When looking for the right type of contacts, you will find that there are hundreds of features and options to choose from.
This can be a daunting decision if you haven’t worn contacts before. While there isn’t one single contact lens that is perfect for you, weighing the benefits of each option for your prescription and need can help you find the best fit.
The best place to start is to decide between daily disposable lenses or monthly disposable lenses. Each has its own benefits and drawbacks, so only you and your eye doctor can determine the best solution.
What You Should Know About Daily and Monthly Contacts
Monthly contact lenses are designed to be worn during the day and taken out during the evening when you are sleeping. They must be maintained and stored properly throughout the night, although there are options for extended overnight wear.
How long can I wear them?
As for daily lenses, they come individually packaged and are worn for one day and then thrown away. You replace them with a new pair each day. Replacing your lenses every day often keeps your eyes healthier, which is a major reason daily lenses have been growing in popularity. While this is a great benefit, there are other factors to consider before making your choice.
Contact lenses have a recommended wear time of 10-16 hours are a time or for as long as your eyes are able to comfortably tolerate them. This wear time is recommended for both daily and monthly lenses.
Which ones work best with my prescription?
In addition to how often they are disposed of and how long you can wear them, you also need to consider which type of contact lens will best work with your prescription. For the more basic prescriptions, you will find that daily disposables have a variety of options available across brands. They also have options for astigmatism or multifocal correction.
If your prescription is outside of what daily disposables have to offer, then you may need to consider monthly disposable. At Dittman Eyecare, we can help you determine if your prescription is available in daily lenses.
Which lenses require more maintenance?
Another thing to consider is maintenance. With daily disposable lenses, you can throw out the pair you wore that day before heading to bed, and this eliminates any other additional care. Keep in mind that when you travel, you will need to bring as many pairs as you need for the duration of your trip.
With monthly lenses, you will need to store them overnight in a lens case filled with lens disinfecting solution. If you travel, you will need to bring along these extra accessories.
What is the difference in cost?
For many people choosing contact lenses, price is a major factor to consider. For example, some monthly disposable lenses cost about $115 a box, which will last you for at least a year. For the same contact lenses in the daily disposable option, you can expect to spend around $70 for a three-month supply which equals $280 a year.
While monthly disposable lenses require the purchase of cases and lens solutions, they still may not offset the high cost of daily contact lenses.
Ready to Schedule Your Contact Lens Exam?
Dittman Eyecare has got you covered! If you need help deciding on what type of contact lenses will best suit your needs, contact Dittman Eyecare today to learn more or to schedule your contact lens exam.