Daily vs monthly contact lenses: which is best for you?

So you’ve decided to switch to contact lenses. Whether for convenience or for aesthetics, everyone who chooses to wear contacts does so for their own reasons. But one question on many people’s minds when they make the switch is “are monthly or daily contact lenses better?”

Both types of contact lenses are widely used and have unique benefits depending on the wearer’s lifestyle, preferences, and eye health. In this guide, we’ll go over the key differences, pros and cons of each type, and how to choose the best option for your needs.

1. What are daily and monthly contact lenses?

Daily contacts are designed for one-time use and are disposed of at the end of the day. A fresh pair of lenses are used everyday. Unlike monthly lenses, there’s no need to clean and store your contacts every night making them a convenient option for those who like to be active and travel a lot.

Monthly contact lenses typically last 30 days and can be worn repeatedly before needing to be replaced. Every night you need to clean and store them to ensure they stay clean and don’t damage your eyes with bacteria or debris.

Both types of contact lenses are available for a variety of different vision corrections including short-sightedness, long-sightedness, and astigmatism.

Box of Prima+ daily contact lenses designed for astigmatism, featuring branding and product information on the packaging.


2. Convenience and ease of use

Many contact lens users find them more easy and convenient to use over glasses as they don’t need to be cleaned over the day and won’t slip down your nose while you’re reading. They also don’t steam up so they’re ideal to wear while playing sports and allow you to wear any style of sunglasses you choose.

  • Daily Lenses are single use options that are extremely convenient as they require no cleaning or maintenance. All you have to do is put them in and go. Great for busy lifestyles and travel. Simply wear them for a day and discard.
  • Monthly Lenses offer long-term use but require daily cleaning and storage in a sterile solution. Suitable for people who are comfortable with a maintenance routine. They are often available in a far wider range of prescriptions to suit more people.


3. Comfort and eye health

Contact lenses have come a long way in terms of comfort. Most modern-day lenses are either made of a material called hydrogel or silicone hydrogel. Silicone hydrogel allows up to five times more oxygen to reach the cornea, keeping the eyes healthy and comfy for longer.

  • Daily Lenses are often made of a thinner material than monthlies or silicone hydrogel. They’re soft and pliable and help your eyes “breathe” better. Additionally, since a fresh pair is used every day, there’s less risk of protein or debris buildup on the lenses, making them a better option for people with sensitive eyes or allergies.
  • Monthly Lenses are made from more durable materials designed for everyday wear, but may cause discomfort if not cleaned properly. You will require a contact lens cleaning solution as well as a way to store them between wears. Some people experience dry eyes or irritation over time with extended-wear lenses. Learn more about dry eyes.
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4. Which is more affordable?

Affordability is a topic on everyone’s minds when they’re looking into getting contact lenses. Thankfully, there are options to suit many budgets.

  • Daily Lenses are often ordered through your optician on a subscription and you will receive a bulk order each month. Because you are using a new pair everyday, they are often more expensive for full time wear, however, no cleaning supplies are needed, which can offset some of the cost.
  • Monthly Lenses are usually more affordable initially as a single pair lasts for an entire month, but additional costs for cleaning solutions and cases should be considered. These are also typically available via a care plan subscription for home delivery in 3 or 6 monthly cycles.


5. Environmental impact

If you’re conscious about your impact on the environment, the contact lenses you choose might be influenced by this as one type generates more waste and requires more energy to make than the other.

  • Daily Lenses – because they are discarded daily, this creates more waste overall. Both in terms of packaging and actual lenses. This could be a determining factor for the more eco-conscious wearer.
  • Monthly Lenses – You require fewer pairs overall which means less waste is generated over time, making them a more eco-friendly option. However, the need for cleaning solutions and storage cases adds to the overall environmental impact.

If you’re concerned about the impact on the planet of wearing contact lenses, you’re in luck. There are contact lens recycling schemes where you can safely and eco-consciously recycle your contact lenses.


6. Which option is best for your lifestyle?

Your lifestyle will probably have a big impact on whether you choose daily or monthly contact lenses.

  • Daily Lenses can be ideal for those who only wear contact occasionally such as to a big event like a wedding or job interview. People with allergies might find dailies to be more gentle on sensitive eyes as well, and those who prefer a low-maintenance option might find the simple application and disposal of these lenses preferable.
  • Monthly Lenses are great for those who wear contacts regularly for work or school and who are comfortable with the required daily care routine of cleaning and storing the lenses. They are often less bulky to travel with as you don’t need to take multiple pairs with you (although you will need to make sure you have cleaning and storage solutions). They’re also ideal for those who want a more cost-effective solution.


7. Can you switch between daily and monthly lenses?

Image comparing monthly contact lenses on the left and daily (disposable) contact lenses on the right, illustrated with vector graphics.

