Contacts can be the difference between enjoying a hot summer day and constantly having to push your glasses up the bridge of your nose. But there’s more to contacts than going truly hands-free. You’ll need to decide what kind of lenses work best for your lifestyle, which can leave you wondering about the difference between daily and monthly contact lenses.
Daily lenses should be replaced every day with a fresh pair. They are much thinner than other types which makes them less durable for repeated wear. Monthly contacts are thicker and more durable, but they also require cleaning to protect your eye health. In the end, daily lenses can provide you with clearer vision as well as healthier eyes long-term.
Daily Contact Lenses vs. Monthly
Both 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. When it comes to daily contact lenses vs monthly, one of the biggest differences will be durability. Monthly contacts are thicker allowing them to be worn for longer, but daily disposable lenses provide more benefits.
Disposable Contacts
Daily and monthly contacts are both designed to be thrown away after a certain period of time. However, the FDA defines truly disposable contacts as lenses that are used once and then discarded. That means your contacts should be worn once, thrown away, and then using a fresh pair of contacts 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, allowing them to stand up to the demands of continuous use. Daily lenses are much thinner than extended wear varieties, making them less durable but also offering benefits such as healthier eyes along with improved vision.
Extended Wear Contacts
Extended wear contacts is a broad term for contact lenses that are worn for an extended period of time. 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 to be cleaned and stored. Wearing contact lenses overnight greatly increases your risk of eye infections, so using contact lens solution is very important.
For many, the main benefit of extended wear contact lenses is the price. By being thicker and more durable, they last longer and may help wearers stretch their dollar a bit further.
Unfortunately, this may not be best for your eye health. While they may last longer, contaminants will still gather on the lens regardless of how much cleaning and rubbing you do. Your extended wear contacts eventually need to be replaced in order to protect your eyes from these contaminants and prevent infections and other eye problems.
Want to learn more about why you should choose disposable contacts? Check out 5 Reasons Why Dailies Contacts Are the Smart Choice to find out!
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 and give you peace of mind knowing that your eye health is safe. Unlike lenses that you wear monthly, daily lenses remove the frustration and worry that come with wearing contacts.
Disposable contacts can help fight seasonal allergies that can leave you with dry eyes that are irritated, sensitive, and runny. Cleaning solution removes some of the pollen and other debris, but the fact is that no amount of cleaning will remove all of it. Disposable lenses never have a chance to collect allergens, giving you comfortable eyes year-round.
To learn more about seasonal allergies and contacts, check out How to Fight Eye Allergies If You Wear Contact Lenses!
Reusable contacts require daily cleaning which can be forgotten in the hustle and bustle of daily life. Forgetting to clean your contacts increases your risk of infection, which can end up negating any money you saved by opting for monthly contacts. Disposable lenses reduce this risk by opening a new blister pack every morning, also making them easier to care for.
Contacts for daily use help protect your eye health by using a fresh pair every day. They’re much thinner than monthly contacts, making them less durable. Monthly contacts are more durable thanks to their thickness. However, they can also collect allergens and other contaminants. Daily lenses are the ideal choice by helping you see comfortably all year long.
Are you ready to make the switch to disposable contacts? Contact us today to schedule your appointment!
Hardin Valley Eyecare & Optical has been serving Knoxville since 2009. Dr. Travis Thompson and Dr. Catherine Abbott specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of a wide array of eye diseases, conditions, and problems and are committed to improving the quality of life in the Knoxville community through enhanced vision. Located at 10904 Spring Bluff Way, you can schedule an appointment online or give us a call at (865) 888-0892.
