Like dental care supplies, I have been wondering a lot about sustainable eye care. I have been wearing dailies for a few years now, mainly because reusable lenses were not a good fit for my eyes at the time. But as I am approaching the end of my supply and am actively looking to live more sustainably, I have been researching what I can do to lessen my environmental impact while keeping my eyes comfortable and healthy.
What are contact lenses? Contact lenses are made of silicone hydrogel, which is a type of plastic that allows increased wettability and oxygen permeability for optimal comfort. They ARE NOT biodegradable and are difficult to recycle due to their size.
Monthlies vs. Dailies vs. Eyeglasses: There are many factors to include when figuring out which one of these options produces less waste, and more importantly less plastic waste.
The following information is an excerpt from a 2012 study:
An annual supply of daily disposable contact lenses (365 pairs) produced 11.36 g of dehydrated plastic waste, or a little more than would go into the production of two credit cards. Comparatively, reusable lenses (biweekly and monthly wear) require solution bottles and cases. One bottle of multipurpose solution has an average weight equivalent to 2.5 years of daily contact lenses. One multipurpose solution storage case is equivalent to over a 4 year supply of daily contact lenses, whereas a peroxide case is equal to more than 8 years worth of lenses!
However, dailies require additional packaging (plastic pack, foil and cardboard packaging). It is estimated that a year’s supply of dailies produces 953 grams of plastic, whereas monthlies (with 12 bottles of solution) produce 549 grams. Eyeglasses on the other hand have very little packaging waste, and there is always the option of donating or recycling the glasses when ready for a new pair.
Recycling: The following can be recycled:
- Contact lenses (not conventionally but only when done properly through one of the programs below)
- Contact blister plastic pack without foil top (unopened packs are not recyclable and foil top is not recyclable)
- Multipurpose solution + plastic case
- Any cardboard packaging
Programs:
ONE by ONE by Bausch + Lomb and Terracycle is the only recycling program aimed to reduce contact lens waste. Collect your used blister packs, top foil, and lenses, and drop them off at a recycling center near you. Find out more here.
My Take? The comfort and health of your eyes is the #1 priority, so I feel that the best tradeoff between comfort and sustainability should be the right choice. I love the idea of a circular program like the ONE by ONE, and think it is more sustainable and progressive than the simple act of recycling. So I have the answer to my question, and will support an organization that is proactively embracing a circular business model 🙂
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