How Often Should You Replace Your Contact Lenses?

Contact lenses offer crisp vision and everyday convenience, but they must be replaced on a proper schedule to keep your eyes healthy. Many wearers don’t realize that overwearing or stretching out their lenses can increase the risk of irritation, infection, and blurred vision. Understanding how often to replace your contacts is an important part of protecting your eye health.

 

The Role of Regular Contact Lens Exams

Even if you’ve worn contacts for years, an annual exam is essential. During your contact lens exams in Houston, TX, Eye Hub Optometry checks:

•          Your prescription

•          Corneal health

•          Lens fit and comfort

•          Any early signs of irritation or dryness

•          Whether your current lens type or material is still the best option for your eyes

Each year, your eyes can change and your lenses should adapt with them.

 

Daily Disposable Lenses

Daily disposable lenses are designed for one-time use, meaning you wear a fresh pair each morning and dispose of them at night. Because there’s no need for cleaning solutions or storage, they’re ideal for people with allergies, those who want maximum comfort, or anyone looking for the simplest, lowest-maintenance option.

 

Biweekly Lenses

Biweekly contact lenses are meant to be replaced every 14 days. Even with proper cleaning, protein deposits naturally build up over time and can affect comfort and clarity. Following the recommended replacement schedule ensures your lenses remain clear, comfortable, and safe for your eyes.

 

Monthly Lenses

Monthly lenses are intended for 30 days of use, with daily removal and nightly cleaning. It’s important to remember that “monthly” refers to 30 calendar days from the moment you open the package - not 30 separate wears. Staying within this timeframe helps maintain the lens quality and protects your eye health.

 

Why You Should Never Stretch Your Replacement Schedule

Even if your contacts feel fine, wearing them longer than recommended can put you at risk for:

•          Eye infections

•          Redness or irritation

•          Dryness and discomfort

•          Reduced oxygen to the eye

•          Changes to corneal shape

Contacts accumulate deposits from your tears and environment over time. Once lenses start to degrade, they no longer allow the same level of comfort or breathability.

 

How to Know When It’s Time to Replace Your Lenses

Some signs that your lenses are due for replacement include:

•          Cloudy or blurry vision

•          Scratchy or gritty feeling

•          Lenses drying out quicker than usual

•          Redness or irritation

•          Lens edges feeling rough or damaged

If you notice any of these symptoms, stop wearing the lenses and schedule an eye exam immediately.

 

Time for New Contacts?

Replacing your contact lenses on schedule is one of the simplest ways to protect your vision and avoid unnecessary complications. Whether you wear daily disposables or specialized annual lenses, we are here to help you maintain clear, comfortable, and healthy vision. Regular contact lens exams in Houston, TX ensure your lenses fit properly and support your long-term eye health.

Schedule your contact lens exam with Eye Hub Optometry and keep your eyes healthy and your vision sharp. Visit our office in Houston, Texas, or call (281) 940-6600 to book an appointment today.