The human species as a whole has been working towards reducing the environmental impact, with awareness campaigns, encouraging recycling and the use of public transport rather than private. Most contact lens wearers know the basic measures to take care of their eye health like using eye drops when the eyes feel irritated or dry, cleaning the lens with their solution and replacing them when required. But one aspect that is often overlooked by a vast majority is the impact that disposable contacts have on our environment. Some people who wear contact lenses replace them as often as every single day and while the lenses are made from plastic themselves there is also the matter of their packaging which is mostly plastic.

What do the numbers tell us about their environmental impact?

The type of contact lenses that could be disposed of after using were introduced in the late 1980s and their demand exploded in the next two decades. In the 15 years from 1987 onwards the percentage of people wearing daily disposable contacts was about half among the total number of contact wearers. Only in the US the number of contact lenses dumped annually is estimated to be about 14 billion while over 20 percent of these enter the water system. With around 2.5 billion contact lenses ending up in the sewage the effects for the environment are highly detrimental. There are nearly 4 million contact lens wearers in the UK and about 80 percent of them are in favor of recycling them if they know how or if they can. The programs for recycling contact lenses are present in different regions but the efforts are fewer and too scattered. In order for there to be true impact they need to provide ease of access and should be made widely available so that it is convenient for everyone to make use of them.

Frequency of disposal

The environmental impact of each different type of contact lens varies and they come in different varieties. The act of disposal is also a key differentiator in this regard. The frequency of disposing of contact lenses also determines how much of a plastic problem is caused by them and the daily disposable ones continue to be used by many people. There is a level of convenience, as well as other benefits like minimizing the risk of infection, which is undeniable. You do not have to concern yourself with storing the lenses in a container with their solution to keep them clean and safe for future use. There are other types of contact lens as well like extended wear ones that you can continue to wear 24 by 7 for up to a month. If you use such types the environmental impact will naturally be reduced if you just look at the numbers because throwing 365 pairs of contact lenses in a year is definitely going to have more of an impact compared to just 12. The material used in the manufacturing of contact lenses is also another factor that can play a role. It is important to consider here that regardless of the specifics, all of them use one type of plastic or another so there are consequences for the environment either way.

The different materials used in various types of lens

The contact lenses that are most common are silicone hydrogel based. In order to ensure good eye health a soft material is used in their production in order to let more oxygen get through. The experience of wearing contact lenses also has to be a comfortable one which is why they are extremely flexible and thin. The hydrogels are water containing plastics which help prevent dryness and come in handy for keeping the eye lubricated. People who have conditions like astigmatism are often prescribed lenses that are gas permeable as they are better able to allow for the eye to maintain its shape. They may not offer the same level of comfort as some of the soft lenses but they also let oxygen pass through. Other types include hybrid lenses that have a soft hydrogel material used in the outer circle while the middle area is hard. These lenses provide the benefits of both the types by being more comfortable while allowing oxygen to permeate.

The effects continue long after their disposal

Environmental concerns are bound to stem from the plastic use in making contact lenses because the material is highly water absorbent and this quality wreaks havoc in the sewage. It allows them to absorb toxins like herbicides and pesticides which cause damage to the flora and fauna in the ecosystem. These chemicals are therefore transported to newer regions through the sewer system and also enter our food chain in this manner. Considering the environmental impact of our daily choices it is better that we try to do our part in ensuring the sustainability of the planet. Just as we take care of our eyes by hydrating and preventing infections using eye drops, we also need to consider other choices like switching the type of contact lenses we use to the ones that are less harmful for the environment. One can also consider relying on glasses or consulting a doctor about laser eye surgery in order to help protect the environment while retaining a healthy vision.