Contact Lens Solution

Disposable Contact Lenses

One Lens Type Does Not Fit All

Disposable contact lenses offer many advantages. The term "disposable contact lens" can mean different things to different people. Daily disposable contact lenses are worn only once and then thrown away. Other disposable contact lenses are available for two-week, monthly or quarterly replacement schedules.

Disposable contact lenses are convenient. However, remember that all contact lenses are medical devices that require periodic checkups from your eye doctor.

Can Disposable Lenses Correct Reading Problems For People Over 40?

For people who do not want to wear bifocal glasses, there are several disposable contact lens options. One is to wear disposable contact lenses for distance vision and use glasses over them for reading or other close work.

For those who don't want to wear glasses at all, disposable contact lenses can be fit using a technique called monovision. One eye is corrected for distance vision and the other eye for near vision. About 80 percent of people who try monovision are satisfied with the results.

Another option for people who do not want to wear glasses is disposable bifocal contact lenses. Disposable bifocal contact lenses are now available in many designs. Discuss all these options with your eye doctor.

Lens Wear Tips1

  1. Do not reuse a daily disposable lens. Whenever you remove a daily disposable contact lens, throw it away.
  2. Regular checkups are vital for safe wear. If you choose to wear contact lenses, you must accept the responsibility for wearing them safely, which includes periodic eye examinations.
  3. Don't wear your lenses for longer than you've been instructed to. It may seem economical to do so, but putting your eyes at risk is a poor way to save money.
  4. If your eyes become red, painful, or sensitive to light, or if your vision becomes blurry, remove your lenses and call your eye doctor immediately! Remember the phrase, "When in doubt, take your lenses out!"

Remember to always follow your eye doctors instructions including the instructions for use on your care solution.

  1. The above information has been adapted from the CLAO Patient Information Pamphlet entitled DISPOSABLE SOFT CONTACT LENSES. Pamphlet Advisor was Peter R. Holyk, MD. Copyright 1998-2004 Contact Lens Association of Ophthalmologists, Inc.