What’s the difference between daily vs. monthly contacts?
Daily and monthly contact lenses are common types of disposable lenses. The main difference between the two is how often they’re replaced. Daily disposable contacts are worn for just one day, while monthly contacts can be reused for up to 30 days before being replaced with a fresh pair.
When deciding what type of contact lenses is right for you, it’s important to consider factors like comfort, convenience and longevity. Even the cost of daily vs. monthly contacts may affect your overall decision.
By understanding the differences between daily vs. monthly contacts, you’ll be better prepared to choose the option that best meets your vision needs, budget and lifestyle.
LEARN MORE: Types of contact lenses
What are daily contact lenses?
Daily wear contact lenses are a type of soft contact lens that’s worn during the day and removed before sleeping. A number of daily wear contacts are designed for single use. These are commonly referred to as “daily disposables” because they’re meant to be replaced with a new pair each day.
(Note: Daily wear contacts that aren’t daily disposables must be cleaned, disinfected and stored overnight in contact solution before reuse the next day. These types of daily wear lenses are discarded and replaced on a weekly, biweekly or monthly basis.)
Daily disposable contacts are worn for a single day and thrown away at the end of the day. These single-use contacts are not meant to be stored overnight. They should be disposed of as soon as they’re removed from your eyes.
Benefits
Daily disposable lenses offer several advantages, such as:
- Comfort – Made from thinner, lighter materials, making them comfortable to wear
- Convenience – No need for daily contact lens care, contact lens solutions or storage cases
- More hygienic – Lower risk of bacterial buildup on the lens, reducing the chance of eye infections due to contact lens wear
- Less irritation – Lower risk of contact lens-induced eye allergies and inflammation
Drawbacks
However, daily disposable contacts do have some disadvantages. These lenses:
- Typically cost more than reusable contacts
- Produce more waste due to their packaging and the number of individual lenses
- Require more storage space
Ideal users
Daily disposables can be a great option for people seeking comfort and convenience. They can also be ideal for:
- Children and teenagers
- First-time contact lens wearers
- People who wear contacts full-time, part-time or occasionally
- Those with dry eyes or allergies
- People prone to “lens wear abuse” (wearing lenses longer than or not as recommended)
What are monthly contact lenses?
Monthly contacts are soft contact lenses designed to be used each day for 30 days before being replaced with a new pair. These reusable contacts are meant to be worn during the day, taken out before bed and stored in contact lens solution overnight.
Benefits
Monthly contact lenses carry their own set of advantages, including:
- Durability and handling – Made from a thicker material, making them sturdier and often easier to handle
- Lower cost – More cost-effective compared to daily disposable contacts
- More eco-friendly – Less packaging waste because fewer individual lenses are needed
Drawbacks
The downside of monthly contact lenses is that they:
- Require nightly cleaning and storage
- Incur additional costs for contact lens solutions and cleaning supplies
- Carry an increased risk of building up bacteria and other deposits on the lenses, which could lead to eye infections
- Pose a higher risk for the development of eye allergies and inflammation
Ideal users
Monthly contacts can benefit a wide range of contact lens wearers. They can be ideal for people who:
- Are comfortable with daily contact lens care, storage and maintenance
- Need more durable contact lenses that are easier to handle
- Want a more cost-effective contact lens option
- Do not have a history of allergies or eye infections
- Prefer a more eco-friendly option with less packaging waste
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Monthly vs. daily contact lens lifespan
Knowing how long you can wear contact lenses and following those recommendations, is essential to keeping your eyes safe and healthy. Here’s a guide to how long daily vs. monthly contacts can be worn each day and before replacement:
Daily contact lenses
In general, you can wear daily contacts all day long, as long as they feel comfortable in your eyes. However, your eye doctor may recommend a shorter daily wear time based on your specific eye health or vision needs.
Daily disposable contacts should only be worn for one day. They should be disposed of when you remove them from your eyes. Reusing them or wearing them for longer than a day significantly increases the risk of eye infection (due to bacterial contamination) and other contact lens complications.
Monthly contact lenses
Similar to dailies, you can wear monthly contacts all day long, as long as they feel comfortable in your eyes. Once removed, they must be cleaned and stored in fresh contact lens solution overnight. (Certain contact lenses may require specific disinfecting solutions. Always use the type recommended by your eye care provider.)
Like dailies, replacing monthly contacts per their wear schedule is extremely important for your eye health and vision. Be sure to dispose of the lenses after 30 days — even if you don’t wear them every day — or sooner if your eye doctor recommends it.
