Contact Lenses have come a long way since they were first introduced into the market. In 2024, you can find all sorts of medical contact lenses for a wide variety of eye conditions with each brand offering special features like high water content, enhanced comfort, ergonomic design and more. The variety of soft contact lenses available for purchase might confuse you, especially when it comes to deciding between daily and monthly contact lenses.
In this blog post, we will provide you with all the information you need to know to make an informed decision about what kind of contact lenses will better suit your vision and lifestyle needs.
Daily Disposable Contact Lenses
Daily disposable lenses are meant to be worn only for the duration of a day. At the end of the day, you need to remove the contacts from your eyes and dispose of them. Unlike some extended wear contact lenses, you cannot wear these lenses while you sleep. Daily disposable contact lenses are made of less durable materials and therefore you should avoid wearing them for longer periods of time as this can encourage the build-up of germs on the lens surface which can lead to eye infections.
Monthly Contact Lenses
Monthly contact lenses can be used for up to a month with regular maintenance. Unlike daily disposable lenses, these lenses can be cleaned and stored for future use. After each wear, you need to remove the contact lenses from your eyes, clean and store them using contact lens solution overnight. These lenses are more durable than daily disposable lenses and can therefore be worn for a longer period of time.
What is the Difference Between Daily and Monthly Contact Lenses?
The main difference between daily disposable lenses and monthly contact lenses is the duration of use. While daily disposable lenses can only be worn for up to 16 hours, monthly lenses can be used for up to 30 days, a feature which some users may find more desirable. Since daily disposable lenses are disposed of after the duration of a day, they require no further maintenance whereas monthly replacement lenses need to be cleaned and stored appropriately in a contact lens solution to ensure that they are adequately disinfected and ready for the next day of wear. Learn how to clean and store your monthly lenses using contact lens solution here.
Factors To Consider When Choosing Between Daily and Monthly Contact Lenses
Comfort
If comfort is your top priority when it comes to deciding on what contact lenses to wear, you might be better off with daily disposable contact lenses. While both daily and monthly soft contact lenses are comfortable and feature protective and soothing properties, daily disposable lenses are often made of a more delicate material that is thinner and therefore less noticeable while you wear them. Monthly lenses tend to be more durable but thicker which makes them ideal for month-long use but also makes them noticeably less comfortable than daily lenses.
Cost
In general, monthly contact lenses provide better value for money. While the cost largely depends on the brand and the type of lenses you purchase, daily disposable lenses might end up costing you more as you will have to purchase several lenses for a full month of use. If you wear contacts on a daily basis, then monthly lenses are a better option for you in terms of cost-effectiveness.
Convenience
Convenience is a crucial aspect that you should consider when purchasing contact lenses. While you may be tempted to purchase monthly lenses for their cost-effectiveness or daily lenses for their comfort, you should also consider which type of lenses better fit your needs and lifestyle. Monthly contact lenses require regular maintenance and therefore would not be a good option for those who travel often or don't have the time or dedication to look after them. If you are looking for a low-maintenance option, daily contact lenses are your best choice.
Eye Conditions
You can find both daily and monthly contact lenses for your specific vision needs, such as toric lenses for astigmatism or multifocal lenses for presbyopia. However, you may find that monthly lenses have an edge when it comes to specialized lenses for these specific eye conditions. This is because monthly lenses are made of more durable materials.
On the other hand, if you are prone to sensitivity or allergic reactions due to the protein build-up on your contact lenses, daily lenses can be a safer option for you.
Can You Switch from Daily Contact Lenses to Monthly Contact Lenses?
Yes, as long as you can find the right dimensions and specifications for your eye condition, you can absolutely switch from daily contact lenses to monthly contact lenses. However, this is a decision you should make with the guidance of your optometrist or eye care professional. Whether you are thinking of switching from daily to monthly lenses, monthly to daily lenses or even from one brand to another, you need to get the green light from your eye doctor who will assess whether the change will be a good option for you.
Are Monthly Contact Lenses Better than Daily Contact Lenses?
Just because monthly lenses can be used for a longer duration does not mean that they are the superior option in all cases. Individuals who have sensitive eyes that are prone to infections and allergies may find daily disposable lenses more comfortable. The bottom line is that both monthly contact lenses and daily disposable lenses have their pros and cons and depending on your vision needs and specific circumstances, one or the other may be more appropriate for you.
Our Recommendations for Daily Disposable Lenses
Best Overall Daily Disposable Lenses: Acuvue Moist Daily
Acuvue Moist Daily lenses are a great choice for those seeking all-day comfort and hydration. These lenses also offer built-in UV protection to protect your eyes.
Best Daily Disposable Lenses for Dry Eyes: Alcon Dailies Total 1
Alcon Dailies Total 1 lenses offer a high degree of hydration and breathability, ideal for dry, sensitive eyes. These lenses also feature an ingredient naturally found in tears that helps to stabilize the tear film.
Our Recommendations for Monthly Contact Lenses
Best Overall Monthly Contact Lenses: CooperVision Biofinity
Biofinity contact lenses offer comfort, breathability and sharp vision for individuals with nearsightedness or farsightedness. These lenses offer excellent breathability and hydration and are comfortable for everyday wear thanks to their smooth rounded edges.
Best Monthly Contact Lenses for Extended Wear: Air Optix Night and Day Aqua
Air Optix Night and Day Aqua Extended Wear contact lenses are one of the best extended wear lenses on the market, perfect for 30 days and nights of continuous wear. They offer a high degree of breathability and protect your eyes from irritating deposits.