Daily disposable contact lenses used to be a luxury many couldn’t afford. It was simply too expensive to throw-out contact lenses after only one use.

But that’s changed. As the demand for contact lenses skyrockets, so too has the supply. As such, prices have decreased and contact lenses are more cost-effective and popular than ever. 

Should you care? If you wear contacts, it’s certainly worth considering the option and understanding the benefits daily disposable contact lenses may offer. I’m going to run-down seven advantages for you here…

Traveling’s stressful. If you wear contact lenses, you don’t want to add eyecare to the list of stuff to stress about.

No matter the type of trip you’re taking—business or pleasure, a weekend getaway or a month-long relocation—you want to make sure you’re prepared with adequate contact lenses and contact lens solution, so you won’t run out during your trip or be tempted to scrimp on your normal cleaning routine.

Here are eight tips to help you travel safely and effectively with your contact lenses:

Half of all contact lens wearers in the U.S. have reported sleeping with their contacts in. (Source)

That’s a bad idea, in most cases.  

New innovations in contact lens materials and the growing popularity of daily and two week disposable lenses have reduced the amount of lens-related infections. However, unlike prescription glasses, contact lenses require you to adhere to specific care instructions to avoid harming your eyes.

There are many contact lenses designed for extended wear (continual wear for up to 7 days) but considering only 5% of all contact lens wearers in the U.S. are prescribed extended wear lenses, it can be assumed that most people are risking their eye health by sleeping with their contacts.

The reason few people are prescribed extended wear lenses is because eye doctors are aware of the higher risk of infections and corneal injury. Wearing daily disposable soft contacts, where a fresh lens is used each day, virtually eliminates the chances of protein build-up and the reuse of non-sterile saline solution.

The vast majority of contact lens related complications are self-inflicted, brought on by overwearing. If you consistently sleep in your contacts, and they aren’t intended for that use, consider the following:

Contact lenses are an amazing product of innovation. It still amazes me that something so small and delicate can bring a person’s world into focus. Contacts may seem like an obvious choice for anyone that wears glasses, but there are a few things everyone should consider first.

Are you a fit for contact lenses?