Daily disposable contact lenses are designed for convenience, comfort, and health — yet many myths persist about how they can (or should) be worn. Let's debunk some of the most common misconceptions and explain why following your eye care professional's advice is critical.
Myth 1: You Can Wear Daily Contacts for Two Days
Fact: No — daily disposables should not be worn for two days. The term "daily" refers to one day only, regardless of how long you wore them. After about 14-16 hours, daily lenses can degrade, becoming less breathable and accumulating deposits. Sleeping in daily contacts — or reusing them the next day — significantly increases your risk of eye infections like keratitis (corneal inflammation) or even permanent vision damage.
Myth 2: You Can Wear Daily Contacts for a Few Hours on Several Days
Fact: Daily contacts are designed for single-day use, not multiple wears. Even if you only wear them for a few hours, the material is not made to be cleaned or stored. Once removed, they should be discarded. Re-wearing them, even briefly, can lead to dryness, discomfort, or infections because the lens surface becomes contaminated after the first wear.
Myth 3: You Can Put Daily Contacts in Solution for a Few Hours
Fact: Placing daily contacts in solution does not restore their structure or sterility. These lenses are thinner and less durable than monthly or biweekly contacts, and they aren't built to withstand multiple insertions or prolonged exposure to cleaning solutions. A solution may reduce comfort rather than improve it. Always discard daily lenses after a single use.
Myth 4: You Can Clean Daily Disposable Contact Lenses
Fact: Daily disposables are not designed to be cleaned. Cleaning solutions are intended for reusable lenses made from more robust materials. Attempting to clean and reuse daily lenses can warp their shape, cause microtears, and introduce bacteria or fungi onto the lens. This increases the risk of eye irritation, corneal ulcers, and vision-threatening infections.
Myth 5: What Happens If You Reuse Your Daily Contacts?
Fact: If you reuse daily contacts, you expose your eyes to multiple risks:
- Dryness and Discomfort: The lenses degrade quickly once exposed to air.
- Infection Risk: Daily lenses are more prone to bacterial buildup after initial use.
- Reduced Oxygen Flow: Older lenses block more oxygen from reaching your cornea.
- Mechanical Damage: Reused lenses may develop tears or scratches, harming your eye.
In short: reusing dailies is not worth the risk. A fresh pair each day protects your vision and keeps your eyes healthy.
Additional Considerations: How Long Can You Wear Daily Lenses and Do They Expire?
-
How long can you wear them?
Most daily lenses are designed for up to 14-16 hours of wear in a single day. However, this varies depending on your eyes and lifestyle. If your eyes feel dry or irritated before the end of the day, remove the lenses.
-
Do contact lenses expire?
Yes! Contact lenses come with an expiration date printed on the box and blister pack. This date accounts for the lens material and the sterility of the packaging. Expired lenses can dry out or grow bacteria, making them unsafe to use.
Conclusion
While it might seem harmless to stretch your daily lenses for extra use, doing so invites serious risks. Trust your eye care professional, use fresh lenses daily, and keep your eyes safe and healthy. Contact our customer service team at 1-800-404-7317 or email info@visionpros.com for expert assistance related to contact lenses.
