Visit our FacebookVisit our InstagramVisit our TwitterVisit our LinkedIn

Can Daily Contact Lenses be Reused?

Contact lenses can become a bit pricey, especially daily disposable lenses, which need to be constantly replaced. This leads to the question: Can daily contact lenses be reused instead of being tossed at the end of the day? The short answer is no. The longer answer is that this is an extremely risky behaviour that can cause severe complications. 

Can Daily Contact Lenses be Reused? in PRIMARYCITY

Reusing Contact Lenses

The main reason reusable contact lenses are preferred by some is that it means you need to buy fewer sets of lenses, which, over extended periods of time, can save no small amount of money. However, you need to be careful to only reuse contact lenses which are meant to be reused, or you risk potential eye irritation, infection, or worse.

Some of the risks associated with reusing daily disposable contact lenses include:

  • Increased risk of infection: When you reuse daily disposable contact lenses, you increase the risk of developing an eye infection. This is because the lenses may harbor bacteria and other microorganisms that can cause infections.
  • Dryness and discomfort: Reusing daily disposable contact lenses can lead to dryness and discomfort, as the lenses may not fit as well and may not allow as much oxygen to reach the surface of the eye.
  • Damage to the lenses: Reusing daily disposable contact lenses can cause the lenses to become damaged, which can make them uncomfortable to wear and may increase the risk of eye irritation.
  • Reduced visual clarity: Reusing daily disposable contact lenses can lead to reduced visual clarity because the lenses may become dirty or scratched over time.
  • Increased risk of scratching your eye (corneal abrasion): If your contact lenses become damaged, they may not fit properly on the surface of your eye and could potentially cause discomfort or injury. If the lenses shift or move, they may not conform to the shape of your cornea (the front of your eye), which can cause irritation or other issues. In some cases, damaged contact lenses may even break into fragments while in the eye, which can be difficult to remove and may cause a painful scratch on the cornea (called a corneal abrasion). If this occurs, it is important to seek emergency treatment to address the issue.
  • Increased risk of corneal neovascularization: Using daily disposable contact lenses beyond their intended lifespan can reduce the quality of the lenses and impact their ability to allow oxygen to pass through to the surface of the eye. When the cornea does not receive enough oxygen (a condition called hypoxia), it may start to swell over time due to the growth of new blood vessels (neovascularization) in an attempt to increase oxygen supply. If this swelling becomes severe, it can lead to vision loss and even blindness.
Amplify Eyecare Generic

What are Daily Disposable Contacts

Daily disposable lenses are lenses that you throw away in the trash at the end of the day after wearing them. After waking up in the morning, you open another pack of lenses. You won't have to clean or store daily lenses for next time if you choose daily lenses. These lenses are extremely thin, allow a lot of oxygen through to the eye, and contain a lot of water. The downside is that if you took them off in the middle of the day, they'd no longer be usable and you'd have to use a new pair.

Dangers of Cleaning and Reusing Lenses Improperly

Daily disposable contacts are ultra-thin, so cleaning them is ineffective-and it can actually break down the lens, increasing its chances of breaking during use. Think of it like this: a daily disposable lens is like a paper plate. The thin paper plates are great for one meal, but they easily absorb food particles and liquids (just like disposable lenses).

In a study conducted at Hong Kong Polytechnic University, disposable lenses were tested for bacteria after being worn for a day. Approximately 95% of the study participants had at least one pair of used lenses that was contaminated with harmful bacteria. In some cases, the harmful bacteria that grow on disposable lenses can cause severe side effects, including vision loss.

If you wear contact lenses, follow our eye doctor’s instructions about how often to change and replace them. Make sure your hands are clean before you touch the contacts or your eyes, and dispose of the contacts properly. Don't extend the use of your contacts beyond their set schedules. It will ensure that your eyes are in the best possible health.

Dangers of Cleaning and Reusing Lenses Improperly

Common Questions

The duration can range from eight to 16 hours a day. It depends on your eyesight, how well you tolerate contacts, and whether or not you suffer from dry eyes. Never wear the lenses for longer than recommended by the manufacturer and our eye doctor. If you have sensitive eyes or work long hours, you might need a backup pair of glasses for taking out your daily lenses after eight hours. The length of time you can wear your lenses each day will be determined by our eye doctor.
Can Daily Contact Lenses be Reused?
cartoon

Visit our Contact Lens Center in CITY

Although daily contact lenses are great, they should not be reused. Daily disposable contacts are ultra-thin, so cleaning them is ineffective-and it can actually break down the lens, increasing its chances of breaking during use. In some cases, the harmful bacteria that grow on disposable lenses can cause severe side effects, including vision loss.

Don't extend the use of your contacts beyond their set schedules. It will ensure that your eyes are in the best possible health. Always remember that contact lenses are an FDA regulated medical treatment, improper usage can potentially lead to vision threatening conditions. 

If you have any additional questions, or would like to schedule a contact lens fitting, you can contact PRACTICENAME at 111-222-3333.

Related Articles

1 2 3

Testimonials


22222

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.


Ilan 2

1111111

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.


Ilan

Blog

Strong Headache Is Very Problematic

Vision Therapy for Concussion Recovery: Enhance Healing and Visual Function

May 2, 2023

It is estimated that up to 90% of patients who experience a concussion may encounter some form of vision-related symptoms or problems. Concussions are a common type of brain injury that can cause a range of symptoms, including headaches, dizziness, and blurred vision. While rest and avoiding physical activity are often recommended for concussion recovery, […]

Read More
Cute Boy Covered His Eye With Hand Standing Optics Clinic 1

Maintaining Optimal Eye Health: Signs You May Need New Glasses

April 29, 2023

Good eyesight is essential for our daily lives, whether it's for driving, reading, or simply enjoying the scenery around us. If you wear glasses, ensuring your prescription is up-to-date is crucial, as failing to do so can lead to headaches, eyestrain, and other vision-related problems. In this blog post, we'll discuss the signs indicating you […]

Read More
Man Applying His Contact Lens

Colored Contact Lenses: Safety, Risks, and Proper Care for Your Vision

April 24, 2023

Colored contact lenses have gained popularity in recent years as a way to change or enhance one's eye color. While they can be a fun way to experiment with different looks, some people may have concerns about the potential risks to their vision. In this blog, we will explore whether colored contact lenses can harm […]

Read More
see all blogs

Contact Us To Amplify Your EyeCare

PRACTICENAME Logo

Working Hours

Monday - Saturday
Closed

Sunday
Closed

Location
123 STREET CITY,STATE ZIP
Fax
999-888-7777
Website Accessibility Policy
Safety protocols page
privacy policy
For Patients
appointment
Call Us
Referrals
Assessments
Amplify Eyecare Generic eyefile-adduserphone-handsetcalendar-fullarrow-uparrow-right linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram