Contact Lenses Identified by Their Replacement Schedules

Contact lens replacement schedules are described as "planned" or "unplanned."

Planned (or Frequent) Replacement

Planned replacement contacts are disposed of and replaced with a new pair according to a planned schedule.

Why replace lenses frequently?

Almost immediately after they are inserted, contact lenses begin attracting deposits of proteins and lipids. Accumulated deposits, even with routine lens care, begin to erode the performance of your contacts and create a situation that presents a greater risk to your eye health. Many practitioners prescribe a specific replacement schedule to prevent problems before they might occur. Contact lens wearers, in turn, enjoy the added comfort, convenience and health benefits of a planned replacement program. Planned replacement lenses are generally a thinner design or are made of different, more fragile materials with a higher water content than unplanned replacement or conventional contact lenses. Based on your eye care practitioner's recommendation and your needs, your prescription for planned replacement lenses may call for replacement:

Monthly
Every 1-2 weeks
Daily

Except for daily disposables, planned replacement lenses require cleaning and disinfection after every use period unless they are discarded immediately upon removal. Planned replacement lenses can be worn as daily wear -- removed before sleep -- or as extended wear if recommended by your practitioner.

Unplanned Replacement

Unplanned replacement lenses (often called conventional lenses) are not replaced according to a pre-determined schedule. They are typically used for as long as they remain undamaged, usually around 12 months for soft lenses.