What Are the Pros and Cons of Daily Disposable Contact Lenses: Should You Switch?

Updated on September 25, 2024 – Are you currently wearing bi-weekly or monthly replacement contact lenses that need nightly removal and cleaning? Maybe you’re interested in switching to daily disposable contact lenses but still haven’t made up your mind. Don’t worry because Lens.com can help you decide once and for all.

Explore the pros and cons of daily disposable contact lenses here.

Pros

Here are reasons why it might be time to switch to use and throw contact lenses for good:

Convenience

Daily disposable contact lenses, more popularly known as dailies, are convenient and easy to wear. Unlike bi-weekly or monthly contact lenses, dailies don’t require a daily cleaning and storage regimen. You simply insert dailies in the morning, go about your day, and dispose of them at night before you go to sleep. But, keep in mind despite the hype, you must maintain strict hygiene even with daily wear contact lenses: there are no shortcuts.

Comfort

Dailies tend to be more comfortable to wear especially if you suffer from eye allergies or dry eyes. This is because the material used in manufacturing dailies is thinner than reusable contact lenses as they aren’t designed for reuse and storage. 

No Buildup

You only wear dailies for about 12-16 hours each day, and you also wear fresh contact lenses each day. Since you don’t wear dailies for extended periods (including overnight), there is much less chance of protein deposits, bacteria, and other foreign particles adhering to your lenses.

Low Maintenance

When you wear dailies, you don’t have to spend time and effort cleaning your contact lenses each day. You don’t have to worry about contact lens maintenance because you throw out your contact lenses at the end of the night and start with a fresh pair the following day.

Cons

Even with the aforementioned benefits, there are still a few drawbacks to consider before getting dailies.

Cost

Contact lens prices vary greatly; dailies generally cost more per year than bi-weekly or monthly contact lenses. You’ll likely spend more money for a one-year supply of dailies than a one-year supply of monthly contact lenses. However, wearing dailies means you won’t have to buy contact lens cleaning and storage supplies. In the grand scheme of things the costs of dailies are in no way offset by the ‘savings’ of not buying solution. You’ll still need to have a bottle around for occasional rinsing. The truth is, it’s all about the great feeling of a fresh pair of contact lenses every morning. You’re paying extra for that feeling and the convenience. It’s the classic case of ‘you get what you pay for’.

Environmental Concerns

Both the lenses and blister packs are usually made of plastics that are difficult to recycle. Contact lenses are often flushed down toilets, leading to microplastic pollution in waterways. This environmental impact is particularly concerning given the increasing awareness of plastic waste issues globally.

The 5 Best Daily Disposable Lenses in 2024

Not sure what daily contact lens to buy? Here are some of your best options:

Acuvue Oasys 1-Day with HydraLuxe

Acuvue Oasys 1-Day with HydraLuxe is a leading brand primarily known for its exceptional comfort, which is achieved through its HydraLuxe technology. This design mimics the natural tear film of the eye, helping to keep the lens hydrated throughout the day.

Dailies Total1

Another top contender is Dailies Total1, which is popular for its Water Gradient Technology. This allows the lens surface to have an extremely high water content, ensuring that it remains moist and comfortable on the eye throughout the day.

At the core, the lens maintains breathability by using silicone hydrogel, which promotes oxygen transmission and reduces the risk of complications like hypoxia. These lenses are frequently recommended for people with sensitive or dry eyes, and users often report that they are among the most comfortable lenses available.

Biotrue ONEday

Biotrue ONEday contact lenses, produced by Bausch + Lomb, stand out due to their bio-inspired design, which mimics the natural moisture of the eye. This feature helps keep the lenses hydrated for up to 16 hours, making them a great choice for users who struggle with dryness or discomfort throughout the day.

Also, these lenses are relatively affordable compared to some other premium daily lenses, making them a popular choice for wearers on a budget.

Clariti 1-Day

Made from silicone hydrogel, Clariti 1-Day contact lenses allow for better oxygen flow to the eyes, which helps in reducing dryness. Like Biotrue, many users appreciate Clariti for its ability to deliver high performance without the premium price tag.

MyDay Daily Disposable

Finally, MyDay Daily Disposable contact lenses by CooperVision have gained popularity thanks to their Smart Silicone technology. This innovation allows the lenses to strike a balance between flexibility, comfort, and breathability.

MyDay lenses appeal to environmentally conscious consumers because of CooperVision’s commitment to sustainability. Their products come in eco-friendly packaging, a factor that many users consider when buying.

Wrapping Up

While daily disposable contact lenses have their pros and cons, there is no denying that the good outweighs the bad, especially if your budget allows. With options to buy and save online, and with rebates available on super popular dailies, the value proposition of dailies is stronger than ever.

If you’re considering switching to dailies, consult your eye care professional. You can also check out our wide selection of dailies at Lens.com

 

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References & further reading:

 

https://www.visiondirect.co.uk/should-i-choose-daily-or-monthly-contact-lenses

 

https://www.perfectlens.ca/articles/pros-and-cons-of-daily-wear-contacts

 

https://www.allaboutvision.com/contacts/disposable.htm

 

https://www.lenspure.com/articles/when-should-you-wear-daily-contacts