Are you thinking about switching over to contacts? If so, you’re probably wondering if daily disposable or monthly contacts are the best choice.
Or, perhaps you already wear contacts but want to know whether a different schedule would work better for your lifestyle.
Both contact types are widely used and have their upsides and drawbacks. You also need to think about which option is best for you personally. Some people only care about convenience. Others want to look at the long-term cost analysis for daily vs. monthly contacts.
We’re going to break down how each type of contact lens works and what you should base your decision on when choosing between daily and monthly contacts.
What Are Daily Contact Lenses?
Daily contact lenses are designed to be worn once and then thrown away at the end of the day. You open a fresh pair in the morning, wear them throughout the day, and discard them before bed.
There’s no cleaning routine or storage to worry about. Each lens is clean and hydrated straight out of the package.
Daily lenses are popular with those who don’t wear contacts every single day. They also work well for people who travel a lot and want to avoid the hassle of solutions and contact cases.
What Are Monthly Contact Lenses?
Monthly contact lenses are made to be reused for up to 30 days. Instead of throwing them away after each use, you clean and store them in a solution at the end of the day. Then, you put them back in again the next morning.
This type of lens involves a consistent routine. You’ll need to make sure to clean them properly and keep your contact lens case clean. You also have to keep track of when you opened the pack, since you mustn’t wear them longer than recommended.
Monthly contacts are often used by people who wear contacts every day or almost every day.
Daily vs. Monthly Contacts: How Do They Compare?
Now that you know how both kinds of contact lenses work, let’s look at how they compare side by side.
Cost
Daily lenses usually cost more in the long term. This is simply because you’re using a new pair every day. Costs vary from brand to brand and also depend on where you purchase them from. You will find some cheaper daily contacts on EZContacts, but the price adds up when you’re paying for them every month.
Monthly lenses tend to be more budget-friendly in the long run. However, you do need to think about the added costs of contact solutions and cases.
Hygiene
Daily lenses have a clear advantage here. Since you start with a new pair every day, there’s less chance for buildup from protein deposits or debris.
With monthly lenses, you’ll have to do a bit more work. You’ll need to clean them, disinfect them, and properly store them each night. If you skip cleaning or wear them longer than recommended, it can end up leading to irritation or discomfort.
Convenience
Dailies keep things pretty simple. You don’t have to clean them, and you don’t need to think about storage or solutions. You just rip open a fresh pair every day.
Monthly lenses add a few extra steps. They need to be cleaned after each use and stored correctly overnight in a case with solution (never water). For some people, that routine feels manageable. For others, it can feel like a hassle.
Waste
Daily lenses create more waste over time. You’re throwing away a pair every day, along with the small plastic packaging they come in. That can add up quickly if you wear contacts full-time.
Monthly lenses use fewer lenses overall, but they still come with some waste from packaging, contact cases, and solution bottles.
If reducing waste is important to you, monthly lenses tend to have a lower overall impact. Some brands and retailers also offer recycling programs for contact lenses and packaging, which can help cut down on what ends up in landfills.
Comfort
Many people find that daily lenses feel fresher since they’re new each time. There’s no buildup from previous wear.
Monthly lenses can still feel comfortable, especially with good cleaning habits. The key is staying on top of your routine and replacing them on time.
How To Choose the Right Option for You
The right choice depends on how you plan to use your lenses and what kind of lifestyle you have.
Daily contacts make sense if:
- You want the simplest possible routine.
- You only wear contacts a few times a week.
- You don’t want to deal with cleaning or storage.
- You prefer starting with fresh lenses every day.
Monthly contacts make sense if:
- You wear contacts most or all days.
- You want to reduce long-term costs.
- You’re okay with following a cleaning routine.
- You don’t mind keeping track of when to replace your lenses.
There’s no “right” choice here. You have to decide which type of lenses work best for you and your schedule. Some people even use a mixture of the two. They’ll use monthly contacts most of the time, then switch to their dailies when they travel or go somewhere like a music festival. That brings us on to our next question.
Can You Switch Between Daily and Monthly Contacts?
It’s possible, and many people actually use both daily and monthly contacts in a hybrid routine, but you always need to consult your doctor. The lenses are made from different materials, and they can sit on your eye in slightly different ways. So if you’re thinking about making a change, you need to get an updated prescription first.
TL;DR
- Trying to decide between daily vs. monthly contacts? Both have upsides and downsides.
- Daily lenses are single-use and require no cleaning.
- Monthly lenses can be reused for up to 30 days with proper care.
- Daily lenses generally cost more than monthly contact lenses. However, you will also have to invest in a case and solution with monthly lenses.
- Dailies offer more convenience and hygiene since you open a fresh pack every day. Many people also find them to be more comfortable and ‘fresh-feeling.’
- However, daily lenses create more water over time. There are some recycling programs to help cut down on what ends up in landfills.
- The best option comes down to your routine and preferences. You can also try testing out different monthly and daily contacts to see what works best for you.
