Those with vision problems are not unacquainted with the hassles that tag along with wearing prescription glasses. This is why contact lenses come into the picture: once inserted, they don’t need to be adjusted now and then. However, with different wearing types of contact lenses available, it can be quite challenging to choose between daily contact lenses and monthly contact lenses. An optician considers several factors, such as convenience, budget, eye health, lifestyle and comfort, before recommending contact lenses most suitable for one’s individual needs.
Let’s learn more about daily and monthly contact lenses in this detailed guide.
Daily contact lenses
Also known as daily disposables, these are single-use lenses made to be worn for one day and discarded at the end of the day. Every morning, there’s a fresh pair, ensuring cleanliness and convenience.
Monthly contact lenses
Also known as monthly disposables, these lenses are made to be worn for up to 30 days, provided they are removed, thoroughly cleaned and stored in a contact lens solution as recommended by an optician.
Daily vs monthly lenses
Convenience – As opposed to monthlies, daily contact lenses are utterly convenient, for they eliminate the need to clean and properly store the lenses overnight. They are ideal for those always on the go or travelling. Monthly lenses, however, demand a consistent cleaning and storage routine each night, which can be inconvenient for some.
Budget – Although daily contacts are more expensive than monthly contacts, they can be cost-effective for those who wear them occasionally. Since the lens cost of monthlies is higher than that of dailies, if they get damaged or lost, they turn out to be more expensive than dailies. The cost of contact lens solutions and cases also adds in the case of monthlies.
Eye health – One of the many benefits of dailies is that they are disposed of after one use, resulting in less risk of protein buildup, allergens and bacteria accumulating on the lens surface. This makes them a healthier option compared to monthlies, especially for those with sensitive eyes, allergies, or a history of eye infections. Monthly lenses are only safe and comfortable when properly cleaned and stored. If not adequately taken care of, they could pose a higher risk of eye infections or extreme discomfort.
Lifestyle – Daily disposables are perfect for active individuals or those who frequently switch between glasses and contact lenses. They’re also ideal for travel, as they eliminate the need to carry lens solutions and cases. Monthly lenses, however, can be more suitable for individuals who prefer wearing lenses daily and can commit to the everyday cleaning and storing routine.
Comfort – Most popular daily contact lenses are made from silicone hydrogel, which allows more oxygen to reach the eyes than regular hydrogel lenses. Those looking for contact lenses for sensitive eyes offering utmost comfort should look no further than dailies. When it comes to monthlies, they are usually thicker and less comfortable when compared to dailies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to choose contact lenses?
Contact lenses are optical devices that can be recommended by an optician only after considering one’s lifestyle needs, budget, eye health, personal preferences and other factors. If someone is new to wearing contact lenses or has sensitive eyes, daily disposables can be safer and more convenient. If someone has been wearing lenses regularly and is looking for a more economical solution, monthly disposables can be a better option.
Is it okay to wear daily contact lenses every day?
No, you should not wear daily contact lenses more than once whatsoever. Wearing them for more than one day can increase the risk of infections and cause serious harm to the eyes.
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Can I sleep in daily contact lenses?
Daily disposables are meant to be worn for 8 to 16 hours a day after your optician has recommended for the same. They should never be worn overnight. Sleeping in dailies can put your eyes at greater risk of catching infections.
Whether you opt for the ease of dailies or reliability of monthlies, adequate eye care and regular check-ups are a must for healthy and comfortable eyes.
