Daily vs. Monthly Contact Lenses: Which Is Better for Your Eyes and Lifestyle?
Choosing between daily and monthly contact lenses does not have to be complicated. Both can provide clear, comfortable vision. The best option for you depends on your eye doctor’s recommendations, your daily activities, and how often you wear contacts.
Here is a simple comparison table highlighting the main differences:
Daily Contact Lenses vs. Monthly Contact Lenses
| Daily Contact Lenses | Monthly Contact Lenses |
|---|---|
| Worn once and thrown away at the end of the day | Reused for the recommended replacement period |
| Fresh pair every day | Same pair is cleaned and stored between uses |
| No cleaning or storage required | Requires regular cleaning and proper storage/disinfection |
| Less maintenance | More maintenance |
| No need to remember replacement schedules | Replacement schedules must be adhered to, to avoid eye health complications |
| Reduced rate of eye infections | Higher rate of eye infections due to ongoing buildup of deposits on lenses. |
| Main benefit: The option that’s healthiest and most comfortable for your eyes. Simple and convenient. Put them in, wear them, and replace them next time. | Main benefit: Usually lower cost as compared to dailies. Higher prescriptions not available in dailies can often be accommodated. |
What If You Have Dry Eyes?
If your eyes often feel dry, gritty, or irritated while wearing contacts, the type of lens you wear can make a difference.
Daily disposable contact lenses often help those with dry eyes as a fresh new pair is inserted each day, avoiding discomfort associated with ongoing buildup. Comfort also depends on the lens material, how well it fits your eye, screen time, and whether your dry eyes are being appropriately managed.
If your contacts regularly feel uncomfortable, an eye exam can help determine whether a different lens type or fit would help your eyes feel better throughout the day. You will also be advised on specific treatments if dry eye disease is present.
Which Costs Less?
Monthly contacts are often less costly than daily disposables. But the trade-offs in comfort, convenience, and eye health often outweigh the cost savings.
Call our team to schedule a contact lens fitting and find an option that works for your eyes, your lifestyle, and budget.
FAQ:
Can I sleep in daily or monthly contact lenses?
No. Remove your contact lenses before sleeping or napping to help reduce the risk of irritation and eye infection. Overnight wear of contact lenses may only be done safely with lenses that are specifically fit and chosen for this purpose, under supervision of an optometrist.
Can I switch from monthly to daily contacts?
Usually, yes. While daily disposables are still not appropriate for some, they are now available in more parameters to fit a wider variety of prescriptions.
Can I reuse daily disposable contacts?
No. Daily contacts are designed for single use only.
Do I still need glasses if I wear contacts?
Yes. Keeping an up-to-date pair of glasses prevents over-wearing contact lenses and gives you a reliable backup when your contacts are not comfortable or cannot be worn (due to eye infection, inflammation, injury etc.).
Written by Dr. Tom Wilk
About the Author:
Dr. Tom Wilk sees patients at his Cochrane location primarily. He developed the “Patient First” approach now adopted by all Doctors and staff at Mountain View Optometry. He obtained his Doctor of Optometry (OD) from the Michigan College of Optometry in 1994, and his B.Sc. from the University of Waterloo. A native of Toronto, Ontario, he came to Alberta in 1998, attracted by the opportunity to start an optometry practice in the only province that allowed ODs to practice within the full scope of their training.
