Yearly, or annual, contact lenses are designed for a full year of daily wear before replacement is necessary. While many people are familiar with the frequent disposal required for daily or monthly lenses, this distinct category offers a long-term option for vision correction. Understanding yearly lenses requires examining their unique usage schedule, the durable materials they are made from, and the rigorous care protocols required for safe use.
Defining Yearly Lenses and Their Use Cycle
Yearly lenses are defined by their extended replacement schedule, which permits a single pair to be worn daily for up to 365 days. Unlike daily or monthly disposables, this extended lifespan requires the lenses to be removed, cleaned, and disinfected nightly, as they are not approved for continuous or overnight wear.
This long-term cycle positions yearly lenses as a contrast to the convenience of short-term disposable lenses. Yearly lenses are often custom-made or available in a wider range of prescriptions, especially for complex vision needs like high astigmatism or unique corneal shapes. They also represent a lower volume product compared to the high manufacturing and packaging waste of daily disposables.
The initial cost for a pair of yearly lenses is typically higher than a single box of daily or monthly lenses. However, when the expense is spread across the full 12-month use period, they often become a more cost-efficient option over time for regular wearers.
Their durability and thickness are necessary for surviving a year of handling and cleaning. The longer a lens is worn, the greater the opportunity for tear film components like proteins and lipids to adhere to the surface, necessitating a robust cleaning routine.
Material Composition and Lens Durability
The ability of a contact lens to last a full year depends heavily on the advanced materials used in its construction. These lenses are often made from specialized hydrogels or silicone compounds that are engineered for superior structural integrity and longevity. This robustness is necessary to withstand the cumulative stress of daily handling, insertion, removal, and the mechanical rubbing required during cleaning.
The materials are specifically formulated to resist the buildup of deposits from the tear film, such as proteins, calcium, and lipids, which naturally accumulate on the lens surface during wear. If these deposits are not effectively removed, they can cause discomfort, blur vision, and potentially increase the risk of eye irritation or infection.
A primary consideration for any lens worn for an extended period is oxygen permeability, measured by the Dk/t value. The cornea requires a continuous supply of oxygen to remain healthy, and the contact lens creates a barrier. Long-term lenses must utilize materials, often silicone hydrogels, that allow a high volume of oxygen to pass through, maintaining corneal health over the entire annual schedule.
These long-lasting materials must also maintain their shape and optical precision throughout the year. The polymers used are designed to resist warping or degradation from repeated exposure to cleaning and disinfecting solutions. This ensures the lens retains its corrective power and proper fit for the duration of its prescribed use.
Essential Care and Safety Protocols
Because yearly lenses are used for such an extended period, the margin for error in cleaning and storage is significantly smaller, making safety protocols non-negotiable. The most important action is the daily cleaning routine, which must always include a mechanical “rub and rinse” step. This involves placing the lens in the palm, applying solution, and gently rubbing the surface with a clean finger before rinsing thoroughly.
This mechanical action is essential for dislodging the microscopic deposits that accumulate, even if the cleaning solution is labeled “no-rub.” Following the rub and rinse, the lens must be stored in a case filled with fresh, multi-purpose disinfecting solution. Never reuse or “top off” old solution, as its disinfecting power diminishes quickly and can become a breeding ground for harmful microbes.
The choice of solution is also important, as long-term lenses may benefit from specific, sometimes stronger, multi-purpose solutions or periodic use of protein-removing tablets to combat the heavy deposit load. Under no circumstances should tap water, distilled water, or saliva be used to rinse or store the lenses, as these contain microorganisms, such as Acanthamoeba, that can cause severe, sight-threatening infections.
Users must strictly adhere to the 365-day replacement date, even if the lenses still feel comfortable, because the materials degrade and accumulate invisible deposits over time. Immediate removal and consultation with an eye care professional are necessary if any signs of eye irritation occur, including persistent redness, pain, excessive tearing, or discharge. Replacing the lens case at least every three months is important to prevent bacterial contamination.