Daily contacts and daily disposable contacts are not the same. Daily contacts are contacts that are meant to be worn during the day and taken out at night, whereas daily disposable contacts are meant to be worn once during the day and then thrown away when they are taken out before you sleep. Reusable daily contacts, also called extended-wear contacts, can be worn for anywhere between 1 and 4 weeks, depending on the type you get. These reusable contacts were popular for a long time as they were more common and affordable. But now we are seeing a transition to daily disposable contacts as they become well priced and more widely recommended by optometrists. Here are 5 reasons why people are making the switch to disposable contacts.
5 Benefits Of Disposable Contact Lenses
- Disposable Contacts Improve Eye Health. The human eye contains proteins, lipids, and calcium that can build up on reusable contacts. This buildup is why contacts often become uncomfortable at the end of their recommended use time. Buildup on contact lenses can lead to eye infection and airborne allergens can cling to reusable lenses and irritate the eye. These buildups and allergens will persist even with regular contact lens cleaning.
- Reusable Contacts Can Cause Eye Infection. Many contact wearers are diligent with their contact cleaning, but there is always a chance of human error. Forgetting to clean contacts, empty already used solution, or wash hands can lead to a buildup of bacteria on the contact lens. When that bacteria enters the eye it can cause infection such as ulcerative keratitis, often accompanied by redness, irritation, and sometimes vision change or loss. With daily disposable contacts, the contacts are sterile every time without relying on the individual's memory or habits, although it is still necessary to wash your hands before applying the disposable contacts.
- Disposable Contacts Are More Affordable. When they were first introduced, disposable contacts were more expensive than reusable ones, but as the contact lens market has changed, the prices of disposable contacts have decreased. Now, reusable and disposable contacts are both evenly priced. Despite this price match, disposable contacts still save the wearer money, because they don’t require you to buy contact solution and often require fewer supplementary products like eye drops than reusable contacts.
- Disposable Contacts Are Convenient. Instead of having to wash lenses daily and remember when to switch to the next pack, disposable contacts get you into the routine of disposing contacts out at night and putting brand new ones in when you wake up. This limits the chance of forgetting to wash the contacts. Disposable contacts are easier for travel when you don’t have to bring wash and solution with you. Disposable contacts also make it easy to switch between contacts and glasses at any time of day and reduce any concerns about losing a contact lens, as you always have backups.
- Switching Means Getting An Eye Exam. When you switch from reusable to disposable contacts, you will need to have an eye exam to check your prescription. This can be a good reminder to go to the optometrist. Although adults should be getting eye exams every 1 or 2 years, many people put it off. Eye exams are vital to your eye health and help catch and prevent eye disease and even other health issues, such as high blood pressure and diabetes. If you plan on switching to disposable contacts, you’ll need to see an eye doctor.
Visit Blink Eyewear In Calgary For Your Contact Needs
If you are interested in exploring the option of disposable contacts, visit the Calgary optometrists at Blink Eyewear. We offer a wide selection of contact lenses including disposable soft contacts, bifocal/multifocal, toric, and coloured lenses. Our optometrists at our locations in Crowfoot in NW Calgary, West Springs in SW Calgary, and Creekside in NW Calgary are happy to determine your contact lens prescription during an eye exam. In most cases, you will be able to try some contacts on and take samples home with you, and our staff can teach you everything you need to know about contact lens care and how to put them in and take them out if you are new to the world of contacts. For your eye health, we will continue with long-term eye care to monitor the condition of the lenses and to ensure that proper hygiene is being maintained. For top-quality contact lens care, contact Blink Eyewear at 1-403-516-2292 or fill out the online contact form.
FAQ
Q: Can contact lenses slip and get stuck behind my eye?
A: No, your contact lens can't slip behind your eye. At worst, you may have trouble finding it under your upper eyelid if you rub your eye and the lens gets dislodged from its correct position. If necessary, your optometrist will be able to assist you to retrieve the lens.
Q: What are soft and hard contact lenses?
A: Soft contacts are made from a gel-like substance with water-containing plastics called hydrogels. Soft contacts stay in place on the eye and are rather flexible. Hard contact lenses, also called rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses are made of a silicone compound and are designed to be more structured to make the eye hold a specific shape. This is highly beneficial to those with myopia, as it helps correct the shape of the eye.
Q: Why do my eyes get dry while wearing contacts?
A: It could be that:
- You aren’t blinking enough while focusing on a screen.
- You don’t use eye drops or artificial tears when you should be.
- That the type of contact lenses aren’t suitable for your needs.
If you feel discomfort while wearing contact lenses, contact your Calgary optometry clinic to discuss solutions.