If you enjoy the esteemed pleasure of being one of the select few in need of corrective lenses, you may want to consider asking about a brand new type of lens on your next trip to the eye doctor. Disposable contact lenses offer a simple, low risk and super convenient alternative to more traditional contacts.

Of course, disposable contacts have pros and cons and they aren’t perfect for everyone. Your doctor can tell you whether you’re a good candidate physically, but before you bring it up, take a few moments to learn a bit more about this exciting new type of vision correction.

How They Work

Disposable contact lenses are among the simplest ways to correct poor vision. Simply open a new pack of lenses each morning—or each time you want to wear contacts—wear them through the day normally, and dispose of them in the evening before you go to bed. It’s as simple as that! The contacts work the same way other lenses do, providing correction for poor vision, but may only be used for a single day.

Disposable contact lenses are actually many eye health practitioners’ first choice for contacts. They offer one of the most risk free, painless experiences available for people in need of corrective lenses.

Reduced risk of infection – One of the most common problems users of extended wear contact lenses run into is eye infection. When contacts are kept in the eyes continuously or fail to be cleaned properly, they accumulate proteins produced by the eye among other undesirable materials like dirt and dust. This can lead at first to clouded vision but may, in some instances, progress to a full blown infection.

No cleaning required – Perhaps the most convenient feature of disposable contact lenses is the elimination of the tedious routine of cleaning and storing them. The last thing most people want is yet another mundane before bed task. When you opt for disposables, you can simply throw your lenses in the trash at night and start fresh with a new pair in the morning.

Incredible comfort – Disposable contacts have the extremely positive benefit of offering that "fresh from the box" feeling every morning. Even the best cared for extended wear contacts can pick up miniscule particles that lead to a somewhat stale feeling in the eye. This is never a problem when you are always using brand new contacts.

Economically effective – Even though you’ll be purchasing more contacts, you’ll never have to spend money on cleaning solutions or storage methods. Disposable lenses are also cheaper than regular lenses since they don’t need to be as durable or long lasting.

Disadvantages

Of course, disposable lenses can have their drawbacks as well. One inevitable and troublesome issue that arises with disposable lenses is increased waste. In this way, this type of lens is not the most environmentally friendly way to enjoy optimal vision and eye health.

Since disposable contact lenses are designed only for single day usage, they are among the most fragile soft contact lenses on the market. Mishandling can lead to rips and overuse can very quickly lead to damage, as when the lens comes into contact with dirt or other tiny particles that cause friction.

Another problem with disposable contact lenses involves misuse and abuse of them. Many people, especially adolescents and teens, keep their lenses in for too long, sometimes even sleeping in them and wearing them day after day. This is improper use, and, since they are not designed for such use, wearers are exposed to potential infections or worse. As with any health-based product, it’s essential to use disposable contacts exactly as prescribed to reduce any health risks.

Comparisons

Single day disposable contact lenses are very similar to their weekly and monthly disposable cousins. Though their overall price tends to be slightly higher than the other two options, they offer a considerable range of benefits.

One of the areas where disposable lenses make the most sense is for occasional users. If you tend to wear your contacts only once in a while, it makes much more sense to opt for daily disposables than longer lasting lenses, which can degrade over long periods in storage. Additionally, even weekly and monthly lenses can become built up with dirt and proteins in a short time period.

Vision is one of our greatest senses, and isn’t something to be taken for granted. With so many options for vision correction on the market, it can be difficult to weigh all the advantages and disadvantages of your options. The best way to determine the most effective and safest eye care solution for you is to discuss it with your doctor. At your next eye check up, be sure to ask your doctor if disposable contacts are right for you.