Daily vs. Monthly Contacts: Which Option Is Best for You?
Just as there are cats or dog people, there are dailies and monthlies people. Daily contacts have seen a surge in popularity over the last decade. This is due to their many advantages when compared to other types of contacts. Still, it can be a matter of personal preference. If you’re getting contacts or considering switching, you’ll need to decide — daily vs. monthly contacts.
Monthly and daily contacts both have pros and cons. Which one will fit your preferences better? Check out these pros and cons to find out.
Advantages of Daily Disposable Contacts
Daily contacts come with specific advantages. It doesn’t take long at all to get used to them and they’re great for active lifestyles. But, these are not the only benefits of wearing daily disposable contact lenses.
Bye-Bye Cleaning Solution
Dailies are as hassle-free as contacts can be. You insert them in the morning and throw them away at night. There’s no need for cleaning or cleaning solution, and you don’t have to form a routine around wearing them.
Less Overwear Risk
Overwearing your contacts comes with serious risks. These risks exist for all contact lenses worn longer than they are designed to last. The good news is that with dailies you don't have to keep track of how long you’ve been wearing them. The possibility of wearing them too long by accident doesn’t exist.
Inexpensive for Occasional Use
Some people don't feel the need to wear contact lenses every day. If you only wear your contacts on occasion, daily contacts can be an inexpensive choice. A supply of 30 lenses per eye could last you a year or more as you pick which 30 days you want to use them.
Lightweight Comfort
Dailies are made of a more lightweight material because they don't have to last for a month. Some people find them more comfortable for that reason.
Keep in mind that there are various comfort options in all use lengths. Some contacts are great for hydration while others provide great airflow.
Great for People Who Wear Out Contacts Quicker
Some activities and lifestyles can cause contacts to wear out faster. For instance, a construction worker may get dirt and debris in their contacts on a daily basis. This can make extended wear contacts wear out quicker than they otherwise would. Tossing out your daily contacts every night may better accommodate your activities.
Disadvantages of Daily Contacts
Of course, there are disadvantages to consider with daily contacts as well,
Harder to Keep up With Supply
If you're using a new pair of contacts every day, you could run out before you know it. Dailies tend to come in packs of 30, so you need to stay on top of refilling your supply each month. Buying in bulk can solve this problem. But be aware of the expiry date indicated on the packaging.
More Expensive for Daily Wearers
If you wear contacts every day,, dailies will be more expensive than monthlies. If you don't wear them every day, though, the cost could even out. For those who wear lenses on rare occasions, daily contacts can be cheaper.
May Not Be Available for Higher Prescriptions
If your lenses have a high diopter, you may be out of luck with daily contacts. They're made of a thinner, more flexible material. That means they can't be adjusted to fit as many options as longer wear contacts can.
Not Safe to Sleep In
For the most part, you shouldn't sleep in your contacts. While some extended wear contacts can handle sleeping better, dailies don’t. Doing so will put you at risk of an eye infection.
Advantages of Monthly Contacts
Now, let’s take a look at the advantages of monthly contacts. While dailies need no cleaning and maintenance, monthlies also pose a low risk of eye infections, if you practice good contact lens hygiene and follow the care instructions.
Easier for Travel
We've all gone on a trip at least once and miscounted how many pairs of socks or underwear we needed. This same issue can happen with daily contacts. But, with monthlies, you only need that one pair and you’re good to go.
More Economical for Everyday Use
If you wear contacts every day then there's no debating that monthly contacts are less expensive than dailies.
More Options for Varying Prescriptions
If your lens diopters are too high then daily contacts will not work for you. If you have astigmatism, a higher prescription, or a need for multifocal lenses, monthly contacts may be your only choice.
More Eco-Friendly
If you're trying to cut down on the waste in your life, it should come as no surprise that monthly lenses are the way to go. Keep in mind that neither type of lens has a substantial impact on the environment.
Disadvantages of Monthly Contacts
Before you hop onto the monthly lens train, make sure you consider their drawbacks as well.
More Maintenance
It might not seem like a huge drain on your schedule, but monthly contacts do need more maintenance. You need to rinse and dry your case every morning and rinse and store your contacts each night. You also need to set a routine in place.
Damage Is More Expensive
As careful as you might be, some people seem to tear or scratch their lenses more often. Because each monthly lens costs more than each daily lens, you might end up paying more for your lenses with frequent replacements.
Schedule Tracking
If you wear monthly contacts you need to track when you open each pair. By replacing them too often you're throwing money away. If you wear them for too long, you're putting your health at risk.
Which is Right for People Who Wear Contacts?
If you're deciding between daily vs monthly contacts, the first step is trying them out for yourself. Ask your doctor to recommend a brand that fits with your prescription.
Next, get a sample pair for each. You’ll be able to figure out for yourself which type you are most comfortable with. If you’re curious, you could even check out some colored contact lenses, but that’s a whole other discussion!
