CLOW: Contact Lens Over Wear
Wearing contact lenses in Seattle daily? Discover safe habits, avoid overwear risks, and protect your vision with expert tips from our local optometrists.
Assess Your Contact Lens Habits in Seattle
At Cannon EyeCare, our optometrists prioritize one critical question for every contact lens wearer:
What’s your daily wearing schedule? Do you:
-
Wear contacts constantly?
-
Take weekly breaks?
-
Remove them just before bed?
-
Sleep in them overnight?
Understanding your routine helps prevent Contact Lens Overwear (CLOW)—a major risk factor for eye infections. Protect your vision with mindful wear habits at our Seattle clinic.
Why Sleeping in Contacts Endangers Seattle Patients
Contact Lens Over-Wear—especially extended overnight use—ranks among the highest risks for lens wearers. At Cannon EyeCare, we urgently warn against:
-
Sleeping in contacts (blocks corneal oxygen)
-
Sharing lenses with others
-
Cleaning lenses in your mouth
These habits frequently cause painful infections and severe redness. We proactively counsel Seattle patients because your safety matters—never compromise eye health for convenience.
Corneal Oxygen Crisis: Hidden Seattle Eye Risks
Your eyes evolved for natural airflow, not 24/7 contact coverage. Constant lens wear starves corneas of vital oxygen, especially during sleep when eyelids block air. This deprivation at Cannon EyeCare’s Seattle clinic links to:
-
Bacterial conjunctivitis
-
GPC (Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis)
-
CLARE (Contact Lens Acute Red Eye)
All cause significant pain and threaten vision. Prioritize oxygen breaks to avoid emergencies.
Healthy Contact Lens Routines from Seattle Experts
For optimal eye health, Cannon EyeCare recommends:
-
Remove lenses 2-3 hours before bedtime
-
Wear updated backup glasses nightly (critical for driving safety)
-
Take 1+ weekly contact-free day
Dr. Mark Cannon’s rule: Minimum 2 daily awake hours without lenses
Dr. Miranda Cannon’s advice: Max 6 weekly wear days + evening breaks
Pro tip: Remove lenses when changing work clothes—builds consistent habits.
Lifelong Vision Care Starts at Our Seattle Clinic
Your eyes are irreplaceable—invest in their lifelong health. Schedule a contact lens safety consultation at Cannon EyeCare today. Together, we’ll build a custom wear plan protecting your precious vision.
Sincerely,
Dr. Mark Cannon, Optometrist
Cannon EyeCare | Market Optical, Seattle, WA
FAQs
-
Contact lens overwear means wearing lenses longer than recommended, which can cause eye irritation, infections, and even permanent damage if not addressed
