Over the years I have been asked by patients which contact lens is the best. I’ve always tried to tailor my contact lens recommendations to best meet the needs of the individual patient. Since many of my patients need specialty lens designs like multifocals or torics - options for these patients may be limited. For patients whose vision can easily be corrected with spherical contact lenses, I find the daily disposable to be my recommended lens of choice and here are some of the reasons why. 
   For patients that prefer wearing their glasses and who only want the convenience of contacts 1 or 2 times a week or for special occasions or activities like exercise, I offer daily disposables as the first option. Most patients don’t routinely change the disinfecting solution while their contact lenses are sitting in the case, which increases the chances of contact lens complications. Since daily disposals offer a new, fresh lens stored in sterile solution every time you wear a lens, the risk of complications is greatly reduced. And the cost to you for occasional wear is often the same as you currently spend buying a 2 week or monthly replacement lens. So the benefits definitely outweigh the risks if you want contacts for occasional wear.
   Many patients are non-compliant with contact lens wear, replacement and disinfection. I find that compliance is improved when patients have an easy-to-remember wearing and replacement schedule. You can’t get much simpler than the “wear it one day and then throw it away” concept! Patients love it! No cleaning regime or solutions to deal with appeals to busy patients like moms, college students, business people and frequent travelers. There’s very little difference in the cost between these dailies and the combined cost of solutions plus longer wear contacts. Since compliance – a major factor in successful lens wear and eye health - has been shown to increase with daily disposables. Dailies are my lens of choice for my noncompliant and younger patients.
   One of the main reasons for contact lens wear dropout is discomfort. Whether it is due to an increase of debris building up on the lens, solution hypersensitivity or dryness, I find that patients are happier with a lens that they replace daily and choose it over a 2 week or monthly lens when comfort is an issue. Dry eye patients also like the added comfort solutions incorporated into the daily contact lens matrix that improve end of the day comfort.
   For patients with allergies, the daily disposable is a great lens choice for you. When wearing the daily lens, you don’t have to be concerned with airborne allergens building up on your lenses and causing irritation. You also avoid potential sensitivities to disinfecting solutions. Many times patients will wear daily disposables during the months when their allergies are really bad and then go back to their monthly or two week lens during other times of the year.
   With all this being said, I recommend you try the Acuvue® 1-Day Moist™ with LACREON™ technology the next time you are in the office. This lens will provide you with the convenience of no solutions, no lens cases, and no hassles giving you exceptional comfort from the moment you put them in, to the moment you toss them at the end of the day. Acuvue® 1-Day Moist™ is a super comfortable lens with the highest UV-A and UV-B protection available in a daily disposable lens and are available in 30 and 90 packs with rebate coupons for all first time wearers. Come by and try a sample!