If you wear contact lenses, you’ve probably wondered: how long is too long? Knowing when to give your eyes a break is key to keeping them healthy and your vision crystal clear. Whether you use daily disposable lenses or monthly contact lenses, knowing your lenses' safe wear time is essential for avoiding dry eyes, blurry vision and the risk of eye infections. Let’s break it down by lens type, lifestyle and care habits, and how your choices can keep your cornea healthy, so you can buy contact lenses online with confidence.
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How long can you wear contact lenses?
Daily disposables: single use, zero hassle
Daily disposable contact lenses are ideal if you are a beginner who values convenience and hygiene. Simply wear a new pair each morning and discard them at the end of the day. There's no need to worry about cleaning or storing them overnight.
Maximum wear time: around 10 to 12 hours
Never reuse them
Designed for daily wear only, not suitable for overnight wear
Exceeding this wear time can reduce oxygen flow to the cornea, potentially causing dryness and discomfort.
Monthly contact lenses: cost-effective with care
Monthly disposables are great if you’re a regular wearer looking for value. But they do require daily cleaning and correct storage in contact lens solution. They’re safe to wear for up to 30 days from opening, not necessarily 30 uses.
Must be cleaned and stored daily
Stick to a consistent replacement schedule
Don’t wear beyond the recommended period of time, even if they still feel comfortable
Ignoring wear time can reduce oxygen supply to your cornea and lead to long-term irritation or worse, keratitis or corneal ulcers.
Extended wear contact lenses: day and night flexibility
Some soft contact lenses made with silicone hydrogel are approved for continuous wear, even overnight. These extended wear contact lenses allow more oxygen to reach the eye, making them suitable for certain contact lens wearers.
However, not all eyes tolerate this well. Speak to your optometrist or ophthalmologist before considering this option.
Suitable for up to 30 days of continuous wear (depending on lens material and your eye doctor’s advice)
Requires careful monitoring and regular eye exams
Wearing lenses overnight can increase the risk of eye infections, especially if the lenses or contact lens case aren’t cleaned correctly.
Signs you’re overwearing your lenses
Proper contact lens care helps avoid infections and keeps your eyes comfortable.
Always wash your hands before inserting or removing lenses
Clean lenses with fresh solution, never store your contacts in tap water
Replace your contact lens case regularly
Follow your optician’s guidance on lens type and wear time
Book regular check-ups with your optometrist
How to protect your eye health
It’s easy to ignore discomfort until it’s too late. Here are some warning signs to look out for:
Dry eyes and a gritty feeling, especially at the end of the day
Redness or blurry vision
Reduced tolerance to lenses over a period of time
Eye infection symptoms like pain, light sensitivity or a white spot on your cornea
If you experience any of these, remove your lenses immediately and consult your eye care provider.
Keep your eyes happy and healthy
No matter the types of contact lenses you wear, whether it’s daily wear contacts, bi-weekly, monthly or extended wear, following the correct wear schedule and hygiene habits protects your eye health. Not sure which lenses are right for you? Speak to your optometrist or read more about the best options for vision correction and comfort in our contact lens guide .