How to dispose of disposable contact lenses?

SerialComplaint

What's the best thing to do with disposable lenses after they've been worn. I know they're tiny and translucent, but I guess if there are thousands of them being disposed of incorrectly every day, there will be problems down the line.

Is it safe to flush em away, or throw them in the brown bin (with food etc)?

FlyingIrishMan

I just throw mine in the toilet or wash them down the sink.

Terri26

I am beginning to need to wear my glasses more often as I am getting older. I normally only wear them driving and at teh cinema and just put up with not being able to see things clearly far away. I am slighlty considering trying lenses but the thoughts of sticking my finger ear my eye and evening having to ut drops in my eyes is freaking me out and I don't know if I will be able to handle it.
Is it possible to try sample lenses/ will they allow me practice in the opticians? sorry if this is a stupid/immature question but am honestly not sure if I will be able to do it

Marcusm

Terri26 wrote: »

I am beginning to need to wear my glasses more often as I am getting older. I normally only wear them driving and at teh cinema and just put up with not being able to see things clearly far away. I am slighlty considering trying lenses but the thoughts of sticking my finger ear my eye and evening having to ut drops in my eyes is freaking me out and I don't know if I will be able to handle it.
Is it possible to try sample lenses/ will they allow me practice in the opticians? sorry if this is a stupid/immature question but am honestly not sure if I will be able to do it

Had similar concerns to you, wore glasses for 20 years before trying lenses. First time the optician went o pop them in all I could see was a finger with incredibly long false nails coming towards my eyeball with a bit of cling film on the end. Tried not to flinch and of course the finger doesn't touch the eyeball not to mind the fingernail. Was a revelation!

Used vision express and they pop in the test pair and also you have a "teach" session where one of the retail staff sits with you as you pop a few pairs in and out.

Love them but mostly 3-4 days per week. Great for holidays (no need for prescription sunglasses).

looksee

I really don't think lenses would be an issue in terms of rubbish - there is more plastic in one yoghurt pot than in a month of lenses!

Terri, it takes a bit of practise to get used to lenses, a trial run in the opticians would probably put you off for ever! It is natural to not allow things to get in your eyes, but you honestly can run your (clean!) finger over your eyeball and not do any damage. When you put the lense in you do not really touch your eye, the lense kind of flips into place. Taking them out can be a bit more challenging, but you will quickly realise that you are not doing your eye any harm.

The modern soft lenses are extremely comfortable to wear, you will not be aware of them once they have settled in place.

SerialComplaint

Terri26 wrote: »

.
Is it possible to try sample lenses/ will they allow me practice in the opticians? sorry if this is a stupid/immature question but am honestly not sure if I will be able to do it

Yes, yes, and yes - you will be able to do it, after about five minutes.

looksee wrote: »

I really don't think lenses would be an issue in terms of rubbish - there is more plastic in one yoghurt pot than in a month of lenses!

True, but the yoghurt pot goes into the recycle bin. Where should the lens go?

KoolKid

AFAIK disposable contact lenses are highly biodegradable . As regards waste I'd say there's a larger carbon footprint from reusable lens with all the cleaning fluids etc.

bang_bang_rosie

Generally they are not biodegradable (it depends on the type) I have had my sink blocked (person shall remain unnamed) by constantly washing them down the plug hole :mad:

Put them in the normal bin.

ednwireland

bang_bang_rosie wrote: »

Generally they are not biodegradable (it depends on the type) I have had my sink blocked (person shall remain unnamed) by constantly washing them down the plug hole :mad:

Put them in the normal bin.

this (are they recyclable ? )

KoolKid

Most searches I have carried out suggests they are biodegradable.
I would also say there is more plastic in a months supply of cleaning products than in 60 disposable lenses.

SerialComplaint

Acuvue UK came back to me to say that the lenses are not biodegradable. They did point out that all the packaging may be recycled. I presume by packaging, they mean the cardboard boxes, not the plastic container with the metal foil seal.