If you hate fussing over your contacts every morning there are
two solutions - extended 30-day wear contact lenses and daily
disposable lenses. But which is best?
Using lenses that you can wear for 30 days straight is very
convenient. Unfortunately it is not safe. Accumulated dust
particles and a month’s worth of protein deposits on the lenses
put you at risk of infection, even if you wear highest quality
extended wear lenses. Daily disposable contacts, on the other
hand, are not only convenient but a healthy option.
Advantages of daily disposable lenses
To make your eyes feel comfortable and to reduce the risk of eye
infection, you should replace your contacts often. And from this
point of view daily disposable contacts give you the most
benefits:
- Dailies present the lowest risk of infection - a lens
fresh from its package is sterile - There is not enough
time for protein and calcium to build up on your contacts (which
happens with other types of lenses, in spite of cleaning
solutions). As a result, people wearing daily disposable lenses
report clearer vision and more comfort. - There is no
fuss with cleaning - just open the pack and put your contacts
in. If you feel that rubbing your lenses before and after wear
is too much work, daily disposables are definitely for you.
Also, there is no need for cleaning and storage products - Daily disposables are ideal for people who suffer from
allergies, especially during peak allergy seasons - They
are great for people who wear contacts only a few days a week.
Lenses left in their case collect bacteria. Also, if you only
wear contact lenses 2-3 days a week, daily disposables are a
cheaper option. - And, of course, if you rip or lose your
lens, it’s no big deal - just throw it away and open another
pack. Disposables are also ideal for traveling.
See reviews of best daily disposable contacts
Disadvantages of daily disposable lenses
There are no health disadvantages to daily disposable contact
lenses. Their only draw-back is the cost - especially if you
have an astigmatism and need toric disposable contact lenses.
And, of course, you will have to put them in every morning and
take them out at night.
How expensive are daily disposable contacts?
You probably know that a monthly supply of daily disposable
lenses will cost you more that than a pair of monthly
disposables. However, contact lens manufacturers constantly work
to decrease the production costs of lenses, so the prices
gradually go down.
If you compare the cost of Acuvue 1 Day and Acuvue 2 (popular
daily and 2-week disposable contact lenses), dailies would cost
you about twice as much, from most retailers. However, bear in
mind that while wearing daily disposable contact lenses, you
don’t need to buy storing and cleaning solutions. Also, if you
wear contact lenses only 3 or 4 times a week, the cost would be
even less.
To save on your contacts, buy them online. And for even greater
savings, order a full year’s supply of lenses. Many Internet
shops give you additional discounts for a full year supply or a
substantial rebate off your next purchase.
If you are currently prescribed annual replacement or monthly
disposable lenses, ask your doctor if he or she can switch you
to daily disposables. The health of your eyes is very important,
and you will appreciate the difference disposable lenses can
make.
