I am interested in buying disposable lenses. I would like to know the difference between Acuvue and Surevue? Are they safe to use and is one a daily lens and is the other more of an extended lens?
Answered by Richard E. Gans, M. D. (xx102@ofcn.org)
Acuvue and Surevue are two of several different types of disposable soft contact lenses which are currently on the market. As you had noted, Acuvue is an extended wear contact lens, where as Surevue is designed strictly for daily wear. Other common disposable contact lenses are Seequence, Seequence II and New Vues. Acuvue and Surevue are made by the Vistakon Company and are the most popular disposable lenses. This may not be due to any superiority of these lenses. Vistakon has a very active advertising program for these lenses. The others do not.
Disposable contact lenses are as safe as conventional soft contact lenses. It is not certain whether they are any safer than conventional soft contact lenses.
There is still a preponderance of evidence that shows that sleeping in a contact lens overnight, regardless of the type of lens, puts the individual at significantly greater risk for potentially vision-threatening complications from their contact lenses. Because of this, many eye care professionals urge their patients in extended wear contact lenses as well as daily wear lenses to remove, clean and sterilize their lenses each night and reinsert them in the morning. In disposable lenses, this also increases the life of the lens. Most extended wear disposables must be replaced each week. By wearing them on a daytime only basis, some are good for two weeks before they must be discarded.
PLEASE NOTE: The information contained on this system is not intended to supplant individual professional consultation, but is offered as a community education service. Advice on individual problems should be obtained directly from a professional.
Copyright, 1994. Richard E. Gans, M.D.
Last Modified: August 23, 1996