In the United States, nearly 30% of people have myopia and around 10% have hyperopia. So, about 40% of the population needs corrections like glasses or contact lenses.  Of those, 43% of adults use contact lenses more often. Monthly and daily contact lenses are the most popular, with about 36% for each.

How to decide between daily and monthly contact lenses?

It is a big choice. It can affect your comfort, budget, and eye health. The best option really depends on your lifestyle, daily routine, and personal preferences. Let’s break it down and score each type based on convenience, cost, comfort, and care to see which one might best fit you!

Daily vs Monthly Contact Lenses

Before we dive into the evaluation, let’s get a bit more background on both.

Daily Contact Lenses 

Daily contact lenses, or daily disposables, are super convenient. It's because you wear them just for one day. Pop them in each morning and toss them out before you hit the sack, so you get a fresh pair every day.

They're usually made from soft, flexible materials like hydrogel or silicone hydrogel. These let oxygen flow through to your cornea, which is great for keeping your eyes healthy. Silicone hydrogel lenses are especially popular. They let even more oxygen through. It can be a game-changer for comfort—especially if you have dry eyes or wear your lenses for long stretches.

Monthly Contact Lenses 

Monthly contact lenses are made to be worn for up to 30 days. After you use them each day, you’ll need to clean them and store them in a lens case with a disinfecting solution. With the right care, you can use the same pair all month long.

They’re usually made from hydrogel or silicone hydrogel, just like daily lenses. But monthly lenses are built to be more durable, so they hold up better with daily cleaning and handling. They also keep moisture locked in. So, your lenses stay comfortable throughout the month.

Round 1: Convenience and Care

Daily Contact Lenses 

Daily contact lenses are all about ease and convenience. You pop in a fresh pair every morning and toss them out before bed. That's why you don’t have to deal with cleaning, storing, or worrying about bacteria. 

If you’ve got a busy schedule or travel a lot, dailies are a great no-fuss option with minimal maintenance. They’re ideal if you only wear contacts occasionally. So, you always have fresh lenses with no need for extra cleaning supplies.

Our score: 10/10

Monthly Contact Lenses 

Monthly contact lenses need a bit more attention. You wear them for up to 30 days, so you’ll need to clean and store them in a contact lens solution every night. It might add a step to your routine, but once you get used to it, it’s pretty straightforward.

Plus, since you only replace them once a month, they can be more convenient in the long run.

They’re a good fit for:

• Regular contact lens wearers. If you wear contacts every day and are comfortable with lens care.
• People who don’t mind a cleaning routine. Are you okay with cleaning and storing your lenses nightly? Monthly lenses are manageable and durable.
• Those with stable vision prescriptions. If your prescription doesn’t change often, monthly lenses are a solid choice.

Our score: 5/10

Round 2: Cost Efficiency

One of the main things to think about when choosing between daily and monthly contact lenses is the cost.

Daily Contact Lenses

Daily lenses mean buying a new pair for every day of the month. If you wear them every day, the cost will add up. But, if you only wear contacts a few times a week, daily lenses might actually be cheaper. You’re not paying for lenses on the days you don’t use them.

Our score: 6/10

Monthly Contact Lenses 

Monthly lenses are usually more cost-effective if you wear contacts every day. You only need one pair per month, so the cost is spread out over 30 days. Although you’ll need to buy contact lens solutions and storage cases. 

The overall expense is generally lower than buying daily lenses for regular use.

Our score: 10/10

Round 3: Comfort and Eye Health

How comfortable contact lenses feel depends on the materials they’re made from. Daily and monthly lenses come in different materials. But, there are a few key differences to keep in mind.

Daily Contact Lenses

Daily contact lenses are usually made from thinner, more breathable materials. This makes them really comfortable. Since you use a fresh pair every day, they often have a higher water content to keep your eyes hydrated. This is especially good for people with dry or sensitive eyes.

Since you use a new pair every day, there’s less chance of buildup from proteins, oils, or allergens. This can help prevent irritation and allergies.

If you wear makeup, daily lenses are great because you get a new, clean pair each day. This reduces the chance of makeup residue getting on your lenses. It can be an issue with monthly lenses if they’re not cleaned properly.

Daily lenses are also a top choice for beginners. They’re simple to use and don’t require any cleaning. They are perfect if you're just starting out with contacts.

Our score: 10/10

Monthly Contact Lenses 

Monthly lenses are made from tougher materials. They can handle repeated cleaning and use. They’re usually thicker and more durable, which gives a stable and consistent fit. If your eyes aren't too dry or sensitive, monthly lenses can be very comfortable with the right care.

They’re a great choice for people with active lifestyles or who are always on the go.

Our score: 7/10

Round 4: Environmental Impact

Lately, many people are worried about the environment. Daily and monthly contact lenses affect the environment in different ways.

Daily Contact Lenses

Daily lenses create more waste because you throw away a pair every day. Each pair comes in its own plastic and foil pack, so with 30 pairs a month, that’s 30 packs adding to plastic waste.

Our score: 4/10

Monthly Contact Lenses 

Monthly lenses create less waste since you only toss out one pair a month. However, the cleaning solutions and cases still add to the waste. So while they’re usually considered better for the environment, don’t forget to think about the waste from the cleaning products too.

Our score: 7/10

And the Winner Is…

Daily contact lenses score the highest with 30 points!

They’re great for convenience, comfort, and hygiene, making them ideal if you want ease of use. But if you’re looking to save money and be more eco-friendly and don’t mind doing a bit more maintenance, monthly lenses are still a solid choice.

Final Tips from Eiyan

Even if you mostly use monthly lenses, it’s a good idea to keep some daily lenses as a backup. They can be useful if your monthly lenses get damaged or lost. Or if you just want a break from cleaning them, like when you’re traveling. Having daily lenses means you’ll always have a comfortable and safe option.

Remember, taking care of your eyes isn’t just about picking the right lenses. It’s also about following good care practices and usage guidelines.