What Are Daily and Monthly Contact Lenses?
When choosing contact lenses, daily and monthly lenses are two of the most popular options, each designed for different lifestyles and ways of wearing contacts.
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Daily lenses are worn once and then discarded, making them ideal for those who want a fresh pair every day.
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Monthly lenses, on the other hand, can be reused for up to a month, making them a more cost-effective solution if you wear contact lenses regularly.
Understanding the difference between the two can help you choose the right contact lenses based on comfort, budget, and your eye care needs.
Which Are Most Convenient?
Convenience plays a key role when choosing contact lenses, especially if you have a busy schedule or lead an active lifestyle. Here’s how daily and monthly lenses compare when it comes to ease of use, and which option might work best for your routine.
Daily lenses: convenient and no-fuss
The biggest benefit of daily contact lenses is their simplicity. You don’t need to worry about cleaning or storing them, as you simply wear a fresh pair each day and dispose of them at night. This makes them ideal for:
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Busy lifestyles: If you don’t want to spend time cleaning or maintaining your lenses.
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Occasional wearers: If you only wear contacts a few times a week or for special events like holidays, sports, or travel.
Bayfields Tip: Daily lenses are a great choice if you’re looking for convenience and fresh, clean lenses every day without any extra maintenance.
Monthly lenses: cost-effective for regular wear
Monthly lenses require a bit more care, as they need to be cleaned and stored after each use. However, they are more affordable in the long run for regular wearers. Once you’ve invested in your first contact lenses and a cleaning routine, monthly lenses offer:
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Better value for everyday use: Ideal for people who wear contact lenses every day.
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Comfort: With proper cleaning, monthly lenses can provide long-lasting comfort and be worn every day for up to a month.
Bayfields Tip: If you wear lenses every day and don’t mind taking a few minutes to clean and store them, monthly lenses are a great cost-effective option.
Which Are Most Comfortable?
Comfort is a crucial factor when choosing contact lenses, as it directly impacts how long you can wear them for. Here’s how daily and monthly lenses compare in terms of comfort, eye health, and long-term wear.
Material differences: hydrogel vs. silicone hydrogel
Both daily and monthly contact lenses are designed to be comfortable, but there are subtle differences in how their materials can impact your comfort and eye health in the long run:
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Hydrogel lenses: Soft and flexible but allow less oxygen to reach your cornea, which can cause dryness for some people.
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Silicone hydrogel lenses: Allow more oxygen to pass through, keeping your eyes healthier and more comfortable for longer periods, especially if you wear lenses frequently.
Bayfields Tip: If you have sensitive eyes, silicone hydrogel lenses can provide a more comfortable, breathable option, especially for extended wear.
Comfort and sensitive eyes
Because you wear daily lenses fresh each day, they tend to be more comfortable for sensitive eyes. They reduce the risk of protein and debris build-up that can cause irritation. On the other hand, monthly lenses can offer consistent comfort over time if they’re well-maintained.
Bayfields Tip: If you’re prone to dryness or irritation, daily lenses may be a better choice for you, as they allow you to wear a fresh, clean pair each day.
Cost Comparison: Daily vs Monthly Contact Lenses
Cost is something everyone should consider when choosing contacts. Let’s take a look at how daily and monthly lenses stack up in both initial and ongoing expenses, to help you make the most budget-friendly decision.
How much are daily contact lenses?
Daily contact lenses typically have a higher upfront cost than monthly lenses. However, since they don’t require cleaning solutions or storage cases, they can actually be more affordable in the long run for those who wear contacts occasionally. If you wear contact lenses only a few times a week, dailies might be the most cost-effective solution.
How much are monthly contact lenses?
Monthly contact lenses generally cost less upfront than daily lenses and are more cost-effective for daily wearers. Keep in mind that you'll also need to purchase contact lens solution and a storage case, which can add to your ongoing costs. But for regular wearers, the overall cost per month can be lower than daily lenses.
Bayfields Tip: With the Bayfields Connect subscription, you can save on both daily and monthly lenses. Enjoy 10 free daily disposables, 33% off all lenses and solutions, free home delivery up to 12 times a year, and two free replacement lenses annually.
Which Are More Eco-Friendly?
If you’re trying to stay mindful of your environmental footprint, the waste generated by contact lenses is an important point to consider. Let’s look at the environmental impact of daily versus monthly lenses and what you can do to reduce waste.
