A doctor’s view: daily disposable contacts

Posted in Contact lenses, Eye Blog, Optical

By Roslyn Howell, OD

Our doctor, Roslyn Howell OD, is an expert on contact lenses and related cornea issues and conditions. Recently, we asked her to provide insight on contact lens best practices based on her experience and research.

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Are daily disposable contacts better than monthly replacement?

You have probably heard of daily disposable contact lenses: wearing a brand-new fresh contact every single day sounds incredible, but is it right for me? Let’s go over the pros and cons of dailies.

Pros

• Dailies are incredibly comfortable. They are often thinner compared to monthlies and nothing beats that fresh, out-of-the-pack feel.
• Daily disposables eliminate need to handle and disinfect lenses. Approximately 99% of contact lens wearers care for their lenses incorrectly, increasing their risk for adverse events.
• Dailies are often recommended for patients with dry eye to help reduce symptoms. They can also be helpful in reducing allergy symptoms compared to monthlies.
• Daily lenses are healthier for your eyes. There is a lower chance of getting an eye infection with dailies compared to monthlies, as well as a decreased chance of more severe complications like corneal ulcers, microbial keratitis and sensitivity inflammation that can cause permanent vision loss.
• Dailies are undeniably convenient. You never have to worry about buying contact lens solution again. And unlike with a monthly, you don’t have to remember when you are due for replacement contacts.

Cons

• Monthly lenses have more options when it comes to parameters. Some people that have very high prescriptions may not have the option for daily lenses.
• Monthlies are better for the environment. When you are opening up a new package of contacts every day, that packaging can add up. However, the waste products created from daily disposable lenses are actually less than that needed to manufacture disinfection solutions that are used with monthly lenses alone. Read more about how you can recycle your contact lenses, blister packs, and solution bottle lids here at Cascadia Eye!
• Dailies can be more expensive; but depending on the brand, dailies can be as little as $25 per year more compared to monthlies. And, if you only wear contact lenses part time, dailies can be more affordable, as monthlies need to be changed every month regardless of how many times you have worn them.

Often the pros outweigh the cons when it comes to daily lenses, but it comes down to the decision you and your doctor make together as to what is the best option for you.

Contact Cascadia Eye

If you would like to learn more, or if you would like to schedule an appointment or consultation with our talented doctors at Cascadia Eye, please contact us today. You may also pre-shop for glasses at our online pre-shopping page any time. Our entire team is committed to protecting and improving your vision and the health of your eyes. We are happy to answer any questions you might have!

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