The UK contact lens market has grown significantly over the years. In 2023, around 3.9 million people, or 8.9% of the UK adult population aged 15–64, wore contact lenses, generating a market value of £360 million. This represents steady growth compared to previous decades, with advancements in lens technology playing a significant role in driving adoption. Daily disposable lenses dominate, accounting for nearly 79% of sales, while silicone hydrogel lenses lead the monthly and bi-weekly categories with over 92% of the market share.
The market has seen a shift towards younger users, likely driven by convenience and lifestyle preferences, alongside middle-aged individuals adopting multifocal lenses to address presbyopia. Between 2000 and 2023, the market evolved from rigid lens dominance to soft lenses, reflecting broader consumer preferences and technological improvements. Growth in the last decade has been supported by myopia management and presbyopic solutions tailored to diverse user needs.
A Growing Concern For Contact Wearers
With clever marketing and monthly budget control, the disposable lens market has grown steadily, but alongside this rise, significant health risks have also emerged, raising concerns among eye care professionals.
- Infection Risks: Contact lenses are now the leading cause of microbial keratitis in patients with otherwise healthy eyes in developed countries. In the UK, cases of Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK), a rare but severe corneal infection, have surged. Between 2000 and 2016, annual cases at Moorfields Eye Hospital increased from 8-10 to 36-65, with reusable lenses quadrupling the risk compared to daily disposables UCL
- Alarmingly, 25% of AK patients face permanent vision loss or require corneal transplants AOP
- Improper Usage: Common practices such as sleeping with lenses or exposing them to water (e.g., in showers or swimming pools) drastically increase infection risks—by 3.3 to 3.9 times for AK alone.
- Eye Health Complications: Continuous lens use can lead to hypoxia, where the cornea receives insufficient oxygen, weakening the eye’s natural defenses. This contributes to slower healing, increased sensitivity, and higher susceptibility to long-term damage.
- Economic Impact: Contact lens-related complications lead to significant healthcare costs. In the US, they result in approximately 1 million doctor visits annually, with trends indicating similar pressures on UK healthcare systems.
These rising concerns highlight the need for greater awareness about the potential dangers of contact lenses and the importance of exploring safer, more sustainable alternatives.
Paying Monthly Plans That Can Effect Your Eye Health
For many contact lens users, monthly direct debits for lenses and cleaning solutions are a routine expense, often costing between £15 and £40 per month depending on the type of lens. Over time, this adds up to £180 to £480 annually, and improper hygiene or extended use of lenses can significantly impact eye health. The reliance on reusable lenses, in particular, increases the risk of severe infections like Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK), especially when users try to stretch their supplies to save money, leading to poor hygiene practices.
In contrast, alternatives like laser eye surgery offer a one-time investment that not only eliminates recurring costs but also reduces the risk of long-term eye health issues caused by contact lens misuse. Over a lifetime, the savings can outweigh the upfront cost of the procedure, making it a healthier and more economical choice for vision correction.
Is Your Contact Lens Sustainable?
Contact lenses significantly contribute to environmental pollution, particularly through plastic waste. An estimated 2.5 billion lenses are used and disposed of in the UK each year, many of which end up in landfills or the sewage system due to improper disposal. Studies show that around 20% of wearers flush their lenses down the toilet or sink, leading to microplastic pollution in waterways and oceans. This pollution harms marine life, as microplastics are ingested by aquatic organisms, disrupting ecosystems and entering the food chain.
Beyond direct environmental harm, the production and packaging of contact lenses generate substantial plastic waste. Daily disposable lenses, while convenient, exacerbate the problem due to their single-use nature. Choosing alternatives like laser eye surgery not only benefits personal eye health but also significantly reduces an individual’s environmental footprint by eliminating the ongoing reliance on disposable lenses and their associated waste.
Think Before You Blink: The Hidden Dangers of Contact Lenses
At EuroEyes, we’ve seen countless patients who were unaware of the long-term risks associated with contact lens use. While lenses offer convenience and freedom, they come with significant dangers that can compromise your vision, health, and even the environment.
From irreversible eye damage to the rising threat of severe infections, the risks are growing. Beyond personal health, the environmental impact of disposable lenses is shocking, contributing to microplastic pollution that affects ecosystems and human health alike. In this article, we unveil the often-overlooked dangers of contact lenses under seven critical headings, helping you make informed decisions about your eye care and consider healthier, more sustainable alternatives.
1. Risk of Vision Loss
Severe infections like microbial keratitis can cause permanent damage. Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK), though rare, has been increasing, with some cases requiring corneal transplants. Up to 25% of those infected suffer significant vision loss or even blindness.
2. Lenses as a Bacterial Breeding Ground
Contact lenses can act as a perfect environment for bacteria to thrive, especially when worn for extended periods. This leads to conditions like Pseudomonas keratitis, which progresses rapidly and can cause vision loss in as little as 24 hours.
3. Damage from Extended Wear
Wearing lenses overnight or beyond recommended durations deprives the cornea of oxygen, resulting in corneal hypoxia. This weakens your eye’s natural defenses, making it more prone to infections, ulcers, and permanent scarring.
4. Allergic Reactions and Intolerance
Over time, your eyes can develop an intolerance to contact lenses, resulting in chronic redness, irritation, and dry eye syndrome. This can leave users dependent on prescription eye drops or even force them to stop using lenses altogether.
5. Irreversible Eye Shape Changes
Prolonged use of poorly fitted lenses or overuse can subtly alter the shape of the cornea, leading to conditions like keratoconus. This may necessitate further treatments or surgeries to restore normal vision.
6. Increased Cost Over a Lifetime
While contact lenses might seem affordable month to month, over a lifetime they can cost thousands. Add to that the expense of treating complications like infections or vision loss, and the total price skyrockets.
7. Microplastic Pollution Impact
Improper disposal of lenses contributes to the 11 million tons of plastic entering oceans annually. Flushed lenses break down into microplastics, which are ingested by marine life and ultimately make their way into human food systems.
Contact Lenses Vs. Laser Eye Surgery
At EuroEyes, we’re dedicated to helping you make the best decision for your vision. While contact lenses have long been a popular option for those seeking clear sight, laser eye surgery offers distinct advantages that could change the way you see the world. In this quick comparison, we break down the pros of laser eye surgery and the cons of contact lenses to help you make an informed choice for your eye health and lifestyle.
| Feature | Laser Eye Surgery | Contact Lenses |
|---|---|---|
| Long-Term Costs | One-time investment with long-term savings ✓ | Ongoing monthly costs for lenses and cleaning solutions ⤫ |
| Eye Health | Improves long-term eye health, no risk of infections ✓ | Higher risk of infections, dry eyes, and corneal damage ⤫ |
| Environmental Impact | No waste—one-time procedure, no disposable items ✓ | Contributes to plastic waste and microplastic pollution ⤫ |
| Convenience | Once done, no need for glasses or lenses ✓ | Daily cleaning, storage, and regular replacement required ⤫ |
| Risk of Complications | Minimal risk when performed by experts ✓ | Higher risk of severe infections and vision loss ⤫ |
Say Goodbye To Contact Lenses & Discover World Class Eye Surgeons
At EuroEyes, our world-class surgeons have helped thousands of people regain clear, natural vision and break free from the hassle of contact lenses. With our state-of-the-art technology and personalised care, we offer laser eye surgery that’s tailored to your needs, ensuring long-term eye health and freedom from constant contact lens maintenance.
We understand that vision correction is an investment in your future. That’s why we offer a free consultation and a flexible price plan designed to help you get rid of those monthly direct debits. Visit us today and take the first step towards a clearer, contact lens-free future.
