ADDED TO CARTDaily vs. Monthly Contacts: Is One Type Better for You?
Contacts Types
When deciding between daily vs. monthly contacts, consider factors like cost and how often you'll wear them. There are hundreds of options and features to choose from. For the novice contact lens wearer, it can be daunting to decide.
Contacts are not a one-size-fits-all solution. The right lens for your needs will depend on factors like your unique prescription and personal preferences.
So start by deciding on the best type of contact lenses for you. Both daily disposable and monthly lenses have pros and cons. You and your doctor can determine what is best for you and your lifestyle.
Daily or Monthly Contacts: Factors to Consider
Monthly disposable contact lenses should be used during the day and removed at night (although there are options for overnight wear). They must be maintained and stored properly each night until replaced with a new pair.
Daily disposable lenses come in individual packages, are worn for a single day, and are replaced with a new pair the next day. It’s no secret that replacing your contacts more often keeps your eyes healthier and happier, which is why daily disposable lenses are so popular. But there are many other factors to consider before you make your choice.
Here are some of the biggest pros and cons to consider when it comes to daily contact lenses vs. monthly lenses:
Pros and Cons of Daily Contacts
Some advantages of daily disposables include:
- There is little to no cleaning involved, making them a convenient option.
- They are more hygienic, as you use a new pair every day.
- They are made of a thin, comfortable material.
Some disadvantages of daily disposables include:
- They tend to be more expensive than monthly disposable lenses.
- They require additional packaging and storage space.
- They can tear more easily due to their thinner material.
Pros and Cons of Monthly Contacts
Some advantages of monthly disposables include:
- They don’t require as much packaging or storage space as daily disposable lenses.
- They tend to be less expensive than daily disposable options.
- They’re more durable than daily lenses due to their thicker material.
Some disadvantages of monthly disposables include:
- There’s more cleaning and maintenance involved with monthly lenses.
- There is a higher risk of developing an eye infection with monthly lenses.
- Since they’re thicker, some people find them less comfortable than daily lenses.
How Much Do Daily and Monthly Contacts Cost?
A primary factor in the daily vs. monthly contacts debate is price. How much are daily contacts compared to monthly lenses?
As you can imagine, the difference between daily contacts vs. monthly costs is significant. A box of Acuvue Oasys® lenses will cost about $93 for a 12-pack per eye (about $372 total) and should last a year. A similar contact lens in a daily disposable option would cost about $114 per eye for just a three-month supply, which brings you to $456 per year per eye (about $900 total) — nearly twice the price.
Although monthly disposable lenses require additional purchases such as cases and lens solutions, they might be less overall than the dailies. Are the added comfort, convenience, and safety worth more? Only you can decide, but the high quality and expanding options for daily disposable contacts mean at least you have the choice.
How Many Hours Can You Safely Wear Daily or Monthly Contact Lenses?
Many optometrists agree that you can wear contacts for up to 16 hours a day or as long as your eyes can comfortably tolerate them. Whether you choose daily disposable or monthly lenses, this recommendation is the same.
Someone who is prone to eye dryness, redness, or irritation may not be able to wear contacts for 16 hours a day or even daily. Be sure to discuss your concerns and any existing conditions with your eye doctor. This will help you find the most suitable and practical lens option for you.
You may need to consider your environment in addition to your personal eye health. If you’re exposed to a great deal of dirt or dust, your contact lenses may undergo more wear and tear and need to be replaced more often.
Beware of overwearing contacts. Monthly lenses can increase your risk of developing an eye infection if you overwear them (or don’t care for them properly). Daily disposable contacts should not be worn more than once. Reusing daily disposables can cause eye irritation and, in some cases, infection. Cleaning these thin lenses for another day of wear could also rip or damage the lens material and irritate your eyes.
If you want to wear your contacts for longer each day, ask your eye doctor about lenses with extra moisture like the Air Optix® plus HydraGlyde® for monthly lenses or the DAILIES® AquaComfort® Plus for daily disposables.
Consider How Often You'll Wear Your Contacts
When choosing between daily or monthly disposable lenses, consider how well they meet your vision needs and how often you will wear them instead of glasses. How frequently you expect to wear your lenses should weigh heavily on the type of contact lens you choose.
For instance, if you have a slight refractive error and don’t need to wear lenses every day, consider going with daily lenses. You can pop them in whenever you need to without stressing about their care.
If you have a refractive error that requires more consistent correction, you’ll likely wear your contact lenses more often. Your eye doctor can help you determine the best type of contact lens for your vision needs and lifestyle.
How Much Care Do Daily vs. Monthly Contacts Require?
Monthly disposable contact lenses require storage overnight in a lens case with a lens disinfecting solution. When traveling, you may need to bring additional products for extended or overnight trips.
Daily disposables can be tossed straight into the trash bin before bedtime, eliminating any need for care procedures or products. However, when traveling, you will need as many individual contacts as days in your trip.
Of course, you need to consider long-term lens care, too. The care involved for one lens type may better align with your lifestyle depending on your daily routine.
People who live an active lifestyle may find more benefits in dailies. There’s less work involved with daily lenses because you start each day with a fresh pair. You don’t have to worry about extensive cleaning or separate storage cases. And when you’re busy with work, chores, activities, parenting, or other demanding tasks, the lower maintenance option can be very appealing.
Those who favor a detailed, consistent routine for contact lens cleaning or storage may prefer monthly disposable lenses. They’re also more convenient to store since you have more pairs to manage with daily contacts vs. monthly contacts. Additionally, some wearers may find the daily disposal of contacts and the associated packaging waste bothersome.
Whether you choose daily or monthly contact lenses, remember that poor habits can lead to lens damage. Improper handling and hygiene can also spread bacteria from your hands to your eyes, which increases the risk of developing an eye infection.
Are Daily or Monthly Contacts Better for Common Eye Conditions?
Your unique prescription can help determine whether daily or monthly lenses are more appropriate for you. If you have a more complex prescription or have certain needs beyond simple vision correction, your doctor may recommend monthly lenses or other options.
Vision correction for refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, or mild astigmatism can usually be addressed with daily disposables. People who have allergies or dry eyes may also be better served by dailies since you get a fresh pair for every use.
Which Are More Comfortable: Daily or Monthly Contacts?
Many people find daily disposable contacts to be more comfortable than monthly disposables. This is largely due to the soft, thin, flexible material they’re made from. Using a new pair of lenses every day can also feel more refreshing. Monthly disposables are made of a thicker material, which some people don’t like as much.
If comfort is your priority, ask your eye doctor what they recommend. Some lens features are designed to be ultra-comfortable. Comfort also has a lot to do with the right fit. Lenses that don’t fit properly can be very uncomfortable to wear.
Can You Switch from Monthly to Daily Contacts?
You can switch to a new brand or type of contact lens as long as you have an updated contact lens prescription from your eye doctor. During your eye exam, be sure to bring up any concerns you have about your current contact lenses. Your doctor can make recommendations based on your preferences, and you’ll receive a new prescription after your contact lens fitting.
To order contact lenses online, you will need a valid prescription, which will include the specific lens type, brand, and other details. Once you have your contact lens prescription, you can purchase monthly or daily contacts online from ContactsDirect.
I Still Have a Question! Who Can I Talk To?
Between monthly or daily disposable contacts, there are many factors and features to consider. If you need help determining which contact lenses are right for you, talk to your optometrist or call 1-844-5LENSES (1-844-553-6737) to speak to our customer service team. You can also get assistance through our virtual chat feature.
February 27, 2026
