What Are the Benefits of Wearing Monthly Contact Lenses?

Monthly contact lenses are designed to be worn for up to 30 days of daily wear and then replaced with a fresh pair. They’ve gained popularity in recent years as an alternative to glasses. 

Monthly contact lenses are easy to wear, comfortable, and offer a wide range of benefits, such as convenience, comfort, and cost-effectiveness.

What Are Monthly Contact Lenses?

Monthly contact lenses are contact lenses that are designed to be worn for up to 30 days, but they should be taken out each night to be placed in a cleaning and storage solution. 

While they have their benefits and trade-offs, many people find them more convenient if they need to occasionally take their lenses out during the day. Daily lenses aren’t good “for the day” but only until they’re removed, at which point they should always be thrown away. 

Monthly contact lenses are available in a wide range of prescriptions, including toric lenses for astigmatism and multifocal lenses for presbyopia.

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What Are the Benefits of Wearing Monthly Contact Lenses?

Monthly contact lenses offer a range of benefits over other types of contact lenses. Here are some of the benefits of wearing monthly contact lenses:

Cost-Effective Option 

Monthly contact lenses are often an affordable option compared to daily disposable lenses. Since you can wear them for up to a month, you won’t need to buy as many lenses. While monthly lenses tend to be more expensive per lens than daily or weekly lenses, they still tend to be cheaper per day of normal use.

Convenience

Monthly contact lenses arguably require less maintenance than daily disposable lenses. You won’t need to open a new package every day, and you won’t need to dispose of them as often. Admittedly, it’s important to maintain a good storage and cleaning routine with monthly contacts, but (as noted earlier) it can still be more convenient for some people, especially if they find themselves needing to remove their lenses throughout the day.

Comfort 

Monthly contact lenses are designed to be comfortable for extended periods of wear. The soft material allows for maximum oxygen flow to the eye, reducing irritation and dryness. 

Some people feel monthly contact lenses can still dry out at around the three-week mark. This doesn’t generally make them dangerous or ineffective, but you may notice they’re less comfortable near the end of the month.

Customization

Monthly contact lenses are available in a wide range of prescriptions, including toric lenses for astigmatism and multifocal lenses for presbyopia. This means that you can find a lens that fits your unique vision needs. Some types of prescriptions require monthly lenses, as it isn’t possible to make daily or weekly lenses that meet that same prescription.

Conditions That Monthly Contact Lenses May Help 

Monthly contact lenses may be a good option for individuals with certain eye conditions. Here are some of the conditions that monthly contact lenses could potentially help with:

Astigmatism

Astigmatism occurs when the cornea is irregularly shaped, causing blurry or distorted vision. Toric lenses are designed to correct astigmatism and available in a monthly contact lens option.

Dry eyes

Since monthly contact lenses are designed to be breathable, they can potentially help to reduce dryness and irritation. With a thicker design, they can also keep more moisture in the eye for longer. 

Are There Any Cons to Using Monthly Contacts?

While monthly contact lenses offer many benefits, there are a few potential downsides to consider. Here are some of the cons of using monthly contact lenses:

Cleaning

Monthly contact lenses require daily cleaning and disinfection. Failure to clean your lenses properly can lead to eye infections and other issues. 

Simply put, a proper cleaning routine is essential if you are going to use monthly contacts. If you cannot adhere to this routine, you should not use monthly contacts, as it can be hazardous to your eyes.

Replacement

Monthly contact lenses need to be replaced every 30 days. If you forget to replace your lenses on time, you may be at risk for eye infections. Contact lenses should never be worn longer than intended, as they aren’t designed for longer use and may break down or become dirty in ways that are difficult to predict. This can cause complications and even eye damage.

Allergies

Some individuals may have an allergic reaction to the material used to make monthly contact lenses. If you experience redness, itching, or other symptoms, you should speak with your eye doctor.

How to Care for Monthly Contact Lenses

Proper care and maintenance are essential for keeping your monthly contact lenses in good condition. Here are some tips for caring for your monthly contact lenses:

• Wash your hands before handling your lenses.
• Clean your lenses daily using a contact lens solution recommended by your eye doctor.
• Replace your lenses every 30 days or as recommended by the manufacturer.
• Avoid sleeping in your contact lenses.
• Store your lenses in a clean, dry case.

How Much Do They Cost?

The cost of monthly contact lenses varies depending on the brand and the type of lens you need. In general, monthly contact lenses are more affordable than daily disposable lenses. 

You can expect dailies to cost about $1 per day of use but monthlies to cost between $15 to $25 per month of use. All else being equal, this means monthlies can range from almost half as expensive to slightly less expensive compared to daily disposable lenses if using these products as intended and for at least one month.  

References

1. Daily vs. Monthly Contacts: Which Is Best for You? Warby Parker.

2. Daily Versus Monthly Disposable Contact Lens: Which Is Better for Ocular Surface Physiology and Comfort? (June 2018). Contact Lens and Anterior Eye.

3. How to Take Care of Contact Lenses. (April 2022). American Academy of Ophthalmology.

4. Monthly Contact Lenses Versus Yearly. (November 2021). American Academy of Ophthalmology.

5. You Asked: What Type of Contact Lenses Should I Wear? (July 2017). TIME.