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Daily Contact Lenses vs Monthly: What’s Better for You and Why?

7th Nov 2024

It feels like there are as many types of contact lenses to choose from as there are styles of frames for glasses. For those switching to contact lenses, deciding between daily, bi-weekly, and monthly contacts can be overwhelming. Even long-time contact lens wearers may consider changing to a different type to better suit their needs.

At Lensworld.com.au, we offer a full range of contact lenses, including daily, fortnightly, and monthly options from trusted brands like Alcon, Bausch & Lomb, CooperVision and Johnson & Johnson. This guide breaks down the differences between these options, helping you make the best choice for your lifestyle and budget.

Daily Contacts vs Monthly Contacts: What’s the Difference?

Replacement Schedule

Daily Contact Lenses are designed for single use, meaning you wear a fresh pair each day and dispose of them afterwards. This routine minimises the risk of contamination and is ideal for users looking for a low-maintenance option.

Monthly contact lenses last up to 30 days, requiring nightly removal and a consistent cleaning routine. They are intended for daily wear throughout the month, provided they’re cleaned and stored correctly.

Oxygen Permeability and Eye Health

Since daily lenses are thinner, they allow for higher oxygen transmission - reducing the risk of dryness and discomfort. Research has shown that daily disposable lenses are associated with a lower incidence of corneal inflammation compared to reusable lenses.

Silicone hydrogel materials in monthly lenses are highly breathable and designed to provide sufficient oxygen throughout the day, keeping the eye healthier. However, consistent cleaning is essential to prevent deposits from blocking oxygen flow.

Material and Comfort

Daily contacts are often crafted from thinner, more breathable materials, which can enhance comfort and reduce the feeling of dryness. Many daily lenses utilise advanced hydrating technology to provide high moisture content.

Monthly lenses are typically more durable and can sometimes be slightly thicker, which some users find beneficial for prolonged wear and handling - allowing more oxygen to pass through to the eye. These lenses may be slightly thicker than dailies but are designed to maintain comfort over long-term wear.

Cost considerations

The cost of contact lenses varies based on brand, material, and where you purchase them.

Generally, daily lenses have a higher per-unit cost but eliminate the need for cleaning solutions. Monthly lenses are more cost-effective for regular wearers but incur additional expenses for cleaning supplies.

Based on current prices from Lens World at the date of writing this article, here's an estimated monthly cost comparison for daily, bi-weekly, and monthly contact lenses:

  • Daily contact lenses: $123.95/month (90 lenses), assuming one lens per eye daily
  • Bi-weekly (fortnightly) contact lenses: $43.30/month, including solution (one pair lasts two weeks; requires cleaning solution)
  • Monthly contact lenses: $29.98/month, including solution (one pair per month; requires cleaning solution)

These estimates provide a general idea of the costs associated with each lens type. Prices may vary based on specific products and individual usage patterns and can vary between retailers.

For those wearing contacts occasionally, daily lenses may be more cost-effective overall.

Astigmatism conditions

For people with astigmatism, daily and monthly toric lenses (designed to correct astigmatism) are commonly used, but the choice often depends on individual needs and comfort. Each option has pros and cons (price, comfort, eye condition) that should be considered.

Consulting an optometrist is important to determine the best option based on your specific needs, level of astigmatism, and lifestyle. They may suggest a trial period with both monthly and daily toric lenses to gauge comfort and vision stability in real-world settings, which can be especially useful for new wearers with astigmatism.

Are Daily Contacts Better Than Monthly?

The answer depends on your lifestyle and personal needs. Daily contacts are generally considered better for hygiene and are more convenient, especially for occasional wearers. However, monthly contacts may be better if you prioritise cost-efficiency and are comfortable with a daily cleaning routine.

Cost-wise, it’s worth comparing the price of daily contacts to monthly ones. Daily contacts typically cost more upfront due to single-use packaging, but they eliminate the need for solutions. Monthly contacts are less expensive per day but require regular cleaning, which adds to ongoing costs.

Daily Contacts vs Bi-Weekly (Fortnightly): Is There a Middle Ground?

Daily lenses are maintenance-free, but bi-weekly lenses require some cleaning, which is less frequent than monthly lenses. They strike a balance between ease and care for those who wear contacts regularly but want lower maintenance than monthly lenses.

Bi-weekly lenses are changed more often than monthly lenses, reducing the risk of buildup and contamination. This makes them a practical choice for wearers who want to prioritise eye health without fully committing to the higher cost of daily lenses.

Bi-Weekly Contacts vs Monthly Contacts

Monthly lenses require the most routine maintenance, so if cleaning is something you don’t mind doing, monthlies may be a better value. Bi-weekly lenses offer a fresh pair every two weeks, and the buildup of deposits is typically less of an issue.

Monthly lenses work best for those who wear contacts daily and can commit to the cleaning routine. Bi-weekly lenses offer a fresh start every two weeks, so they’re a more hygienic alternative without the expense of daily lenses.

Consult your optometrist to ensure you get lenses that not only improve your vision but also support your long-term eye health. Their guidance helps you make a well-informed choice, ensuring safe and comfortable contact lens use.

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