This Is What Happens When You Don't Change Your Contact Lenses

Let's be honest: The majority of people who wear contact lenses have probably left them in for a little (or a lot) too long. What many people don't realize, however, is if you continue this habit, it can lead to devastating problems for your eyes.

As Bustle explained, if you don't change your contact lenses as often as you're supposed to, you're essentially "suffocating" your eyes, or depriving them of oxygen. To put it simply: When your eyes don't receive the oxygen they need, scratched corneas and an "overgrowth of blood vessels" (corneal neovascularization) become more likely. While an overgrowth of blood vessels can be treated, the condition is permanent. Plus, a scratched cornea isn't going to feel so great. It can leave you with temporary pain and sensitivity to light, according to WebMD. You also won't be able to wear your contacts at all until your eye(s) fully heals.

Replace your contacts often

One of the best ways contact wearers can keep their eyes in tip-top shape is by following the recommended replacement schedule for their contact lenses. For example, if your contacts are daily disposables, you'll need to throw them out daily, whereas monthly disposables can be tossed and replaced once a month. However, just remember they still need to be tossed even if they haven't been worn every day, reports the Cleveland Clinic.

Once the packaging on your contact lenses is opened, contacts begin to degrade despite how little or much they've been worn. Follow the recommended replacement schedule for your contact lenses or risk other arising issues, such as blurred vision, permanently wearing glasses, irritation, and infections. Don't forget to use fresh contact solution each day, and change out your contact case at least every three months. If you ever notice your eyes feeling off, simply give your contacts a break and contact your eye doctor with any concerns.