Eye Doctor Warns: Wearing Contacts Over 8 Hours Risks GPC

Many people wear contact lenses daily for convenience and appearance, but some wear them for over 10 hours continuously—a practice that ophthalmologists warn against. If you experience stringy discharge, severe itching, a foreign body sensation, or lenses that slip easily, you may have Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis (GPC), a chronic inflammation of the inner eyelid that causes numerous bumps in the conjunctiva.

Dr. Chee Oui Tien explains that GPC occurs when prolonged irritation and immune reactions cause normally tiny conjunctival papillae to enlarge beyond 1 millimeter. Under magnification, these grouped papillae resemble gravel or cauliflower. The condition typically results from improper contact lens use: wearing lenses for over 10–12 hours daily, long-term lens use, infrequent cleaning allowing protein buildup, allergic reactions to lens materials or solutions, or irritation from foreign objects like unremoved surgical stitches.

Four warning signs of GPC include: a persistent foreign body sensation unrelieved by artificial tears, unusual itching with frequent blinking, increased stringy mucus discharge especially upon waking, and lenses that shift position or slip upward, causing blurred vision.

The most important treatment is to stop wearing contacts immediately and switch to glasses to allow the inflamed eyelid lining to heal. Doctors may prescribe antihistamine drops and mast cell stabilizers to reduce itching and allergy symptoms, or weak steroid drops for severe inflammation. With proper treatment, patients typically recover well. If you return to contacts, limit wear to 8 hours daily and use daily disposable lenses to reduce protein accumulation and allergic reactions. Avoid rubbing your eyes, as this can worsen symptoms.