Since the invention of the contact lens, there has been big changes to conatact lens materials, designs, and lens replacement schedules. Just a few short decades ago, conventional lenses that were replaced every one to two years were the norm, but slowly with advancements in lens materials and designs, lenses were designed to be replaced more frequently, such as every two to four weeks. But with the invention of the daily replacement contact in 1996, momentum in daily lens replacement has quickly been gaining ground. Patients are looking for an easier, more convenient way to wear contact lenses, and eye care professionals are looking for healthier contact lens options. Therefor, more and more people have been switching to daily disposable contact lenses. New daily disposable contact lenses provide the contact lens wearer with many advantages over older, longer wear, extended use, contact lenses.
Daily Disposable Contact Lenses Are A Healthier Choice
Eye care professionals are a huge proponent of daily contact lenses. By disposing of contacts daily, not only is the contact lens wearer getting a product that is typically more comfortable and convenient, but they are also getting a lens that is much better for eye health as well. When replacing contact lenses daily, there is no day-to-day deposits that can accumulate on the surface of the lens. As well, there is minimal chance of patients reintroducing harmful bacteria and viruses back into their eyes. Often, these problems occur as a result from the handling of contact lenses, from contaminated contact lens cases, and misuse of contact lens solutions.
Premium daily disposable contact lenses such as the Acuvue 1-Day Oasys and the Alcon Daily Total 1 lens, are also made out of a premium lens material called silicone hydrogel (SiHi). A Sihi lens is more breathable then other contact lens materials. Because of this breathability, the lens allows more oxygen through to the eye, which is a key factor in helping maintain eye health.
Daily Disposable Contact Lenses Perform Better In Certain Environments, Doing Certain Activities
Because of the frequency of replacement, daily disposable contact lenses are also an ideal choice for patients in certain environments and activities. Camping and swimming are just a couple of activities where daily disposable contact lenses are a great choice, as these environments and activities are often incongruent with what is needed to maintain contact lens hygiene.
Daily Disposable Contact Lenses Offer Better Comfort
Daily disposable contact lenses are often more comfortable then extended wear contacts. By replacing lenses daily, the contact lens wearer also benefits from the comfort of the feeling of a fresh pair of lenses everyday. Because daily disposable lenses are meant to be replaced daily, they are usually manufactured to be thinner then their bi-weekly and monthly counterparts. This is because the lens doesn’t have to be made thicker to be able to withstand wear, insertion, and removal of the lens over an extended period of time. Because the lens is thinner, comfort is also made better. Newer daily contact lenses are also being manufactured with innovative lens hydration coatings and treatments, which also attributes to overall superior comfort of the lenses.
Daily Disposable Contact Lenses Are More Convenient
For anyone who has ever had extended wear contacts, they know that cleaning and caring for their contact lenses can be a royal pain. In my opinion, I think that most people don’t like cleaning MOST THINGS, contact lenses are no exception. When questioning my patients about their contact lens care and cleaning regime… I am often met with blank stares. I find that a good portion of my patient’s contact lens care and hygiene is of subpar standard. There are many components that go into proper contact lens care. Proper use of solution, the physical cleaning of lenses, as well as cleaning of contact lens cases, are just a couple factors in maintaining a clean lens to promote healthy eyes and vision. The advantage of a daily lens is that the cleaning and care component is removed from the equasion entirely. What is easier then wearing a lens once and then tossing it? Because of ease of care, this lens is ideal for many different people. Children, people with busy lifestyles, active individuals (swimming, sports players, etc), and part time contact lens wearers are specifically groups of people where daily disposable contact lens wear is an ideal fit. Although, I would argue that everyone can benefit from wearing daily disposable contact lenses.
Daily Disposable Contact Lenses Are Being Made Better All The Time
Because the advantages of daily contact lenses are recognized by both patients and their eye doctors, the popularity of daily disposable contact lenses is on the rise. As a result, contact lens manufacturers are putting much time and money into the development of newer lens designs and materials. Daily contact lenses are now available in many different lens materials, including healthier, more breathable materials, such as silicone hydrogel. Daily lenses are also available in more parameters then they were when first introduced to market. Daily toric lenses (contacts that correct astigmatism), multifocal lenses (lenses that correct for presbyopia) and coloured contacts, are all available in daily disposable options.
So If you are interested in contact lenses, or feel that you could benefit switching lenses from your current contacts to a daily, contact our office at (403)255-2826 to discuss how newer daily contact lenses could benefit you!
Article Written By: Trina Vanaalst