Wear and Tear: Disposable Lenses
It’s not uncommon for would-be buyers to pause when it comes to disposable contacts. Unfortunately, the popular perception is that disposable lenses are somehow wasteful or irresponsible; indeed the term “disposable” is not one that most consumers find reassuring. The fact of the matter is, however, that disposable lenses are highly biodegradable and inexpensive to manufacture. Indeed the carbon footprint involved in producing and distilling cleaning solutions are far larger than those involved with disposable contact lenses.
Disposable contact lenses, as they are thinner than conventional soft contact lenses, are far more comfortable than their conventional cousins. Their thinness and fragility also make them very comfortable to wear. They are the most gas-permeable lenses on the market today. Contact wearers who suffer from dry or frequently irritated eyes are encouraged to look into disposable lenses — no pun intended.
Some consumers are turned off by the price of a six-month supply of disposable contact lenses. Though disposable contacts are more expensive, that cost is offset by the fact that no cleaning solutions or enzymatic cleaners are necessary. They are disposable and are not meant to be worn more than one day. They require no maintenance or storage. This is a very attractive aspect of disposable lenses: their convenience.
The nightly cleaning ritual now becomes a thing of the past with disposables. An inherent advantage of disposable contacts is the fact their thinness allows them to be worn overnight. As they will be disposed of, there is little to no fear of inciting an eye infection. The protein buildup is inconsequential as the lenses are destined for the trash bin.
People with sensitive eyes need not suffer. Disposable lenses are more comfortable and require far less maintenance than conventional lenses. There is no need to clean or care for the lenses as they are meant to be worn once. In the long term, they are more cost effective, comfortable, and leave a smaller carbon footprint to manufacture.
