When buying contact lenses, you can choose between daily and monthly options. In today’s post, local optometrist Joel H McGahen OD discusses the differences between the two, their pros and cons, and which one is best for you.
Daily contacts, as the name implies, are intended to be worn once a day and discarded when removed, and are often referred to as “disposables”. Daily contact lenses are typically very thin, have a high water content, and cannot be reused, as natural deposits from the eyes can build up easily on the surface.
Monthly contacts, on the other hand, are replaced monthly, though some types require replacement every two weeks. They are thicker than daily contacts, which makes them more durable and resistant to drying out. Monthly contact lenses must be disinfected regularly to avoid eye infections and other related eye problems.
Ask your local eye doctor about daily contacts if you need a more convenient option. With daily contact lenses, you don’t have to worry about disinfecting them after you take them off; you simply dispose of them. You won’t have to carry a contact solution and a carrying case. Before making your choice, you should also consider that daily contact lenses are not safe to sleep in. You also have to make sure that discarded contact lenses and their packaging are properly disposed, otherwise it could contribute to landfill waste.
Monthly contact lenses are slightly inconvenient to use at first, because you have to develop the habit of disinfecting and storing them after every use. You also have to be diligent in tracking the dates when you replace them. You also have to make sure that you always have a bottle of contact lens solution and a carrying case (or two) with you at all times. Once you get past these inconveniences, monthly contacts have important advantages. They cost significantly less upfront, some types are safe to wear when sleeping, and they allow more oxygen to your eyes. Monthly contacts also generate less waste, making them the more eco-friendly option.
Joel H McGahen, OD is your leading provider of contact lenses and eyeglasses. Give us a call at (717) 264-4012. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment. We serve clients in Chambersburg, PA, and surrounding communities.