or bloodshot, which could suggest inflammation or infection.
  • Changes in Vision: Inexplicable blurriness, poor eye coordination, or sudden vision changes.
  • Dryness: A recurring sensation of grittiness or dryness even when the eyes are already lubricated with eye drops.
  • Light Sensitivity: Added light sensitivity (photophobia) that wasn't there before.
  • Excessive Tearing or Discharge: Strange tearing or discharge, which may indicate an eye infection.
  • Swelling: Pronounced puffiness around the eyes or eyelids.

The Risks of Ignoring the Signs

Wearing contact lenses even when you feel uncomfortable can lead to more serious issues:

Corneal Ulcers

These are open corneal wounds that can cause serious eye irritation and blindness. These ulcers might take some time to heal and can lead to permanent scarring, sometimes resulting in vision loss.

Infections

These are bacterial or fungal infections, and they might need special treatment. This kind of infection can progress quickly and cause serious eye damage if not treated soon.

Corneal Neovascularization

New blood vessels may well grow into the cornea and impair vision. This is typically irreversible and can reduce corneal clearness, which can blur the eye.

Preventing Contact Lens Overwear Syndrome

With these habits, prevention becomes a lot more simple:

Follow Recommended Wear Times

Keep to the schedule prescribed by your optometrist. Wear durations that go too long will starve your cornea of oxygen and put you at higher risk for complications.

Avoid Sleeping in Lenses

Unless otherwise directed, take the lenses out before going to bed. Using lenses that are not overnight-rated increases your chances of developing eye infections and corneal hypoxia.

Maintain Proper Hygiene

Always rinse your hands before handling the lenses and clean them as recommended. Good hygiene can help minimize the risk of passing harmful bacteria into your eyes.

Replace Lenses as Directed

Avoid using daily, weekly or monthly lenses longer than they are supposed to be used. Using lenses longer than the recommended time period causes protein accumulation and reduced lens permeability, 

FAQs

What are the common symptoms of Contact Lens Overwear Syndrome?

Typical signs include eye redness, dryness, a gritty sensation, blurred vision, and increased sensitivity to light. If you notice any of these, remove your lenses and see your optometrist.

Can Contact Lens Overwear Syndrome lead to serious eye problems?

Yes, without treatment, it can cause very serious problems like corneal ulceration, infections, and corneal neovascularization, which could seriously damage your vision.

How can I prevent Contact Lens Overwear Syndrome?

To avoid this condition, always comply with your eye doctor’s instructions: wear within prescribed intervals, do not sleep in lenses unless indicated, clean your lenses, and replace them on schedule.

Is it safe to occasionally extend the wear time of my contact lenses?

Avoid wearing it past the maximum, even occasionally. Lenses worn too long lead to eye complications, so stick to the schedule.

What should I do if I suspect I have Contact Lens Overwear Syndrome?

Immediately take your contact lenses off and call your doctor. A timely treatment can help avoid severe problems and accelerate recovery.

Can I continue wearing contact lenses after recovering from Contact Lens Overwear Syndrome?

When your treatment is complete, and your eye care provider approves, you can typically resume contact lens wear. Nonetheless, you should also be very strict with recommended wear intervals and care schedules to avoid repeat incidents.

Are certain contact lenses less prone to overwear?

Daily contact lenses can eliminate complications as they are changed on a regular basis and do not accumulate and become contaminated. However, with all lenses, you need to be careful with use and wear times.

Why is sleeping in contacts related to overwear syndrome?

Sleeping with contact lenses decreases oxygen to the cornea and traps bacteria between the lens and the eye, thereby greatly increasing your risk of infection and complications.

What are the long-term effects of repeated contact lens overwear?

Chronic overwear can lead to irreversible corneal abnormalities, poor vision, and risk of eye infections. You’ll need to stick to the recommended regimens to keep your eyes healthy for the long term.

The Value of Proper Contact Lens Care

Contact lenses are great for those who want to have clear vision without the necessity of glasses. But this convenience also entails the need for use and attention. When you know the dangers of Contact Lens Overwear Syndrome, and do your part to stop it, you will be able to continue to enjoy the benefits of contact lenses while maintaining your eye health.

Don’t forget, your eyes are your precious possession – so take good care of them.