Disposable contact lenses and frequent replacement contact lenses are designed to be worn for a specific period of time, thrown out and replaced with a fresh pair of lenses.

These types of lenses were brought on by advances in contact lens manufacturing that made lenses cheaper to produce in large quantities. So, some of the disposable and frequent replacement lenses currently available are not actually new lens materials. Some are lenses that have been on the market for years but only recently have been packaged in multipacks for regular replacement.

Disposable and frequent replacement contacts have become quite popular because they make contact lens wear more healthy for your eyes and more convenient. They are available for a variety of replacement schedules including daily, weekly, biweekly, monthly, semi-monthly and quarterly. "Disposable" refers specifically to lenses that are replaced every two weeks or less; contacts that are replaced monthly to quarterly are "frequent replacement." The more often you wish to wear a new pair, the more lenses you'll need and the more it will cost.

Disposable and frequent replacement contacts are also available in two wear schedules: daily wear, which are removed, cleaned and disinfected nightly; and extended wear, which can be worn overnight for up to seven days, unless otherwise indicated by an eye care professional.

Many Types of Disposables

Today, there is quite a selection of disposable and frequent replacement contacts, including ones that change your eye color, others which correct for astigmatism, and bifocal contacts.

In the old days, before there were disposable and frequent replacement contact lenses, contact lens wearers would wear a single pair of lenses for about a year before replacing them -- cleaning and disinfecting them each night and using an enzymatic cleaner once a week. That one pair cost $200 or more, so it was extremely important not to lose them and to clean them regularly to get the most use out of them.

Disposable vs. Conventional Cost

Disposable and frequent replacement lenses may cost slightly more over a year's time than conventional, one-year lenses. However, having many more lenses over that period offers important benefits. Wearing fresh, new lenses more often in most cases means you can skip the weekly enzymatic cleaning. And because disposable and frequent replacement lenses cost little per lens, it's no big deal if you lose a pair.
Plus, most people like the comfort of replacing old lenses with fresh, new ones. Doctors say it's healthier for your eyes if you wear a series of new lenses over a year rather than just one pair the whole time. Even if you clean them properly, lenses worn over a long period develop protein deposits that compromise comfort and vision. More importantly, deposits are a haven for bacteria that can lead to serious and possibly sight-threatening eye infections.

Disposable and frequent replacement are mostly for soft contact lenses. Some RGP lens manufacturers also provide a frequent replacement option. It's important to note, however, that rigid lenses traditionally last much longer than soft lenses. In some cases, you can extend their longevity just by having them polished.

Your doctor can help you pick the best lens and the best disposable or frequent replacement wear schedule for your needs.