What are Disposable Contacts?
Unlike extended-wear contact lenses, disposable contact lenses are designed to be worn for a specific period of time, which can be anywhere from a day to a few months. After this time, the lenses are thrown away and replaced with another pair. Because disposable lenses do not require much cleaning and maintenance, they are very popular with many consumers.
There are two broad categories of disposable contact lenses. The term “disposable” lenses is used to describe a broad range of lenses, but technically it should only include those that are replaced at least once every two weeks. Frequent replacement lenses are those that are replaced every one to three months. Most people use the term “disposable” lenses to denote both these categories.
Disposable contact lenses can come in extended-wear and daily-wear varieties. Extended-wear disposable contacts can be worn for about a week without being removed. (You can sleep without removing your extended-wear contact lenses.) After this period, they are discarded. On the other hand, daily-wear disposable contacts are worn and removed within 24 hours.
Why Disposables?
The reason you want to use disposable lenses is not merely for the sake of convenience – it can also lead to better eye health. Proteins and lipids can build up on your lenses over a period of time. These deposits make your lenses less comfortable to wear and can lead to eye irritation. Using disposables will spare you the time and expense of cleaning your lenses on a regular basis. Not only will this free up a little bit of your time, it should also save you the cost of lens cleaning products.