What Kind of Contact Lenses Are Right for You? Daily, Monthly and Weekly: What’s the Difference?
Contact lenses have long been more than an alternative to eyeglasses. Many people wear them when exercising, when traveling, at work or just because they feel more comfortable with them. But anyone considering contact lenses for the first time, or switching from one type of lens to another, will soon be faced with a key question: Are daily, weekly or monthly lenses the better choice? The answer is less about the lenses and more about what you do every day. How frequently do you use contact lenses? How much time do you want to spend maintaining the lenses? And when do you really use them?
Daily disposables: The simple solution for a flexible lifestyle
Daily disposable lenses are a common option for contact lens wearers because they are designed for simple, single-day use. They are worn during the day and discarded afterward, so they do not require cleaning or overnight storage.
Daily disposable contact lenses are a very convenient option for people who don’t wear contact lenses on a daily basis. Maybe you’re a glasses wearer most of the time but don’t want to wear them when you’re playing sports, at a party or on a weekend trip. In these situations, daily disposable contact lenses are often the most convenient option.
Another benefit: A new lens is used each day, so there is much less buildup of deposits on the lens. This can be particularly helpful for those with sensitive eyes. And today’s selection is bigger than ever before. Many daily disposable contact lenses are easily ordered online due to the available variety of products in several webshops. This makes it easier to find a product which fits your needs and your personal day-to-day routine.
Daily disposable contact lenses may be a fit for people whose routines make single-day lenses more convenient. This can include occasional contact lens wearers, people who use lenses for sports or travel, those with sensitive eyes or anyone comparing options that do not require cleaning or overnight storage.
Because daily disposable lenses are discarded after each use, wearers typically need a regular supply. Some people choose to order lenses online because it allows them to compare brands, materials and package sizes while finding an option that suits their prescription, routine and eye care provider’s recommendations.
Contact lenses weekly: A practical middle ground
Weekly lenses are often overlooked in favor of daily and monthly lenses. But they can be just what the doctor ordered for lots of people. They are worn during the day, cleaned routinely and changed every one to two weeks.
This option may be especially beneficial for those who wear their contact lenses several times a week. These lenses are replaced more often than monthly lenses, helping to avoid the build-up of deposits. They also generate less packaging waste than daily lenses.
As an example: You wear glasses most of the time in the office, but prefer contacts when working out or meeting clients. In these situations weekly lenses can offer a good balance between comfort and price.
What to remember
Weekly lenses need a regular care routine. But if you forget to clean them regularly, or wear them longer than you should, you risk irritation and less comfort.
Another tip: keep your lens solution in the same place in the bathroom. A lot of problems occur just because people forget to clean their lenses after a long day of work.
Monthly contact lenses: The daily wearers’ favorite
Monthly contact lenses are usually the first choice for contact lens wearers who wear them almost every day. They are put in in the morning and cleaned in the evening and last for about a month.
Long-term wear can be a great option for people who work in an office every day, drive a lot or wear contact lenses while they play sports, for example. A lot of wearers find that monthly lenses provide a good balance between comfort and cost control.
If you want to compare different models, you’ll find a wide selection of contact lenses online. They offer daily, weekly and monthly lenses for different vision needs.
Monthly lens mistakes
Many people don’t realize they are wearing them longer than they should be. But even if you don’t wear a monthly lens each and every day, you should still toss it out after a month. The material ages and can deteriorate.
Sleeping with contact lenses is also one of the most common mistakes. In general, unless the lenses are specifically designed to be slept in, they should be removed before you go to bed.