subject: Contact Lens Tip [print this page] If you wear soft disposable contact lens I've discovered a tip that should prove very beneficial.
Usually with disposable contact lens they tell you to replace the lens with a new set every two weeks. I've been wearing disposable contacts for years and have been doing exactly that - wearing them for 2-3 weeks and then throwing them away, opening a new pair to replace them for another 2-3 weeks, and so on.
Here's the tip: Instead of replacing a single pair every couple of weeks, it would be better to start off with two pairs and alternate them every day.
I got the idea from a friend who just bought three pairs of shoes on sale. He explained that three pairs of shoes, alternated one pair each day, will last longer than if he wore the same pair every day until one pair wears out, and then switching to the next pair. I thought about that for a while and determined that it indeed makes more sense. I did not think of applying that idea to contact lens, but the next day I happened to wear my lens a bit late in the day - actually past midnight. That meant I would not be able to soak my lens in the solution for the required six hours for disinfection.
The next day I had to open a new pair of lens prematurely, but that is what sparked my idea. Fortunately, I had an extra lens case so I soaked the brand new lens in a new case later that evening.
The next day, instead of using the new lens again, I went back to the previous lens pair, since they had been soaking 30+ hours - more than enough time. I found the lens to be more comfortable to wear now that it has been soaking longer than usual. It had more time to disinfect and clean (the solution is a multipurpose cleaner/disinfection agent/rinsing solution).
Ever since then I have been alternating the two pairs and have been pleased with the results so far.
So, the advantages of alternating contact lens are (1) longer soaking time - 30 hours vs. 6-8 hours, (2) better comfort since the lens are cleaner from more disinfection time and greater protein removal, and (3) longer lasting lenses - you may be able to get another week or two out of each lens.
However, it is important not to wear the lenses too much longer than usually recommended, and also not to wear your lenses overnight that can lead to eye infections and other problems I know from first hand experience. Also, report any eye discomfort (scratchiness, pain, excessive tearing/dryness, etc.) to your eye care professional immediately eye infections can be serious. I would not use "home made" solutions either it's not worth the risk.