Yes, you can switch between daily and monthly contact lenses. Many wearers will switch between both types depending on their needs. For example, daily lenses might be more convenient for travel where taking the cleaning solutions might be inconvenient. Monthly lenses are better for regular wear every day.

Contact lenses differ in material, as well as certain measurements such as base curve and diameter. They also have different wear and care requirements. Your optometrist should check the suitability of the different types of contact lenses and whether switching between them is okay for you. They will also advise on cleaning and storing the lenses for the safest experience.

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Are contact lenses and glasses prescriptions the same?
Are contact lenses and glasses prescriptions the same?
While both glasses and contact lenses do the same job in correcting your eyesight, there are some obvious differences in how each is worn. Glasses rest on the nose and are positioned away from the eyes, whereas contact lenses are in direct contact with your eyeball. These differences are the fundamental reasons why contact lenses and glasses prescriptions are absolutely not the same. In this article, we’ll explain why in more detail. Contact lens vs glasses prescription – what’s the difference? Quite simply, the lenses in your glasses will be very different to your contact lenses. That’s because each type of lens refracts light differently and therefore during an eye test, different measurements have to be made. The measurements from one eye test are not compatible with the other. So, is the prescription for contacts the same as glasses? The answer is NO because you need to have 2 separate eye tests, which will result in 2 different prescriptions. Contact lens prescription A contact lens prescription comprises a set of measurements relating to the curvature, size and power of the contact lens along with other relevant information. These measurements are carried out by an optometrist, also known as an ophthalmic optician. Glasses prescription An optometrist or ophthalmic optician is also responsible for carrying out the actual eye tests for glasses and lenses. The tests are to determine the strength of the lenses you require, along with other factors such as eye dominance, pupillary distance and axis number. All this information will be included in your glasses prescription. Learn how to read your glasses prescription How to read your contact lens prescription Have you ever wondered what all the abbreviations and letters on your contact lens prescription mean? Read on to find out. What does Base Curve (BC) mean? Base Curve (BC) refers to the specific curve with which a contact lens is made. Different corneal curves will need different base curve lenses, although with modern more flexible contact lens materials, there is some lea way in this. What does Diameter (DIA) mean? This measurement refers to the Diameter (DIA) of the contact lens itself and corresponds with the size of your cornea. It is the measurement from one edge of the lens to the other and is measured in millimetres. What does Power/Sphere (PWR/SPH) mean? The term Power (PWR) together with Sphere (SPH) refers to the strength of the lens. For long-sightedness this figure will show a plus sign (+) and for short-sightedness, it will begin with a minus sign (-). Other contact lens prescription figures People who have an eye defect such as astigmatism, will need to wear toric lenses and therefore will see additional words or abbreviations on their prescription. The same applies to people who might have presbyopia or short-sightedness, and have a prescription for varifocal or multifocal contact lenses. Other contact lens prescription figures are Prism, which refers to a lens or lenses that are designed to correct double vision. Also, Pupillary Distance (PD), which is a term that relates to the distance between the centre of your pupils. It is measured in millimetres and it is important that this measurement is accurate to ensure clear and comfortable vision. OD - Stands for Oculus Dexter, which means ‘right eye’ OS - Stands for Oculus Sinister, which means ‘left eye’ BAL - Stands for Balance, which means both eyes are prescribed the same lenses. DS - Stands for Dioptres Sphere, which means the eyes are spherical in shape. VA - Stands for Visual Acuity, which is a measurement of how clearly a person can see with corrective lenses. This measurement is expressed as a fraction. Your contact lens prescription might also include the brand or manufacturer’s name. What does Cylinder (CYL) mean? The term Cylinder (CYL) refers to an astigmatic prescription. if you have astigmatism then your eye will be more oval-shaped as opposed to globe-shaped. With this condition, you would need specially designed contact lenses called Toric lenses. What does Axis (AX) mean? Axis (AX) refers to the angle that the cylinder or astigmatic correction is placed in order to provide clear vision. This is a number, which is measured in degrees from 0 to 179. What does Addition (ADD) mean? The term Addition (ADD) refers to the amount of additional correction required to see clearly nearby and is given over and above the distance contact lens prescription. Multifocal contact lenses will have an ‘add’ in their prescription. An ‘add’ is generally only required when you develop presbyopia (an age related inflexibility of the intraocular lens, that typically starts between age 40and 45) What does Dominant mean? 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After your initial assessment and test, you will then need to have a contact lens fitting. Your optician will demonstrate how to safely insert and remove your lenses and how to care for them. Finally, you will receive your free written contact lens prescription. You can buy your contact lenses from the optician that carried out your eye test or you can buy them from another optician or an online supplier. Contact lenses need to be reviewed more frequently You should be aware that your eyesight can change over time so it’s important you get your eyes retested at least every 2 years. If you notice any changes in your vision at any time before that period then contact your optician for a check-up. Book a contact lens consultation today.
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