You’re not alone if you’ve ever considered reusing your daily contact lenses. Extending the life of your lenses might seem convenient and cost-effective, but it is not a great idea for your eye health. Reusing your contact lenses can lead to bacteria getting into your eyes, protein buildup, and material breakdown of the lenses.
If you’re interested in exploring options for reusable contact lenses, don’t hesitate to book an appointment with Pacific Eyecare Optometry to learn more about the options we provide.
What Are Daily Contacts?
Daily contact lenses are single-use lenses designed to be worn for only one day and then discarded. Unlike monthly or bi-weekly lenses, daily lenses are thinner, more lightweight, and lack the durable coating that is necessary for extended wear.
Here are some reasons people opt to use daily contact lenses:
- Convenience: With daily contact lenses, there’s no need for cleaning solution or storage cases. Just put them in, wear them, and throw them away at the end of the day.
- Comfort: As they are typically made from ultra-thin materials, daily lenses can offer a fresh, irritation-free experience throughout the day.
- Hygiene: As they are discarded daily, the risk of buildup from proteins, bacteria, or allergens is generally much lower than other forms of lenses.
Daily contact lenses can be a great choice for people with active lifestyles, those prone to allergies, and those seeking a low-maintenance eye care solution. However, it is important to remember that they’re designed for single use and not to be reused.
Why Are Daily Contacts Single-Use Only?
Daily contact lenses are designed specifically for short-term use. Reusing them can lead to discomfort or other eye conditions that are best to be avoided. Here are a few reasons why they should be discarded:
- Material breakdown: Daily lenses are made of ultra-thin material that often won’t last beyond a single day. Reusing them increases the chance that the material might tear or break.
- Protein & bacterial buildup: When worn, contact lenses can attract proteins and microorganisms from your tears and the environment. This buildup can compromise your eye health and lead to eye conditions.
- Lack of disinfectant: Unlike extended-wear lenses, daily wears aren’t designed to be disinfected. Even with cleaning solutions, they often won’t regain their original integrity or cleanliness.
It is best to keep your eye health in mind, and throw out your daily contact lenses after each use.
Potential Risks of Reusing Daily Contacts
Reusing your daily contact lenses comes with risks that you might prefer to avoid, such as irritation or even infection.
Potential Risks:
- Eye irritation: Worn lenses lose their smooth surface, which can lead to discomfort, redness, and irritation.
- Corneal injury: Thin lenses are often more fragile and prone to tearing. Pieces of a torn lens can irritate or damage the cornea.
- Eye infections: Reusing contact lenses can expose your eye to bacteria, which can result in inflammation or an infection.
- Reduced oxygen flow: Contact lenses restrict oxygen flow to your eyes. Thinner lenses weaken faster, potentially reducing breathability and causing issues to your eye tissue.
- Allergic reactions: Protein deposits on the surface of used lenses can act as allergens, potentially leading to itchy, watery eyes.
Reusing daily contacts can result in mild irritation to an eye infection. It’s better not to take the risk and to take care of your eye health.
Maintaining Healthy Contact Lens Practices
Your eyes are an important organ of your body, and taking care of them should be a priority. Here are good practices to help your eyes remains healthy and comfortable:
Do:
- Follow the wear schedule: Follow your eye care provider’s instructions regarding how long to wear your lenses.
- Wash your hands: Before handling your contact lenses, wash your hands with soap and water to minimize the risk of transferring bacteria.
- Replace daily lenses: Discard your contacts at the end of each day and use a fresh pair the next morning.
- Visit your eye doctor regularly: Routine check-ups with an eye care professional can help to check if your lenses are fitting properly and your eyes are in good condition.
Don’t:
- Sleep in your lenses: Unless discussed with your eye doctor, avoid sleeping in your contact lenses.
- Use saliva or tap water to wet contacts: Contact lenses are best cleaned using sterile cleaning solutions or discarded if they are for daily use only. Other forms of lubrication can contain harmful microorganisms.
- Ignore discomfort: If you are experiencing redness, swelling, or discomfort when wearing your contact lenses, remove them, and consult with an eye care provider.
Protect Your Eyes & Wear Contacts Responsibly
Daily contact lenses can be a great choice for convenience and comfort. However, it is important to follow your doctor’s instructions, maintain good hygiene, and regularly check-in on your eye health.
If you have any further questions, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment at Pacific Eyecare Optometry and speak with one of our friendly staff.
