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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    If I wear extended wear contacts, do I have to get glasses?

    Related Topic
    Myopia & Hyperopia (shortsightedness & farsightedness)
    I hate glasses and my Mum said I don,t have to have them If I get extended wear contacts!

    Is it OK to just have contacts without glasses?
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    Rowan Prendergast

    Optometrist

    Rowan has over ten years experience as an optometrist and since graduation from Melbourne University has worked throughout Australia and in the UK, in all … View Profile

    Most optometrists will recommend that you always have a pair of glasses, even if you wear extended-wear contact lenses.  The glasses will provide vision for you in the event that you need to take a break from your contact lenses or are not able to wear them.  It is wise to not have only contact lenses to rely upon.

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    Dr Nicholas Young

    Optometrist

    Optometrist, DirectorDry Eye Centre, Heathmont, VictoriaA Melbourne based clinic specialising in Dry Eye and Ocular Surface Disease. View Profile

    I agree with Rowan.  It's unwise to wear contact lenses if you are ill, especially with any infectious type of illness. The eyes become more vulnerable to problems at these times.  Extended wear contact lenses put you at an even greater risk of infection because you generally keep the in your eyes for thirty days.

    I would also caution you about extended wear lenses if you are child (?). There is evidence to suggest that in the long term you may be at greater risk of dry eye problems.  Dry eye can cause a lot of discomfort and distress.  If I was your eye care professional, I would encourage you to wear a daily disposable contact lens, (that is removed and discarded each day) because I think they're a healthier choice.  I would also probably restrict its use to days when you play sport, or wish to change your appearance (from glasses), but not wear them every day.

    This might not be your first choice, but I think this is the better long term strategy

    Good Luck!

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