How do contact lenses affect the environment?

Contact lenses may be tiny and transparent, but they leave a lasting impact on the environment. They're made of plastic and other nonbiodegradable materials that refuse to call it quits. Worse, they break down into microplastics that contaminate the ocean and soil. Even contact lens packaging leaves a footprint, as blister packs and foil seals add to landfills. Bottom line: Contacts are great for your vision, but not so much for Mother Nature.

Before taking a swig from your reusable water bottle and shuddering in despair, rest assured, there's positive action behind the scenes. Major contact lens manufacturers are realizing green is more than a pretty eye color. They're taking steps to ensure contact lenses are more environmentally friendly across their lifespan, including production, packaging, and disposal. 

We can't shout out every company's efforts, but Contact Lens Spectrum highlighted some achievements:

• Bausch & Lomb partnered with TerraCycle in the United States to recycle contact lenses and blister packs, including those from other brands.

• Alcon minimized package design and sizing to use fewer materials. It also recycled operational waste.

• CooperVision implemented renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind energy, in its manufacturing plants. It recycled water used in production processes and repurposed plastic into traffic cones and molded chairs.

• Johnson & Johnson partnered with TerraCycle to recycle contact lenses in the United Kingdom. In addition to reducing packaging for its ACUVUE® OASYS brand, it improved manufacturing processes to cut down on energy use.

This article takes a closer look at how contact lenses affect the environment. We also explore the safest ways to dispose of them, helping you make informed choices. Scientists continue to research the long-term effects of contact lenses on the planet, but the biggest concern now is how the plastic lenses impact water supplies and soil.  

Negative effects of contacts on the environment include:

• Plastic pollution

• Microplastic contamination

• Water treatment issues

• Chemical pollution

1. Plastic pollution

Contact lenses contribute to plastic waste on the planet, lingering in waterways and landfills long after they're discarded. (If only they vanished like socks in the laundry.)

Once upon a time, manufacturers produced contact lenses out of glass, but today's contacts are made of plastic polymers that allow oxygen to pass through to the eyes. Soft contacts often contain hydrogel and silicone hydrogel, and hard contacts combine plastic and other materials.

An estimated 45 million Americans wear contacts, with more than one-third choosing daily disposable lenses. That's a lot of lenses discarded daily. One study found that contact lens use accounts for about 0.5% of total environmental waste. It may not seem like much in the big scheme of things, but every bit matters, especially to Mama Earth.

2. Microplastic contamination

Contact lenses affect the environment most when they're washed down the drain. They break apart into microplastics that contaminate rivers, oceans, and ground soil. These particles are inadvertently eaten by worms, birds, and fish, entering the food chain and threatening animals and human health. 

One of the biggest problems is how contact lenses are discarded. We all know contacts can be skilled escape artists, jumping from a finger and down the drain. But it's not the occasional stray contact lens that's the problem. One study found that 1 in 5 contact lens wearers flush their lenses down the toilet or sink instead of properly disposing of them in the trash. This results in 6-10 metric tons of plastic lenses swimming around in U.S. wastewater each year.

3. Water treatment issues

When contact lenses are sent down a drainpipe, they enter municipal water systems. Treatment plants use microbes to remove dirt, bacteria, and chemicals from water, but can't eliminate plastic. Instead, the microbes weaken the bonds in the plastic polymers of contact lenses. The plastics break down into smaller particles that slip into the environment through wastewater sludge or fertilizer. When it rains, the particles continue their journey into rivers and oceans, affecting the quality and safety of the ground and marine environments.

4. Chemical pollution

Carelessly discarded contact lenses break down and release chemicals into the environment, polluting soil, water, and ecosystems. While more research needs to be done regarding the compounds released, one study found some products may contain PFAS, also known as forever chemicals. 

Manufacturers are working to manage hazardous waste in their factories, as solvents and chemicals are used during production processes. The solutions used by consumers in contact lens care are another potential chemical pollution source, but usually only trace amounts enter the water treatment system. 

Can contact lenses be recycled?

