Disposable contact lenses: 5 questions answered

lens, contact lensese, eyes lens

Advancements in contact lens materials and design, they’re now more comfortable than ever. If you’ve tried them before and weren’t a fan, or if you’ve been told in the past they weren’t suitable for you, it might be time to give them another go. Contact lenses today cater to a wider range of needs and lifestyles than ever before.

People choose contact lenses for various reasons:

  • Freedom from glasses (no more frames slipping down your nose!).
  • Convenience during sports or active pursuits.
  • Aesthetic options, like enhancing or changing your eye colour.
  • Lifestyle commitments like sports.

Age isn’t a barrier either. Optometrists fit lenses for people aged 8 to 75+, so you’re never too young—or old—to try them.

Contact lenses come in two main categories:

  1. Soft Contact Lenses: Made from soft plastic, these are the most common because they’re generally more comfortable and accessible.
  2. Hard Contact Lenses (RGP – Rigid Gas Permeable): Made from hard plastic, these are better for certain conditions like high astigmatism or corneal issues such as keratoconus.

Find out more about contact lenses we offer 🔗.

Think of contact lenses as shoes for your eyes—they need to fit just right! An optometrist ensures that your lenses aren’t too tight, too loose, or the wrong size. A poorly fitted lens can lead to discomfort, scratches, or even damage to your eye. Your lenses should feel comfortable and stay in place without interfering with your vision.

We’ll recommend trials of trusted brands like Cooper Vision 🔗J&J’s Acuvue 🔗Alcon 🔗Bausch & Lomb 🔗 as suitable to your needs.

Absolutely! Whether you need single-vision lenses, lenses for astigmatism, or multifocals, there’s likely a contact lens solution for you. Our optometrist uses special techniques to ensure your lenses fit perfectly, feel comfortable, and provide optimal vision correction.

Want to know why your contact lens prescription is different to your glasses prescription 🔗?

Remember not to overwear contact lenses 🔗!

  • Daily Disposable Lenses: Use them once—pop them in the morning, toss them out at night. These are perfect for occasional wearers (four days a week or less) and require no cleaning.

  • Fortnightly/Monthly Disposable Lenses: These last 2 weeks or 1 month, depending on the type. You’ll need to clean and store them in a case overnight, but they’re available in a wider range of prescriptions.

  • Extended Wear Lenses: You can wear these continuously, even while sleeping, for up to a month. However, these are only suitable for certain people (e.g., night-shift workers) and must be prescribed by an optometrist due to a higher risk of eye infections.

Generally, it’s best not to nap with your contact lenses in unless you’re using extended wear lenses specifically designed for overnight use and have received clear guidance from your optometrist. 

Sleeping in regular contacts can reduce oxygen flow to your eyes, causing dryness, discomfort, and a higher risk of infection that can compromise your overall eye health.

While it might seem convenient, we advise against showering with your contacts in because water can contain harmful bacteria and microorganisms—including Acanthamoeba 🔗—that can adhere to your lenses and lead to serious eye infections. 

For optimal contact lens safety and eye health, it’s best to remove your contacts before showering, practice strict contact lens hygiene, and always follow the guidance of your optometrist.

Want to try contact lenses? Book a contact lens fitting.

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