Daily vs. monthly contacts: Cost comparison
The cost of daily contacts vs. monthly lens options varies by brand, manufacturer and lens type. But in general, daily contacts are more expensive than monthly contacts. Here’s a breakdown of the average cost per option:
Daily disposable contacts
The monthly cost of daily contacts starts at around $30 per box (30 lenses per eye), totaling $60 for a month’s supply. This equates to a minimum cost of around $720 per year, assuming you wear one pair per day. The price per box can be higher depending on the brand, lens type and other features.
As a cost savings, many contact retailers offer a discount when you purchase in bulk, such as a three-, six-, or 12-month supply.
Specialty contact lenses — like toric contacts for astigmatism, multifocal contacts or lenses for dry eyes — are typically more expensive.
It can be helpful to weigh the benefits of wearing daily contacts vs. their monthly cost when considering this option.
Monthly disposable contacts
The cost of monthly contacts starts at around $60 per box for a six-month supply (six lenses per eye). This equates to around $20 per pair per month, with a total yearly cost of around $240. Like dailies, specialty lenses carry a higher cost. The price per box can also be higher depending on the brand, lens type and other features.
Many contact lens retailers also offer cost savings for bulk purchases of monthly contacts.
Another factor to consider when calculating the cost of monthly contacts is the need for contact lens solution for rinsing and disinfecting the lenses. This can cost around $150 to $200 per year. This additional expense will add to the total cost of wearing this type of contact lens.
Factors affecting contact lens cost
Overall, the factors affecting the price of daily contacts vs. monthly contacts include:
- Lens type (toric, multifocal, etc.)
- Standard vs. premium lens options
- Brand and manufacturer
- Lens count per box
- Bulk discounts
- Vision insurance coverage
Your eye doctor can help you choose the best option for your budget and vision needs following a contact lens exam and fitting.
Can you switch from monthly to daily contact lenses (and vice versa)?
In many cases, you can switch from monthly contact lenses to daily disposables (or vice versa) — provided your eye doctor prescribes the new lens type.
A valid, current contact lens prescription is required to purchase contacts, whether you get them from your eye doctor’s office or a separate retailer. Therefore, switching types may involve a new contact lens exam and fitting to ensure you have the right prescription for your needs.
Also keep in mind that switching from monthly to daily contacts may increase lens costs, while going from dailies to monthlies will require ongoing contact lens care and maintenance.
Are daily or monthly contacts safe for overnight use?
While it may be tempting to fall asleep with your daily or monthly contacts in, it’s generally not recommended. Some types of monthly extended-wear contact lenses are approved for overnight use, but most daily and monthly contacts are not.
Sleeping in contacts significantly increases the risk of eye complications and can lead to problems such as:
- Corneal hypoxia (lack of oxygen to the cornea, which can lead to eye and vision problems)
- Bacterial buildup on the lens
- Eye infections
- Dry eyes, redness and discomfort
- Other eye conditions
Sleeping in your contacts also increases the risk of the lens becoming dislodged and trapped beneath your eyelid. Not only can this be uncomfortable, but it can irritate your eye and potentially cause other issues.
Regardless of whether you use daily vs. monthly contacts, always follow the wear instructions and replacement schedule provided by your eye doctor.
Choosing between daily or monthly contacts
If wearing contact lenses daily is necessary for your vision and lifestyle needs, selecting the right lens can enhance your overall comfort and experience. Consider the following factors when choosing between daily contact lenses vs. monthly options:
- Vision needs – Certain types of contacts may be better suited for specific vision conditions. Your eye doctor can determine if daily vs. monthly contacts are ideal for your needs and prescription.
- Convenience – Daily disposables offer convenience for those who prefer minimal fuss and maintenance.
- Lifestyle – Your lifestyle may also influence your choice. For instance, if you want to wear contacts on occasion or alternate them with glasses, dailies may be the best choice.
- Cost – The cost of daily disposable contact lenses vs. monthly options can be a big factor for many people. If cost affects your contact lens selection, remember to add the annual cost of contact lens cleaning solutions and storage supplies to the overall expense of wearing monthly lenses.
- Personal preference – You may simply prefer one particular option over the other due to convenience, cost or other factors.
An array of options is available in the world of contact lenses — even beyond those mentioned here. From soft daily and weekly contacts to hard, rigid gas-permeable contact lenses, there may be more than one ideal contact lens for your vision needs.
To find the best lens type for you, schedule a comprehensive eye exam and contact lens fitting with your eye doctor. They can determine your contact lens prescription and help you choose between daily vs. monthly contact lenses and other correction options.
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