What are disposable contact lenses?

Disposable lenses: replace every 2 weeks or sooner.
Frequent replacement lenses: replace monthly.
Traditional (reusable) lenses: replace 6 months or longer.

Why throw out lenses at all?

The more frequently you replace your contact lenses, the healthier and more comfortable your eyes can be.

Deposits like protein, calcium, and lipids- found naturally in your tears- can build up on your lenses. These deposits make your lenses less comfortable, and can increase risk of eye infections and allergies.

Of course, you can always clean your lenses, but disposable lenses save you some time and trouble of doing this.

The ultimate in health and convenience
There are two ways to avoid just about all contact lens care. One is to sleep in your lenses (see extended wear lenses), and then replace your lenses periodically. Unfortunately, sleeping in lenses is not a good idea for everyone as it slightly increases your risk of eye infections.

The other alternative is daily disposables (“one-day”): these you discard every night, and replace in the morning with a new pair. This option is very convenient because there is no cleaning involved at all. It is also healthy because there is no lens deposit build up and no increased risk of eye infections due to sleeping in lenses.

Can I wear disposables?
Yes, you probably can. Optometrists at Opticare can advise you during your contact lens consultation. The key is whether your prescription is available as a disposable lens.

Disposable or frequent replacement?
Your frequency of replacement depends on how often you want to wear your lenses and whether your eyes produce a lot of deposits and if you suffer from allergies, (hay fever). Opticare optometrists will advise you on the correct option.