Most of you who wear contacts don’t know what you would do without them. Sure, without them you wouldn’t be able to see properly but once you’re used to wearing contacts, switching to your glasses can be a little disorienting. Because many contact lens wearers become so dependent on them, it’s extremely important to make sure you are wearing them properly.

Disposable Lenses

The majority of people who wear soft contact lenses opt for disposables. Disposable lenses are just that, disposable after a certain period of time. Take them out, throw them away, and pop in a clean, new pair. Some disposable lenses are to be worn and thrown away daily while others can be worn anywhere from seven to 30 days.

Advantages and Disadvantages

There are multiple advantages to either daily or extended-wear disposable lenses but there are also a few disadvantages that users should be aware of.

According to the American Optometric Association, daily-wear soft lenses allow oxygen to easily pass through to the eye and they are often a lot more comfortable than many other lens options.

These lenses are great for active lifestyles and are more difficult to dislodge than Rigid Gas-Permeable lenses (RGP), or “hard” contact lenses. Daily-wear lenses are available in bifocals and various colors.

However, because these lenses are soft, it’s often easier for these to tear and become dirty; vision may not be as sharp as with a standard pair of glasses or RGP lenses.

Extended-wear disposable lenses are sometimes an option for someone looking for a little less maintenance and the ability to see clearly at all hours of the day! Extended-wear lenses are also soft and can be worn for several days at a time without being removed. However, not everyone can sleep in these lenses successfully. Risk of serious eye problems (i.e., corneal ulcer) is greater for extended wear. In rare cases, loss of vision may result. Ask your eye care practitioner if you’re a candidate for successful overnight wear before sleeping in any brand of contact lenses.

Extended-wear contacts also come in fun colors and bifocals. As with daily disposables though, these lenses may not offer you the extra-sharp eyesight you’d prefer and they do not correct all vision problems.

Regardless of the choice you make with your new contacts, make sure you follow your eye care professional’s instructions and advice carefully to keep your vision and your peepers in tip-top shape!