Why You Shouldn't Wear Daily Disposable Contact Lenses Long-Term

Contact lenses

Hello, doctor.
I have often heard television advertisements stating that disposable contact lenses should not be worn for extended periods.
Why is that? This question has been bothering me for a long time, and when I asked the staff at the optical store, they couldn't provide a clear explanation.
Could you please clarify this for me? Thank you!

Angela, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2010/09/29

Dr. Chen Mengde reply Ophthalmology

Hello Angela,
Contact lenses are categorized into rigid and soft lenses.
Soft contact lenses can be further divided based on replacement frequency into extended wear, quarterly, monthly, bi-weekly, weekly, and daily disposables.
Due to cost considerations, rigid contact lenses are rarely disposable.
Regardless of whether they are extended wear, quarterly, monthly, or daily disposables, soft contact lenses cannot be cleaned to the same level of cleanliness as new ones after wearing.
Therefore, even extended wear lenses need to be replaced every six months to a year.
It is essential to regularly clean, rinse, and disinfect contact lenses daily, and perform protein removal weekly.
Daily disposable lenses are the most expensive type of soft contact lenses, yet their "unit price" is the lowest.
In contrast, extended wear lenses have the highest average unit price, followed by quarterly and then monthly lenses.
For example, when comparing extended wear and daily disposable lenses, it is evident that extended wear lenses are more durable and less prone to deformation, while daily disposables can easily become crumpled.
This is because extended wear lenses are designed for cleaning and disinfection, whereas daily disposables are manufactured without consideration for manual washing, making them very thin to enhance oxygen permeability and reduce costs.
The difference is not just in thickness but also in material.
Extended wear lenses utilize various manufacturing techniques to prevent debris accumulation, allowing them to withstand cleaning processes.
Conversely, dirt attached to daily disposables is challenging to remove.
Simply put, if extended wear lenses are like towels, daily disposables are akin to tissue paper.
Towels can be vigorously washed and cleaned with detergents, but tissue paper? That's difficult! Even if you are skilled enough not to tear the tissue while cleaning, it is nearly impossible to clean it thoroughly.
Lastly, to clarify, "conventional" refers to traditional soft contact lenses, which are the extended wear type, while "daily disposable" refers to daily disposables, categorized by replacement frequency.
When considering the duration of wear, "extended wear" refers to lenses that can be worn continuously, as opposed to "daily wear," which must be removed each day.
Extended wear lenses have a high oxygen permeability, allowing them to be worn even while sleeping.
However, most ophthalmologists remain skeptical about the safety of sleeping in extended wear lenses.
I hope this answers your questions.
If you have any further inquiries, please feel free to reach out again.

Sincerely,
Changhua Hospital

Reply Date: 2010/09/29

More Info

Wearing daily disposable contact lenses long-term is not recommended for several important reasons, primarily related to eye health and comfort. Daily disposable lenses are designed for single-use, meaning they are intended to be worn for one day and then discarded. Here are the key reasons why you should avoid wearing them beyond their intended use:
1. Oxygen Permeability: Daily disposable lenses are made from materials that allow oxygen to reach the cornea, which is crucial for maintaining eye health. However, these lenses are not designed to be worn for extended periods. When worn beyond their intended duration, the lenses can become less effective at allowing oxygen to pass through, leading to potential hypoxia (oxygen deprivation) of the corneal tissue. This can result in discomfort, redness, and even more serious complications like corneal swelling or neovascularization (the growth of new blood vessels into the cornea).

2. Bacterial Contamination: Each time you handle your lenses, there is a risk of introducing bacteria or other pathogens. Daily disposables are manufactured to be sterile and are meant to be used once. If you attempt to wear them for multiple days, you increase the risk of contamination, which can lead to serious eye infections such as keratitis. These infections can be painful and may result in vision loss if not treated promptly.

3. Protein and Lipid Buildup: Over time, proteins and lipids from your tears can accumulate on the surface of contact lenses. Daily disposables are designed to be discarded before significant buildup occurs. Wearing them for longer than recommended can lead to discomfort, blurred vision, and irritation due to this accumulation, which can also affect the lens's clarity and fit.

4. Comfort and Fit: Daily disposable lenses are typically thinner and more comfortable when worn for a single day. Prolonged wear can lead to discomfort as the lenses may not maintain their original shape and moisture levels. This can cause dryness, irritation, and a feeling of grittiness in the eyes.

5. Regulatory and Manufacturer Guidelines: Contact lens manufacturers and eye care professionals provide specific guidelines for lens wear to ensure safety and optimal vision. Wearing lenses outside of these guidelines can void warranties and lead to complications that may require medical intervention.

6. Alternative Options: If you are looking for a more long-term solution, consider discussing with your eye care professional about other types of lenses, such as extended wear lenses or monthly disposables, which are designed for longer wear periods. These lenses are made from materials that allow for greater oxygen transmission and are designed to be worn for several days or weeks, depending on the specific product.

In conclusion, while daily disposable contact lenses offer convenience and comfort for short-term use, wearing them long-term is not advisable due to the risks of oxygen deprivation, contamination, protein buildup, and discomfort. It is essential to follow the manufacturer's guidelines and consult with an eye care professional to determine the best type of lenses for your needs and to maintain optimal eye health. Always prioritize your eye health by adhering to recommended practices for contact lens wear and care.

Similar Q&A

Concerns About Daily Disposable Contact Lenses: Tips for Safe Use

Hello, Doctor. I usually wear daily disposable contact lenses about three times a week, for approximately 6-8 hours each time. Sometimes when I take off my contact lenses, I notice that the edges are deformed, or there is a small chip missing from the edge, or the lens has folded...

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology
Hello, Hsiao-Hsiu: If there are fragments in the eye, they will be surrounded by the eye's secretions and may be expelled with tears or eye discharge. There is no need to worry excessively; you can observe the situation and seek medical attention if you experience discomfort...

Should You Try Disposable Contacts Before Switching to Daily Wear?

I have never worn contact lenses before. Should I try wearing disposable lenses first to see if they are suitable for me before switching to long-term wear lenses?

Dr. Lin Zhengyi reply Ophthalmology
Hello! The materials and manufacturing methods of disposable contact lenses are not completely the same as those of regular contact lenses. Therefore, trying disposable contact lenses first before switching to long-term contact lenses may still lead to discomfort. However, it is ...

How Often Should You Replace Your Contact Lenses?

Doctor, may I ask if contact lenses should be replaced every one to two years?

Dr. Zhang Yanrui reply Ophthalmology
Yes. Contact lenses are categorized into disposable and extended wear types. Extended wear lenses are not recommended for use beyond one year, as impurities that are difficult to clean can accumulate on the surface, potentially causing eye damage. Therefore, they should be replac...

Can I Still Wear My Contact Lenses After Months of Inactivity?

I haven't worn my contact lenses for 5 or 6 months, and during this time, I haven't replaced the solution either. They've just been sitting there. Can I still wear them now? Is it a good idea to take them to an optical shop for disinfection?

Dr. Zhang Yanrui reply Ophthalmology
Hello: This is a very inappropriate way to care for contact lenses. Leaving contact lenses stored for over a week is quite dangerous, as it essentially fosters bacterial growth. They need to be thoroughly cleaned before wearing them again. Daily wear and daily cleaning is much cl...