"What Does Daily Disposable Contact Lenses Mean?"
Understanding Daily Disposable Contact Lenses
Contact lenses are categorized into daily disposable (daily) and monthly disposable options. For those new to wearing contact lenses, the distinction between daily and monthly disposables may not be immediately clear. It is often advised that daily disposables are preferable due to the increased risk of eye problems associated with wearing contact lenses. Therefore, choosing a suitable, less harmful contact lens is crucial.
What Does Daily Disposable Mean?
Contact lenses come in various replacement cycles, including daily, bi-weekly, monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, and annually. Daily disposable lenses have the shortest lifespan, lasting only a single day. They are used once and then discarded, eliminating the need for cleaning or soaking, unlike other non-daily disposable lenses that require cleaning with solution for optimal use.
Why Daily Disposables are Designed for One Day
Daily disposable lenses are typically designed for a single day's use due to their inferior shaping. Prolonged wear can cause the lens to harden, reducing its oxygen permeability and leading to discomfort. This lack of oxygen can harm the cornea. Some users may find daily disposables soft, highly oxygen-permeable, comfortable, and clear, tempting them to wear them for two days or longer. However, this practice is discouraged. Daily disposables have a high water content, which can cause dry eyes with extended wear. Additionally, their soft material makes them prone to damage and is not recommended for consecutive use.
Continued wear leads to the accumulation of deposits on the lens, making it dirty and compromising its parameters like oxygen permeability and water content. Eyes may feel uncomfortable, so daily disposables should be discarded after one day's use.
Recommended Wearing Time and Eye Health
The recommended wearing time for contact lenses, including daily disposables, is 8 hours to avoid eye discomfort caused by oxygen deprivation, which can lead to redness and blurred vision. Shorter replacement cycles, like daily disposables, are healthier as they significantly reduce the risk of protein and bacterial build-up on the lens surface, providing greater assurance for eye health.
