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Disposable Contacts: The Ultimate
Convenience
Soft disposable contact lenses were designed to be a healthier
and more convenient approach to contact lens wear. Their
introduction revolutionized the way people wore contact
lenses. The majority of today's lenses are disposable because
they are convenient and affordable.
Disposable contacts are replaced every week or several
months. Their length of wear depends on the type of material,
the lens design, how the lens is worn, and how the person
responds to contact lenses.
Since the introduction of contact lenses over 50 years
ago, companies have worked to design a perfect lens that
provided excellent optics, comfort, no care, and no deposits
on the lens. The result was the daily disposable, which
is used once and thrown away. It also works well for people
who choose not to wear their lenses regularly.
Disposable lenses are ideal for people whose eye allergies
leave deposits on their lenses. They're also convenient
for teens or other people who don't want to spend a lot
of time taking care of their contact lenses. Disposable
lenses promote good eye health with regular replacement
of worn lenses and provide easy, convenient care for the
wearer.
In addition to daily use, disposables come in styles that
are discarded weekly or every two weeks. Frequent replacement
contact lenses are also disposable, but are normally discarded
monthly to quarterly.
Some reasons and situations for which disposable lenses
may be useful include:
Rapid deposit formation on lenses.
Frequent lens replacement because of lens deterioration,
damage, or loss of lenses.
Sensitivity to solutions used to clean or disinfect
lenses.
Difficulty finding another type of lens that is equally
comfortable. |
Some problems associated with disposable lenses include:
A higher risk of infection.
A higher cost than most lenses.
A tendency by a wearer to abuse the use of the lenses,
such as wearing them for more than two weeks, or wearing
the lenses in situations not usually recommended, such
as swimming.
Poorer vision. The lenses are very thin and correct
very little astigmatism.
Problems using the lens with dry eye. Disposable lenses
require more eye fluid to keep them hydrated.
There are situations where disposable lenses are appropriate
and situations where they should be avoided. Exercising
caution with the use of any contact lens helps prevent
complications. |
In general, optometrists say, contact lens wearers should
be on the alert for three possible warning signs:
Eyes that feel dry or gritty,
Eyes that look red or irritated, and
Vision that is not clear with contacts in place.
Your eye doctor can help you pick the best lens and
the best disposable or frequent replacement wear schedule
for your needs. |
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