Image via Wikipedia
Soft contact lenses are available for virtually any preferred wearing schedule, and to correct almost any type of refractive error. The most common types of soft contact lenses are daily disposable, 2-week replacement, and 1-month replacement lenses.
Whichever type of lens you wear, it is very important to follow manufacturer-recommended replacement schedules. FDA testing demonstrates which materials stand up best to shorter or longer replacement schedules, and going over the recommended schedule (i.e. replacing a 2-week lens after a full month of wear) can lead to significant ocular irritation from build-up on the lens surface and breakdown of the lens material.
Which lens is best for you will depend on vision, comfort, and lifestyle considerations. Following are various aspects of contact-lens wear that should be considered to determine your ideal lens type:
Daily Disposables
- Clean, fresh lens every day
- Easiest to maintain proper replacement schedule
- No cleaning, storage, rinsing solutions required
- Decreased dependence on rewetting drops
- No overnight wear
- Less irritation from build-up of deposits
- Less irritation from build-up of allergens
- Great for water sports
- Can wear as frequently or infrequently as desired
- Great for travel
- Options available for nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, monovision
Bi-weekly or Monthly Disposables
- New lenses once or twice per month
- Must maintain replacement schedule
- Require storage/disinfection solution
- May require more frequent use of rewetting drops
- Options available for overnight wear
- Greater likelihood of chronic irritation, especially with care non-compliance
- Water sports increase risk of infection
- Best for regular wear to avoid long-term soaking in preserved solution
- May require travel-size solution
- Better options for moderate to high astigmatism
- Options available for nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, monovision, multifocals
Costco Eye Doctor 