Are Monthly Contacts The Cheapest Option?
Understanding the Different Types of Contact Lenses
Your eye doctor is recommending monthly contact lenses, but what exactly does that mean?
There are three primary types of soft contact lenses, and the difference between them comes down to how often they’re replaced.
Daily disposable lenses are worn once and discarded at the end of each day. You start every morning with a fresh pair and throw them away before bed.
Bi-weekly lenses are worn for up to two weeks. They must be removed every night and soaked in a clean case filled with fresh contact lens solution. After two weeks, even if they still feel comfortable, the lenses should be discarded and replaced with a new pair.
Monthly lenses follow the same nightly cleaning routine as bi-weekly lenses, but they are designed to last for up to 30 days. They also must be removed every night and soaked in a clean case filled with fresh contact lens solution. At the end of the month, they are replaced with a fresh pair, and the process begins again!
What Are Monthly Contact Lenses?
Because they are built to last longer, monthly lenses are typically slightly thicker and more durable than daily disposables. Many monthly lenses are made from silicone hydrogel, a material designed to allow more oxygen to reach the cornea during wear. Oxygen flow is important for keeping your eyes healthy and comfortable, especially during long wear days.
Monthly contact lenses are reusable lenses designed to be worn daily for up to 30 days. They are removed each night, cleaned with solution, and stored in a contact lens case.
Since monthly lenses are reused, natural protein and oil deposits can gradually build up on the surface. Even if lenses look clear, microscopic buildup occurs over time. Replacing them on schedule helps reduce irritation and lowers the risk of infection.
Price
For many people, price plays a major role in deciding which contact lens type to choose.
Monthly lenses are replaced 12 times per year.
Daily lenses are replaced 365 times per year.
That difference significantly impacts overall cost.
On average:
- Monthly lenses typically cost between $15 and $25 per month.
- Daily disposable lenses often range from $30 to $35 per month, and sometimes more.
While monthly lenses require the purchase of contact lens solution, they remain one of the most cost effective options for people who wear contacts regularly.
If you plan to wear lenses most days of the week and are comfortable with nightly cleaning, monthly lenses are the most affordable long-term option.
Prescription Options for Astigmatism, Multifocal, and More
Monthly contact lenses are available in a wide range of prescription types, including options for astigmatism and presbyopia.
If you have astigmatism, your doctor will usually prescribe toric contact lenses.
Astigmatism happens when the cornea has an uneven curvature, which causes blurry or distorted vision. Toric lenses are specifically designed to correct that irregular shape.
Unlike standard lenses that have the same power across the entire surface, toric lenses have different powers in different meridians of the lens. This allows them to correct vision in multiple directions.
They are also stabilized or lightly weighted so they stay in the correct position on the eye throughout the day.
Alternatively, if you have presbyopia, monthly multifocal lenses may be recommended.
Multifocal lenses contain multiple prescription zones within the same lens, helping your eyes focus at different distances. Instead of switching between reading glasses and your distance prescription, everything is built into one lens.
There are also monthly lenses available for:
- High prescriptions
- Combination prescriptions such as toric multifocal lenses
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Extended wear options, if approved by your eye doctor
Not every brand offers every parameter, so your eye doctor will determine which specific lens works best for your prescription and eye health. The good news is that monthly contact lenses are widely available across most common prescription needs, making them a flexible and practical option for many wearers.
Environmental Impact
Waste is another factor many people consider when choosing contact lenses.
Monthly lenses generate far less packaging waste over the course of a year.
In one year:
Monthly lenses involve 12 pairs and approximately 24 pieces of packaging waste.
Daily lenses involve 365 pairs and roughly 730 pieces of packaging waste.
Fewer blister packs, less plastic, and fewer foil seals add up quickly when you compare monthly lenses to daily disposables. That difference in packaging may seem small at first, but over the course of a year it becomes significant.
Choosing monthly lenses will not solve the plastic problem overnight, but it is a practical way to reduce waste if you wear contacts regularly. If sustainability is something you think about when you shop, monthly lenses offer a more mindful option without changing your day to day routine.
Of course, daily lenses are the only option for many people for a variety of reasons. Your eye health should always come first.
At Blue Planet Optics, we offer an upcycling program for contact lens packaging from all of our customers. Check out our See It Again Program on our website for more information.
Comfort and Wear Time
Monthly lenses are designed for durability and long wear. Many people comfortably wear them for 12 to 16 hours per day, though it is always best to follow your doctor’s recommendation.
Because they are slightly thicker than daily lenses, some people notice them a bit more when first switching. Others appreciate that they hold moisture well and maintain their shape throughout the day.
When monthly lenses are cleaned consistently and replaced on schedule, most people find monthly lenses to be very comfortable for everyday use.
How to Care for Monthly Contact Lenses
If you choose monthly lenses, daily care really matters. You are wearing the same pair for 30 days at a time, so how you clean and store them significantly impacts how they feel.
- Always wash and dry your hands before touching your lenses.
- Use only approved contact lens solution. Never use water or saliva.
- Rinse your lenses with fresh solution each night.
- Store lenses in a clean case filled with fresh solution.
- Replace lenses every 30 days, even if they still feel fine.
- Replace your lens case every one to three months.
- Keep up with regular eye exams.
Who Are Monthly Contact Lenses Best For?
Monthly lenses are often a strong choice for people who wear contacts regularly and don’t mind a nightly cleaning routine
Your eye doctor will always make the final recommendation based on your prescription and eye health. However, for many wearers, monthly lenses are a practical balance between comfort and cost.
Another upside to monthly lenses is less packaging waste, for those who are concerned about this. When you are only opening a new pair once a month instead of every day, you end up using far fewer blister packs and foil seals over the course of the year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are monthly lenses cheaper than daily lenses?
Yes. Monthly lenses are typically significantly less expensive over the course of a year.
Do I need solution with monthly lenses?
Yes. Proper cleaning solution is required every night.
Can I sleep in monthly lenses?
Only if your specific lenses are approved by your doctor for overnight wear.
What happens if I wear them longer than a month?
Wearing lenses beyond their replacement schedule increases the risk of irritation, infection, and reduced comfort.
Where can I order monthly contact lenses?
Blue Planet Optics carries a wide selection of affordable monthly contact lenses from trusted brands, with fast shipping and clear pricing.