What’s Better: Daily, Weekly, or Monthly Contact Lenses?

Choosing the right contact lenses can make all the difference in terms of comfort and convenience. Learn which ones best fit your lifestyle.

Picking the right contact lenses might feel like a daunting process, but it doesn’t have to be. Understanding the different options that are available and what distinguishes them is the first step toward finding lenses that meet your needs. 

There are three basic types of contact lenses: those you change daily, those you change every two weeks, and those you discard after a month. Each type has its benefits and drawbacks, and there is no one type of contact lens that works for everyone. Instead, it is up to each person to consider which type makes the most sense for their lifestyle.

Types of Lenses

Daily 

These contacts are designed to be worn for one day only. Every time you put the lenses in, you open up a new pack and every time you take the lenses out at the end of the day, you throw them away. These contacts require the least amount of upkeep since you use new ones each time you put them in. They also make it easier to practice healthy habits given that you won’t ever need to put the lenses back into your eyes. Given that these contacts are designed to be worn for a single day, they are typically thinner and have a higher water content than the weekly or monthly alternatives. 

Weekly/Bi-weekly

These contacts are designed to be worn for either one or two weeks, depending on the specific lenses you’re using. They require more upkeep than daily lenses given that they are reusable. When you take them out, you need to make sure that you rinse them with a clean contact solution and then store them in a lens case with fresh solution. Every time you put in your contacts, you should rinse and dry your lens case. As with monthly lenses, you need to be careful that you only use them for the allotted amount of time and that you don’t overwear them beyond that. 

Monthly

These lenses have the longest period of wear: one month. Just like weekly lenses, monthly lenses are reusable and need to be stored in fresh solution between wears. You need to be careful not to wear them for more than a month so as not to risk endangering your eyes. Monthly lenses are considered a particularly cost effective option, since a single pair can be worn for four weeks.

What To Consider When Picking Your Lenses

The most important element of picking your lenses is making sure that they are suitable for your lifestyle. There are a few considerations that you should keep in mind to help steer you in the right direction. 

Cost is one important factor. In general, daily contacts are more expensive than monthly and weekly lenses. Your contact lens habits are another relevant consideration. If you wear lenses every day, then any of the options should work for you. However, if you only wear lenses on occasion, it is better to use daily lenses. A pack of daily contacts typically comes with 30 lenses, which means that a one month supply will likely last you awhile. 

Another good point to consider is whether you engage in a lot of physical activity. If you spend most of your day in a controlled environment, like at home or in an office, the longer-lasting contacts might be the right fit for you. However, anyone who is physically active or spends more time outside might prefer daily lenses that can be easily replaced if there is any contact with sweat, water, or dirt. However, the daily lenses do have a disadvantage for people with an active lifestyle given that they are thinner and thus typically dry out more quickly than weekly or monthly contacts. 

If you are interested in trying contact lenses or changing which lenses you’re using, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with us at our Mesa and Chandler locations. Our eyecare specialists are here to help you decide which option is right for you.