There’s more to switching to wearing contacts than simply deciding to go frames-free. You’ll need to determine what kind of lenses work best for your lifestyle. This can leave you wondering about daily contact lenses vs. monthly contact lenses.
You replace daily contact lenses every day with a fresh pair. They are much thinner than other types of contacts which makes them less durable for repeated wear. Monthly contacts are thicker and more durable. They also require cleaning to protect your eye health. Choosing daily contact lenses vs. monthly provides you with healthier eyes.
Daily Contact Lenses vs. Monthly
Prescription daily contacts (disposable) and monthly contact lenses help you to see better. But there are pros and cons based on the type of contacts you choose. One of the biggest differences between daily contact lenses vs. monthly is durability. Monthly contacts are thicker, allowing them to be worn for longer. On the other hand, daily disposable lenses provide more benefits.
Disposable Contacts
Daily and monthly contacts are both designed to be thrown away after a certain period. However, the FDA defines disposable contacts as those that are thrown away after one use. That means they are worn once, thrown away, and a fresh pair of contacts is used the following day.
The key to these types of lenses is their width. Contacts designed to last longer (extended wear contacts) are much thicker than dailies. This allows them to stand up to the demands of continuous use. Daily lenses are much thinner than extended-wear varieties. This makes them less durable. On the other hand, they also offer benefits such as healthier eyes along with improved vision.
Extended Wear Contacts
Extended wear contacts is a broad term for contact lenses worn for an extended period. In the case of monthly contacts, this is for 30 days. Keep in mind that you will still need to take them out at night for cleaning and storage. Wearing contact lenses overnight greatly increases your risk of eye infections. This makes using contact lens solution to correctly clean your contacts very important.
For many, the main benefit of extended-wear contact lenses is the price. They’re more durable so they last longer, helping wearers stretch their dollar.
Unfortunately, this may not be best for your eye health. Contaminants still gather on the lens regardless of how much cleaning and rubbing you do. Extended-wear contacts eventually need to be replaced. They protect your eyes from contaminants, preventing infections and other eye problems.
The Benefits of Disposable Contacts
Daily disposable contacts provide more benefits than simply giving you clear vision. They can also help you combat seasonal allergies. Unlike monthly lenses, dailies remove the concerns that come with contacts while being more comfortable.
Season Allergies
Choosing daily contact lenses vs. monthly lenses can help fight seasonal allergies. Cleaning solution removes some of the pollen and other debris that can end up on contacts. However, no amount of cleaning will remove it all. Disposable lenses never have a chance to collect allergens over time. This sets you up for comfort year-round.
Monthly contact lenses require cleaning and maintenance to combat seasonal allergies. They’re for extended use, so you must clean and disinfect them to prevent allergen buildup. Failure to do so may result in discomfort and irritation.
Comfort
Daily contact lenses offer a high level of comfort due to their fresh and clean nature. They’re designed to be worn once and then discarded. This means that there is no need for you to clean and store them overnight.
It also eliminates buildup on the lens surface of:
- Protein deposits
- Dirt
- Allergens
These factors can eventually lead to discomfort and irritation.
Daily lenses are typically made from highly breathable materials. This allows more oxygen to reach the eye, promoting better overall eye health and comfort. Users of daily lenses often report a consistently comfortable wearing experience. As they start each day, they open a new lens pack that provides optimal clarity and comfort.
Are you ready to make the switch to disposable contacts? Contact us today to schedule your appointment!
When choosing daily contact lenses vs. monthly, remember to swap them out for a fresh pair every day. They’re thinner compared to other types, making them less resilient for prolonged wear. Monthly contacts are sturdier, but they require cleaning to protect your eye health. Choosing daily lenses can lead to both improved vision and healthier eyes in the long run.
Hardin Valley Eyecare & Optical has been serving Knoxville since 2009. Located at 10904 Spring Bluff Way, you can schedule an appointment online or give us a call at (865) 888-0892.
*This blog was originally published in September of 2021. It has since been updated for clarity.
