When Are Weekly Contacts a Good Choice?

Wondering about contacts? You're not alone. Millions of people in the U.S. pop in contacts before they start their days.

But when it comes to determining the type of contacts that fit best, the answers can be blurry. With options ranging from weekly contacts, daily, and even monthly lenses, it's a decision worth another look.

Don't worry. We've broken down the options, so you don't have to. And we've spotted the circumstances where weekly contacts are worth it. Here are the specs for daily, monthly and weekly contacts.

First, Why Even Bother With Contacts?

Switching to contacts can be advantageous in several instances. For one, they aren't fixed, unlike glasses. That means they move when and where your eyes move.

This can be a huge advantage for active people who constantly worry about breaking or scratching their glasses.

Contact wearers also don't have to fret about the weather. People who wear glasses often battle with foggy lenses or water beads on rainy days.

With contacts, you get a comfortable and simple solution. You can avoid all of the above problems by trading in your glasses for contact lenses.

When it comes to the types of contacts to choose from, there are plenty of options.

Monthly, Daily and Weekly Contacts: What's the Difference?

Soft contact lenses first appeared on the commercial scene in 1971. Since then, the options for types of soft contacts have grown.

A common distinction between contact types is how long you use them for before tossing them out. You usually buy monthly contacts in half-year packs. After a month of using the lenses, you need to replace them.

On the other side of the coin, there are daily disposable contacts. You only wear these contact lenses a day at a time and throw them out before going to bed.

But there is an option that falls between the extremes of daily disposable lenses and monthly contacts. Those are weekly contact lenses. You use weekly contacts during the day, take them out at night and reuse them the next day. At the end of a week or two, you throw them out and open a new pair up.

But when looking at 2-week contacts vs monthlies, is there a difference? What about daily disposables versus weekly contacts?

There are several things to consider before choosing the right option for you.

Looking at the Full Scope of Costs

Costs for these different types of contacts go well beyond the price on the box. When considering monthly contacts, you’ll want to think about the cost of solutions and cases.

You need to care for monthly contacts at night. It's important to rub, wash and store them properly to avoid eye infections. These extras aren't free, so you should factor them into the costs.

But that doesn't necessarily mean daily disposable lenses are a better value deal. Dailies tend to cost a bit more upfront. They wear out quicker, and sometimes, they might not make it all the way through the day. When you start doubling up on lens pairs during the day, that cost can add up quickly.

And anyone who falls into the temptation of wearing pairs on consecutive days to cut back on costs is risking even more financial headaches. It can lead to infection, irritation and big healthcare bills.

Weekly contact lenses can be a good, happy medium. They also require care at night, so you’ll still need to purchase solutions and cases. But they are more durable than single-use contacts.

Beyond costs, what are other things to think about when choosing contacts?

A Close-up on Contact Durability

Contacts usually consist of soft plastics or silicone hydrogels that let oxygen get to the eye. But contacts aren’t created equally.

Manufacturers use thinner materials to create daily contacts. They simply aren't made to last. This means they are more vulnerable to rips and wear out quicker.

Monthly and weekly contacts are thicker and stronger. But they still aren't indestructible. It's a point worth considering for an active wearer or someone who plays sports. If something tears a pair of monthly contacts, the whole month's supply is gone. In this case, weekly contacts are probably a safer bet.

Let’s Look at Comfort and Convenience

Eyes are different, so naturally, everyone’s eyes react differently to contacts. Some people have much more delicate eyes than others do.

For people with sensitive eyes, monthly contacts can be a problem. Even with the most thorough cleaning, protein and dirt can build up on monthlies.

On the other hand, daily wearers get a fresh pair every day. But because the lenses are so thin, they may rip and cause discomfort more easily.

Again, there might be an advantage to snagging weekly contact lenses for someone who wants the middle ground when it comes to comfort and cost.

Convenience

When it comes to convenience, monthly, daily and weekly contacts appeal to unique sets of people.

If you prefer to pop contacts in and out multiple times a day, daily disposables probably aren't the most convenient option. Since they are only meant for one-time use, you shouldn’t reinsert them. That means if you want to throw on glasses or jump in the pool, then put contacts back in, dailies could be a nuisance.

But when it's time for bed, daily contacts don't need extra care. You can toss them out rather than clean and put them in solution.

The best choice depends on whether you want to have flexible options or hope to avoid that extra bedtime routine.

Clearing up the Final Verdict

After a closer look, the choice between monthly, daily and weekly contacts depends on what you value.

Weekly contacts can be a solid middle ground. They are a good choice for anyone who wants something a little more consistent but isn’t willing to commit to just one pair per month.

Here are some questions to keep in mind when considering monthly and daily disposables versus weekly contacts:

• What kind of lifestyle do you have?
• How active are you?
• Do you mind adding to your bedtime routine?
• Is comfort a big deal?

The answers can help you pick the perfect type of contact lens for you.