If you wear contact lenses, or are considering switching from eyeglasses to contacts, you may be wondering which is the best option for you: daily, weekly, or monthly contacts? The answer depends on your own lifestyle, budget, and personal preferences. In today’s post, our Raleigh eye specialist compares the advantages and disadvantages of each, so that you can choose the best option for you.

PROS AND CONS OF DAILY CONTACT LENSES

Daily contact lenses are contacts which are worn for a single day, and then thrown out at night. Daily contacts are typically the safest option for your eye health, because a new, sterile pack is opened at the beginning of each day. If you are concerned about developing an eye infection, daily contacts are probably the best choice for you.

However, there are a few disadvantages of daily contact lenses, as well. Firstly, they generate a lot of material waste, as a new “blister pack” will be discarded every morning. If you are more environmentally conscious, glasses are the best choice, followed by monthly contacts.

Daily contacts are also the most expensive option, and, finally, they cannot be “stretched” for a few days, i.e. worn past their discard date. If you suddenly run out of daily contacts, you will have to go without until new ones arrive.
 

PROS AND CONS OF WEEKLY CONTACT LENSES

Weekly contact lenses are worn for one or two weeks, and then discarded. Since weekly lenses don’t need to be replaced every day, they are typically more convenient for those who are not “morning people.” Weekly contacts also generate less waste and are less expensive than daily contact lenses.

On the other hand, weekly contacts need to be stored in saline solution every night during the one- or two-week period. The time they spend being taken in and out of the case increases their risk of transmitting infection. As long as you follow basic safety rules, like washing your hands before touching the contacts, the infection risk is very low. However, those that have compromised immune systems might be safest with daily contacts.
 

MONTHLY CONTACT LENSES

Monthly contact lenses are worn for one month before being discarded. For some people, monthly lenses are the most convenient option, because they don’t have to be constantly replaced. Monthly contacts also generate the least material waste, and are the most inexpensive contact lens option.

However, like weekly contacts, monthly contacts spend the most time being taken in and out of the contact lens case. This places them at the highest risk for transmitting bacteria. Since they are not “single serve”, anything on your hands or the case could transfer to your eyes during the one-month period. However, as with weekly contacts, washing your hands before touching the contacts should greatly decrease your risk of infection.
 

NEED MORE ADVICE? CALL OUR OPTOMETRIST IN RALEIGH NC

Still uncertain which contact lens option is the right one for you? Our Raleigh optometrist can help provide a professional opinion. Contact Raleigh Eye Center today to schedule your eye exam, a contact lens fitting, or another eye-related service!