If you use contact lenses to correct your vision, you are familiar with daily contacts or disposables. However, what does daily mean in this context? People like daily contact lenses for the following reasons:

• Convenience: Daily contact lenses do not require cleaning or storage solutions, making them more convenient. 

• Comfort: Daily contact lenses, made from softer materials, may be more comfortable for some people than reusable contact lenses.

• Reduced risk of infection: Since you discard daily contact lenses after each use, there is a lower risk of bacterial contamination and disease than reusable contact lenses.

• Affordability: Daily contact lenses may be more affordable in the long run as they do not require the purchase of cleaning and storage solutions.

It is best to consult an eye doctor to determine if daily contacts are appropriate for you and to discuss any potential risks or side effects.

What Are Daily Contact Lenses?

Daily contacts are wearable for a single day. So, they do not require cleaning or disinfection like other contact lenses. That can make them an excellent option for busy people and those with allergies or sensitivities to lens care solutions.

Is It Safe to Take Them Out and Put Them Back on the Same Day?

Some situations may prompt you to use your daily contacts for a short while before taking them out. Is it safe to reuse them after that? The answer to this question is no. Eye care professionals recommend discarding them, even if you only wore them for one hour, due to the risk of infection. Reusing daily contact lenses carries the following risks:

Increased Risk of Eye Infections

Reusing daily contact lenses can increase the risk of eye infections for several reasons. First, bacteria and other microorganisms can accumulate on the surface of the lenses if you do not clean and disinfect them. That can lead to issues such as conjunctivitis or keratitis.

They May Not Sit As Comfortably As They Did When First Worn

You should wear daily contacts once before discarding them. When you reuse them, they may not fit as well as they did when you first put them on. So, they may not sit as comfortably on your eye, making it easier for bacteria or other microorganisms to enter your eye.

Increased Risk of Dry Eye

Finally, daily contacts allow oxygen to pass through to the eye thanks to the material used to make them. If you reuse them, they may not allow enough oxygen to reach the eye. That can lead to dry eye symptoms. Dry eye syndrome can make your eyes more prone to infections since the tears cannot keep the eye moist and flush out bacteria or other microorganisms.

It is best to follow the recommended usage and care instructions for daily contacts to minimize the risk of eye infections. You should consult an eye care professional if you experience any problems with your contact lenses.

For more on disposable contact lenses, call Optical Masters in Denver at (720) 807-7300 or (720) 807-7600 to schedule an appointment today.