As we head into Plastic Free July, there's never been a better time to re-evaluate the environmental impact of our everyday habits, starting with something as small, yet significant, as contact lenses.
Each year, more than 750 million [1] contact lenses are discarded in the UK alone. Most users are unaware that these tiny vision aids are made from complex plastics that are non-biodegradable. Whether thrown in the bin, or flushed down the drain, they ultimately break down into microplastics, which are tiny particles that accumulate in oceans, pollute waterways, and are frequently ingested by marine life.
A recent survey found that 97% [1] of contact lens users are contributing to environmental harm simply by disposing of their lenses incorrectly. Contact lens users are often unaware of the environmental impact that flushing lenses down the toilet or sink can have.
The Hidden Cost of Disposable Convenience
While daily disposable lenses offer convenience, the environmental toll is steep. Not only are the lenses themselves a concern, but their packaging, blister packs, foil lids, and cardboard boxes adds further to the plastic burden. Most of this material ends up in landfill, where it can staggeringly take hundreds of years to break down. Studies have shown that exposure to sunlight causes contact lenses to release tiny fragments of plastic. [2] Over time, this can be seriously detrimental to the environment.
Small Changes, Big Impact
While reducing the frequency of contact lens use can make a measurable difference, the ultimate solution is to stop relying on contact lenses, full stop. Switching from daily to monthly lenses, using glasses more often, or properly recycling your contact lenses are simple steps that can significantly reduce your environmental footprint, however, vision correction surgery offers a more environmentally friendly solution. For those that need support in safe contact lens disposal, each Optical Express clinic and hospital has dedicated contact lens recycling facilities, where you can dispose of your lenses correctly, avoiding the dangers that come where incorrect measures are followed.
A More Sustainable Solution
For those looking to make a long-term change, surgical vision correction offers a sustainable alternative to disposable lenses. Vision correction procedures often provide permanent, long-lasting results, significantly reducing or eliminating the need for glasses or contact lenses. This can lead to substantial savings and significantly less waste over time compared to ongoing contact lens use.
What You Can Do This Plastic Free July
1. Change to a vision correction solution – from contact lenses and glasses to vision correction surgery.
2. Recycle contact lenses where possible.
3. Avoid flushing lenses, dispose of them in general waste if recycling is not available.
4. Share this message, help raise awareness of the unseen environmental cost of contact lenses.
References: [1] Optical Express Survey of Contact Lens Users. Optical Express surveyed over 3,000 contact lens users across the UK between May and September 2019. Further information on the survey and the breakdown of responses available on request. [2] Yuxuan Liu et al, High-Content Screening Discovers Microplastics Released by Contact Lenses under Sunlight, Environmental Science & Technology (2023). DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c01601 SEO: Are Contact Lenses Harming the Planet? Discover Eco-Friendly Vision Solutions This Plastic Free July.
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