Disposable Contact Lenses FAQs

If you need lenses to see properly, there are two main options: glasses or contact lenses. Most eye doctors recommend that you try both, and the contact lens choices can start to get confusing. According to All About Vision, there are three main kinds of contact lenses. True disposable lenses are replaced every two weeks in most cases, though there are also daily replaced lenses that you throw away every time you take them out. Frequent replacement lenses, however, are also often called "disposable." These lenses are replaced every one to three months. There are also reusable or traditional lenses, which are replaced on a longer schedule. Before your eye doctor prescribes any kind of contact lens, make sure you ask some questions to understand how they will affect your vision.

How Long Can I Wear Disposable Lenses?

• You'll have two main schedules for wearing your disposable lenses, according to All About Vision. First, your "wearing schedule" will indicate how long you can wear them on a daily basis before removing them. If your disposable contact lenses are for daily wear, you'll have to remove and clean them every night. On the other hand, if they are extended-wear lenses, you can sleep while wearing the lenses. Along with a wearing scheduling, you'll have a replacement schedule. Disposable contacts are replaced every two weeks to three months.

Are Disposable Lenses Healthy?

• According to All About Vision, disposable lenses are healthier the more often you replace them. Over time, the protein, calcium and lipids that are found in your tears and on the surfaces of your eyes build up on the contact lenses. When you remove and clean the lenses, you'll wash away some of this build-up, but the process isn't perfect. Too much build-up can leave you prone to eye infections, so always follow the replacement schedule prescribed by your doctor.

Can Anyone Wear Disposable Lenses?

• Most people can, according to All About Vision. Your eye doctor can tell you for sure, but today they even make lenses that can work for those suffering from astigmatism, which wasn't true in the past. They also make bifocal disposable contract lenses, as well as lenses that will change the color of your eye without changing your vision.

How Can I Avoid Eye Infections

• According to the Mayo Clinic, there are a number of ways to reduce the chances of getting an eye infection, which can happen even if you follow your replacement schedule carefully. First, make sure you wash your hands before removing, replacing or handling your contacts in any way. You should also replace your contact lens case every three to six months, as old cases can harbor bacteria, and the case should be emptied and rinsed every time before it is used. Never reuse old solution. Also make sure that you only use commercial products specifically designed to clean your type of lenses, and talk to your doctor right away if you experience pain or other problems.

Do All Lenses Fit the Same Way?

• The only way to get lenses that fit properly is through an eye care professional. Your eye doctor will preform an exam that not only checks how well you can see, but also measures you eye so that you get the correct curvature to your lens. You should see your eye doctor annually, according to the Mayo Clinic.