Daily lenses: more waste, but often recyclable
Since daily lenses are single-use, they tend to create more waste compared to monthly lenses. However, many contact lens brands offer recycling programs, which can help offset this environmental impact. If you're concerned about waste, check out the recycling options available for your brand.
Monthly lenses: less waste, but more maintenance
Monthly lenses produce less waste overall, as you can reuse them for up to a month. However, they still require you to buy extras like cleaning solutions and storage cases, which can contribute to waste. If you're looking to be more eco-conscious, switching to monthly lenses and using refillable solution bottles is a great way to reduce your environmental footprint.
Bayfields Tip: We offer Terracycle contact lens recycling at every Bayfields practice as part of our sustainability programme. We can also recycle your old glasses to save them ending up in landfill — just pop in to see us at your local practice.
Lifestyle Suitability: Which Type Is Right for You?
Your daily routine, work environment, and personal activities all play a role in which contact lens will suit you best. Here’s how daily and monthly lenses suit different lifestyles, from sports to travel and beyond.
Daily lenses: for active lifestyles and occasional use
Daily contact lenses are perfect for:
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Sports and exercise: Daily lenses are the best option if you’re active, or play sports that might cause your lenses to slip or fog up.
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Travel: Dailies are ideal for those who spend a lot of time travelling and want a fresh, clean pair every day.
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Special occasions: For weddings, holidays, or other big events, dailies give you comfort and convenience without worrying about maintenance.
Monthly lenses: best for full-time wearers
Monthly contact lenses are better suited for:
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Full-time wearers: If you wear lenses every day, monthly lenses are more cost-effective and comfortable in the long run.
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People needing specific prescriptions: Monthly lenses often offer more options for astigmatism or multifocal prescriptions.
Which Fits Your Prescription?
Both daily and monthly contact lenses are available in a wide range of prescriptions, including options for common eye conditions like astigmatism and presbyopia. If you need a more specialised lens, monthly lenses may offer more variety.
During your eye test at Bayfields Opticians, we can help you determine whether daily or monthly lenses are best suited for your eye health and lifestyle.
Book Your Contact Lens Appointment Today
By offering both daily and monthly lenses, we make sure that you can find the perfect contact lenses to suit your life. Whether you need flexibility, comfort, or affordability, we have the solution for you.
For ongoing convenience, don’t forget to explore our Connect Eye and Ear Care Membership, providing great savings, free delivery, and access to exclusive offers for your lenses.
Book a contact lens appointment at your local Bayfields practice today to receive personalised recommendations on whether daily or monthly lenses are right for you.
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FAQs: Daily vs. Monthly Contact Lenses
What are the main differences between daily and monthly contact lenses?
Daily lenses are convenient and disposable, while monthly lenses are reusable but require cleaning and storage.
Are daily lenses healthier for my eyes?
Daily lenses can be healthier for your eyes, as they provide a fresh pair every day, reducing the risk of debris building up. However, monthly lenses are just as safe when used properly with a good cleaning routine.
Are monthly lenses cheaper in the long run?
Yes, monthly lenses are generally more cost-effective for full-time wearers, especially when factoring in cleaning solution costs.
How do I clean monthly contact lenses?
Clean your monthly lenses every night with contact lens solution, and store them in a clean case. Make sure to follow your optician’s advice for the best cleaning routine to avoid eye infections.
Can I reuse daily contact lenses?
Daily contact lenses are designed for single use and should not be reused. Reusing them can lead to discomfort, dryness, and increase the risk of eye infections
How do I use monthly contact lenses?
Monthly lenses need to be cleaned and stored in a contact lens solution every night. Simply insert your contacts in the morning, clean them in the evening, and replace them with a new pair every 30 days.
Which lenses are best for children?
Daily lenses are often recommended for children’s contact lenses because they’re more hygienic and require less maintenance. Speaking with an optometrist is the best way to find the right option for your child’s age, prescription, and lifestyle.
Or, for more information, read our guide to children’s contact lenses.
Daily vs Monthly Contact Lenses: What’s the Difference?
Choosing between daily and monthly contact lenses can feel like a big decision, especially when you want to make the best choice for your eyes and lifestyle. Whether you’re new to contact lenses or just considering a switch, understanding the differences between these two options can help you find the perfect fit.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about daily and monthly contact lenses, from comfort and cost to convenience and what’s best for your eye health. By the end, you’ll have a clearer idea of which option suits your needs and lifestyle, with expert guidance from Bayfields Opticians every step of the way.
