The truth is that not all daily contact lenses are expensive, just the best ones!
Social media has been all abuzz over new online contact lens companies like Hubble and now Warby Parker's brand of lenses called Scout. Both companies claim to offer amazing contact lens technology at a discount price.
Warby Parker claims to offer "comfortable, breathable, and affordable daily contact lens—made from a super-moist material that resists drying for lasting hydration and comfort."
Additionally, Hubble claims their lenses are "Our lenses are made from high-grade Methafilcon A hydrogel material. With 55% water content, UV protection, and a thin edge, they're designed for easy insertion, all-day comfort and crystal clearvision."
What is actually the truth?
Neither company is offering patients a bargain. Sure, their lenses may be cheaper than other brands of daily contacts, but when compared to the technology offered, they fall flat.
Both Hubble contacts and Warby Parker's "Scout" lenses are made from old technology with low dk/ts. Old technology means dry eye and low oxygen to the eye. Considering your eye has a piece of plastic on it all day, it is important to have a lens that allows the most oxygen to your eye. For example, the dk/t of a Scout lens is 25, and a Hubble lens is 18.
In contrast, more expensive and premium like Acuvue Oasys Dailies and Alcon's Total One have Dk's of 103 and 140. These lenses are superior in both the amount of oxygen they allow to your eyes, and long lasting comfort.
The difference in the cost of a box of single use contact lenses is most dependent on the quality of the materials involved in production and R&D.
Technological advancements are due to our investments. The envelope must continually be pushed for better optics, improved comfort, and on the horizon, the ability to deliver medication to the eye by a contact lens.
Your eye doctor can offer you comparable daily lenses to Hubble and Scout for cheaper, but we choose to fit you in the best lenses with the newest technology! You only have two eyes, and we want you to keep them both!
Why are daily contacts better?
Daily contact lenses have been shown to be the healthiest option for all eyes. They decrease the incidence of red eyes, dry eyes, and infections by eliminating poor cleaning and storing habits.
Daily contacts offer maximum comfort. One can't beat the feeling of a new, clean lens! The only difference between a brand new lens and one at the end of the month is debris build-up. Additionally, patients suffer more during allergy season due to the pollen in the air depositing on contact lenses and eyes.
Contact lens manufacturers are producing more dailies then ever before! Their R&D is going towards the development of improved dailies versus other modalities like monthly or biweekly lens options.
New Daily Contact Lens Developments
Smart Contact Lenses
Soft contact lenses have been developed to help diabetic patients with monitoring their glucose levels.
2. Augmented Reality Contact Lenses
Tech company Innovega have developed a lens designed to display anything from social media to video chat
3. Nanowafer Contact Lenses
Nanowafer lenses are super thin contact lenses designed to dissolve within the eye as medication is released. This could revolutionize both dry eye and surgical treatments.
