Many people wear contact lenses as an easy and comfortable alternative to glasses. But if you don’t wear them correctly, you could suffer from eye irritation, dryness, or even an infection. To maintain eye optimal eye health, you need to understand how long you can wear different types of contacts. 

Daily Disposable Lenses

Recommended wear time: One day (8-16 hours)

Daily disposable lenses are designed to be worn once and then discarded. These single-use lenses are made from thinner material to allow oxygen to reach your eyes and are not intended for prolonged use. They also have a higher water content than most contacts. 

These contacts for best for:

• People with allergies or dry or sensitive eyes
• Those who prefer to wear a fresh pair every day
• Occasional lens wearers or those who prefer convenience
• Those who want to avoid any chance of infection

Bi-Weekly Disposable Lenses

Recommended wear time: Up to 14 days (8-12 hours per day)

Bi-weekly lenses are meant to be replaced every two weeks and require daily cleaning and storage. They are thicker and more durable than daily disposable contacts. Avoid wearing them beyond the recommended hours every day or you may end up with protein buildup and irritation.

These contacts are best for:

• Regular contact lens wearers
• People looking for a balance between cost and convenience
• People with mild dry eyes
• Those whose vision fluctuates slightly 

Monthly Disposable lenses

Recommended wear time: Up to 30 days (8-14 hours per day)

Monthly lenses are extra durable and require thorough cleaning. Some brands offer extended wear options, meaning you can wear them continually for a few days or even weeks. But if you are going to wear contacts continually, you should get approval from your eye doctor. 

These contacts are best for:

• Frequent lens wearers
• Budget-conscious individuals
• Those with complicated prescriptions or certain eye conditions
• Those who exercise regularly 
• People who don’t mind cleaning their contacts daily

Extended-Wear Lenses

Recommended wear time: Up to 7 days (sometimes 30 days with approval)

Extended-wear lenses are made of highly breathable silicone hydrogel, which allows more oxygen to pass through to your eyes into your cornea. Some can be worn overnight, but sleeping in lenses increases the risk of eye infections, so make sure you schedule regular check-ups with an optometrist.

These contacts are best for:

• People who prefer to keep lenses in overnight
• Those with a busy or active lifestyle
• People with vision issues, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism  
• Those with binocular vision abnormalities, such as amblyopia, who benefit from continuous eye correction 

Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Lenses

Recommended wear time: Up to 12-14 hours per day

Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) lenses are made from hard, smooth plastic and last much longer than soft lenses (several months to years). They are also smaller and designed to maintain their shape and move with your eye.

They can be more comfortable and provide sharper vision, but they require an adjustment period. They provide better oxygen permeability but should not be worn overnight unless approved by an eye care professional.

These contacts are best for:

• People with astigmatism or keratoconus
• Those looking for long-term, durable lenses
• Those with dry eyes as these lenses lubricate and allow oxygen to reach the cornea

Scleral Lenses

Recommended wear time: Up to 14-16 hours per day

Scleral lenses are larger than traditional lenses and rest on the white part of the eye. They also leave a small vaulted space between the lens and the eye surface, which is filled with saline to hydrate and protect your eyes. 

They are designed for people with irregular corneas, severe dry eye syndrome, or other eye conditions that make regular contacts uncomfortable or ineffective. Proper cleaning and hydration are key to comfort and safety.

These contacts are best for:

• People with corneal conditions
• Those with severe dry eyes or allergies
• People with complicated prescriptions 

General Tips for Healthy Lens Wear

To have the best possible experience wearing different types of contacts make sure you:

• Always follow the recommended wear schedule provided by your eye doctor.
• Never sleep in contacts unless prescribed as extended wear.
• Clean and store lenses properly to prevent infections.
• Give your eyes a break — wear glasses occasionally.
• Replace lenses on time to maintain optimal eye health.

By sticking to these guidelines and figuring out the best contacts for you and your eyes, you can enjoy clear, comfortable vision while keeping your eyes healthy. Always consult with your optometrist if you have any concerns about your lenses or eye health.