Maybe you’ve just discovered that you’re on your last pair of lenses and forgot to place another order, or you’re on a budget and are trying to squeeze every ounce of life out of your lenses that you can. No matter what the situation is, it’s tempting to over wear our contact lenses - especially when it’s a color we love!

However, the actual wearing schedules of contact lenses can get some people confused and when you take days off to wear your glasses, things get even more unclear. The question that we’re about to answer is one that many ask - how long can you really wear contacts?

Daily Disposable Contact Lenses

While it seems straightforward, both corrective and colored contact lenses that are intended for daily wear oftentimes get overworn with ease. What if you only wear them for a few hours? Can you then save them for another day? Do you really have to throw them away when it feels like a waste?

These common questions can be summed up with some simple information. Daily disposable lenses are manufactured differently than other extended wear contacts and yes, they have to be thrown away at the end of each day. It doesn’t matter if you wore them for two hours or for twelve - these lenses are not designed to handle the wear and tear that comes with multiple days of use.

Bi-weekly Disposable Contact Lenses

People really like to blur the lines when it comes to these types of contact lenses, as all kinds of exceptions to the rule seem to come into play. A bi-weekly lens is designed to be replaced every 14 days. If the word “bi-weekly” seems confusing or you can’t remember what day you first started wearing them, just remember that 14 is your guiding number.

If you like to switch it up between contacts and glasses, that’s ok with bi-weekly lenses. Simply mark down on your calendar the days that you wear them and once you’ve reached 14 days, throw them out. Keep in mind that leaving them in your case for months on end probably isn’t the best idea, so if they’ve been sitting around for longer than a month, you might be better off with a fresh set.

Monthly Disposable Contact Lenses

These lenses are by far the most durable of them all, but just like bi-weekly contacts, you need to count how many days you’ve worn them. After 30 days of wear, they must go in the trash without question. Full-time colored contact lens wearers typically have an easy time of remembering to replace them but using an app or even just a piece of paper to help you remember when it’s time for a new set is helpful.

Color Contact Lenses Replacement Cycles: What You Need to Know

Color contact lenses are a popular option for changing your eye color, enhancing your natural eye color, or simply trying out a new look. With so many different types of color contact lenses available, it's important to understand the differences between them, including their recommended replacement cycles. In this article, we'll explore the different types of color contact lenses and their recommended replacement cycles, as well as the top brands for each type and the importance of following the recommended replacement cycle.

Types of Color Contact Lenses

There are several different types of color contact lenses available, including daily, monthly, 3-month, 6-month, and yearly disposable lenses. Let's take a closer look at each type.

Daily Color Contact Lenses

As their name suggests, daily color contact lenses are designed to be worn for a single day and then disposed of. These lenses are a great option for people who only want to wear color contact lenses occasionally or for special events. Since they are only worn for a day, daily color contact lenses do not require any cleaning or storage, making them a convenient and hassle-free option. Some of the top brands for daily color contact lenses include Solotica Aquarella One-Day, Bella One-Day, Freshlook One-Day, and Anesthesia ONCE.

Monthly Color Contact Lenses

Monthly color contact lenses are designed to be worn for up to 30 days before they need to be replaced. These lenses are a popular option for people who want to wear color contact lenses on a more regular basis. Monthly lenses require cleaning and storage after each use, but they offer a more cost-effective option than daily lenses. Some of the top brands for monthly color contact lenses include Freshlook and Air Optix Colors.

3-Month Disposable Color Contact Lenses

3-month disposable color contact lenses are designed to be worn for up to three months before they need to be replaced. These lenses offer a longer replacement cycle than monthly lenses, but they still require cleaning and storage after each use. Some of the top brands for 3-month disposable color contact lenses include Bella, a popular brand in the Middle East particularly in the UAE, Kuwait and Saudi but also in the UK, USA, Canada and in Europe.

6-Month Disposable Color Contact Lenses

6-month disposable color contact lenses are designed to be worn for up to six months before they need to be replaced. These lenses offer an even longer replacement cycle than 3-month lenses, but they still require cleaning and storage after each use. Some of the top brands for 6-month disposable color contact lenses include Anesthesia.

Yearly Disposable Color Contact Lenses

Yearly disposable color contact lenses are designed to be worn for up to one year before they need to be replaced. These lenses offer the longest replacement cycle of any color contact lenses, but they still require cleaning and storage after each use. Some of the top brands for yearly disposable color contact lenses include Solotica. It's important to note that Solotica also offers color contact lenses for astigmatism as an option for yearly disposable lenses.Yearly disposable color contact lenses are designed to be worn for up to one year before they need to be replaced. These lenses offer the longest replacement cycle of any color contact lenses, but they still require cleaning and storage after each use. Some of the top brands for yearly disposable color contact lenses include Solotica. It's important to note that Solotica also offers color contact lenses for astigmatism as an option for yearly disposable lenses.

Importance of Following the Recommended Replacement Cycle

It's important to follow the recommended replacement cycle for color contact lenses to ensure the health and safety of the wearer. Over time, contact lenses can accumulate debris, bacteria, and other particles that can irritate the eye and increase the risk of infection. By replacing your color contact lenses according to the recommended replacement cycle, you can help minimize the risk of eye infections and ensure that your eyes stay healthy.

In addition to following the recommended replacement cycle, it's also important to properly clean and store your color contact lenses. This includes washing your hands before handling your lenses, using the proper cleaning solution, and storing your lenses in a clean and dry contact lens case.

What’s The Big Deal?

Sticking to a wearing schedule is important for your lenses because various materials are designed to only last so long. Once they are past their lifespan, they slowly degrade and your lenses are more prone to tearing which can lead to major irritation.

Bi-weekly and monthly lenses, in particular, become harder to clean as they age, and this buildup of proteins can lead to discomfort or even infections. While you might not want to throw your precious lenses in the trash so regularly, it’s crucial for the health of your eyes!

Ready for a fresh set of contacts? Visit lens.me for the best selection of contact lenses, fast shipping, and awesome customer service. After all, there’s nothing like the feeling of putting on brand new lenses.