Daily vs. Monthly Contacts: Cost, Comfort, and Prescription Considerations
16th Aug 2024
Choosing between daily and monthly contacts isn’t a one-size-fits-all decision. It depends on your eye condition, lifestyle, comfort needs, and budget. Daily lenses offer convenience and comfort, especially for those with dry eyes or busy schedules, while monthly lenses might be more economical if you can consistently stick to a cleaning and care routine.
In this article, we’ll discuss the nitty-gritty of daily vs. monthly contacts to help you make an informed choice.
Cost Comparison: Daily vs. Monthly Contacts
Are Daily Contacts More Expensive?
The straightforward answer is yes, but it’s a bit more complicated than that. When you look at the cost upfront, daily lenses do appear more expensive because you’re buying a fresh pair every day. However, with monthly lenses, you’ll need to factor in the cost of contact lens solutions and cases, which can add up over time.
Daily vs. Monthly Contacts Cost
Prices for daily contact lenses vary widely depending on brand and pack size but generally range from approximately $1.00 to $2.23 per lens.
Prices for monthly lenses range from approximately $10.66 to $22.49 per lens. Although monthly lenses seem more costly per lens, they are designed for extended wear and can be reused, unlike daily lenses. Solutions and storage case costs are not included, but they may still be more cost-effective over the long term.
Are Daily Contacts More Comfortable?
Breathability and comfort are major deal-breakers when it comes to contact lenses. After all, no one wants to spend the day feeling like there’s a speck of dust in their eye. Daily lenses often get the upper hand since you’re popping in a fresh, sterile pair every day. And because these lenses are replaced daily, there is less buildup of proteins and other debris. This further reduces the risk of irritation and infections that can occur with longer-wear lenses.
Majority of daily contact lenses are made from newer, more breathable materials that help keep your eyes healthy and comfortable.
Daily vs. Monthly Contacts for Dry Eyes
Dry eyes can turn wearing contacts from a minor inconvenience to a daily battle. Dailies might be your best option as they tend to retain moisture better throughout the day. Their material is designed to stay hydrated, which can be a lifesaver if you’re prone to dry, itchy eyes by mid afternoon. Monthly lenses, on the other hand, might not stay as moist, especially towards the end of their lifecycle.
Astigmatism and Prescription Considerations
Daily vs. Monthly Contacts for Astigmatism
Now, if you have astigmatism, you might wonder how these lenses stack up. Both daily and monthly lenses can correct astigmatism, thanks to toric lenses designed specifically for this purpose. The choice comes down to your lifestyle and how often you wear your contacts.
Daily toric lenses can be more convenient and comfortable if you wear them every day, while astigmatism monthly contacts might be more economical if you’re sticking to a regular wear schedule.
In general, monthly lenses offer more options for people with complex vision issues like severe astigmatism or presbyopia compared to daily lenses.
Are Daily and Monthly Contacts the Same Prescription?
A question often pops up: can you use the same prescription for daily and monthly lenses? The answer is yes—but with a caveat. While the basic prescription (the numbers on your box) will likely be the same, the fit and feel might be different because the lenses are made from different materials. It’s always best to check with your optometrist if you’re thinking about switching to ensure the contact lenses fit your eyes perfectly.
Can You Switch Between Daily and Monthly Contacts?
But what if you don’t want to fully commit to one type? Can you switch between daily and monthly contacts? Absolutely! Some people like to use daily contacts for travel or sports and stick to monthly contact lenses for everyday use. Just be sure you’re following your optometrist's recommendations and keeping your lenses (and eyes) clean and healthy.
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