Yes, you can help the environment as a contact lens wearer and recycle your contacts through initiatives such as Bausch & Lomb's One by One Free Recycling Program. 

While it would be easier if you could toss your contacts in with your curbside recycling, unfortunately, these miniature frisbees aren't invited to that party. Contacts contain a different plastic than things like yogurt containers and soda bottles, and they're too tiny to be separated during sorting. Fortunately, the Bausch & Lomb recycling program accepts contact lenses and blister packs from all brands.

Are there reusable contacts?

Yes, different types of contact lenses are available, including reusable ones. Reusable contacts are usually more affordable than daily disposables, which are thrown out after one day's use. However, they require more care to ensure they're clean and safe to use again. Reusable lenses have different replacement schedules, typically weekly or monthly. 

While you might think reusable contacts are the greener choice, just like your cloth shopping bag or travel coffee mug, the decision is more complex. Sure, you're not throwing out reusable contacts every day (and definitely not down the drain), but they require daily cleaning. You need a contact lens solution to sterilize the lenses (sold in plastic bottles) and a contact lens case (made of plastic) to store them.

Are daily or monthly contacts better for the environment?

Daily and monthly contact lenses have a similar environmental impact. Daily disposables create waste each day, but reusable contacts have additional waste from contact lens solutions and storage cases. 

According to Contact Lens Spectrum, contact lenses, cartons, blister packs, and foil generate the following waste each year:

• Daily disposables: 1.0 kilogram

• Reusable contacts: 0.87 kilograms

Reusable contacts seem to have an edge, but they require a supporting cast with their own impact on the planet. The article notes that the plastic in a bottle of multipurpose solution is equivalent to 2.5 years of daily disposable lenses, and the plastic in a lens case is equal to about 4 years of daily disposable lenses. Bottles are often recyclable through local curbside programs, depending on the plastic they're made of. 

Clear as a contact lens camouflaged on the bathroom floor, right? The bottom line is that both daily and monthly contacts have their environmental downsides, but the difference between the two may not be as significant as some expect.

Are contact lenses biodegradable?

No, contact lenses aren't biodegradable — yet. Manufacturers are paying increased attention to environmental issues, such as recycling, sustainability, and biodegradable materials, but a lot of research still needs to be done.

One study about the biodegradation of contact lenses suggests potential paths forward. There may be a way to add biodegradable polymers or additives to contact lens materials. This would create lenses that decompose more, reducing environmental impact. Another possibility is finding certain microbes or enzymes that help break down the plastics after lenses are discarded, improving degradation.  

Are contacts bad for the environment?

Yes, contact lenses negatively impact the environment, especially when they're not thrown out properly. Since the plastic in the lenses doesn't degrade, they hang out in landfills like the dinner guest who overstays their welcome. Some lenses make their way into our waterways, where they break down into microplastics and leach chemicals that pollute the rivers, oceans, and food chain. Contact lens packaging and plastic from contact lens solution bottles and cases also contribute to landfills.

While manufacturers are finding ways to reduce environmental impact, consumers can also play their part as eco-friendly superheroes. Don your cape and:

• Recycle your contact lenses through manufacturer programs if available.

• Throw contacts in the trash if you can't recycle them. Avoid flushing them down the toilet or sink.

• Recycle packaging, plastic bottles, and cases.

Contact lenses that fit your lifestyle

Contact lenses help you to see better, but they're still a work in progress for the planet. By understanding how they impact the environment, you can make smart choices and properly dispose of your contacts. Visit 1-800 Contacts today to find the brand your eye care professional recommends. Shop with ease and enjoy free delivery to your door.

 

Did you know you can order contacts online? 

Say goodbye to trips to the eye doctor and hello to convenience! With 1-800 Contacts, you can easily order your contact lenses online and have them delivered straight to your door. Plus, our online vision exam makes it simple to get the prescription you need without leaving home. And the best part? You’ll save money on your first order with 1-800 Contacts. It’s never been easier to get your contacts! 

Original author: Austin Brewer

Original publish date: 1/4/2022

Updated date: 11/11/2025