Contact lens technology today allows wearers a wider variety of choices around how long they wear their lenses compared to those of the past.
People’s individual preferences largely dictate which schedule works best for them. Daily, biweekly and monthly contact lenses all have their own pros and cons.
In this article, we’ll help you explore the monthly contact lens.
Are monthly contacts right for you?
Monthly contact lenses have many benefits:
Extended wear contacts
Some monthly contacts can be worn for up to 29 nights continuous wear without taking them out of your eyes. This must be done only under the guidance of an optometrist.
Wearing contact lenses not approved for sleeping can pose risks to your eyes because the lenses deprive your eyes of oxygen. These risks include cornea infections and corneal neovascularization, where blood vessels begin intruding into the whites of your eyes.
During the day, having your eyes open brings in oxygen to your cornea. Monthly and other extended wear contact lenses are typically silicone hydrogel lenses that have higher gas permeability: they allow five or more times the oxygen through the lens compared to standard contacts.
As always, talk to your optometrist before getting new or different contact lenses.
Fewer lenses when choosing monthlies
Monthly contact lenses may be slightly lower in overall cost than daily disposable lenses since you purchase fewer lenses. You toss them every month rather than every day, so you only need 24 contact lenses every year. For the eco-conscious wearer, this also translates into less waste.
Comfort
In addition to letting more oxygen through to keep your eyes clear and white, the silicone hydrogel material in monthly contacts can also be more comfortable. Your eyes can breathe better while still staying moist, a balance that is achieved with better contact lens technology.
Monthly contact lenses, 2-weekly, or daily disposable — it’s your choice
Always talk to your optometrist when you get new or different contact lenses. Your optometrist will make sure your contacts are prescribed and fitted for your eyes, so they keep both your eyesight and your eye health at their best.
When it comes to contact lens schedules, picking between monthly, biweekly and daily contact lenses is often a matter of personal preference, but your doctor can give you additional guidance on making the best choice for your lifestyle. He or she can also help monitor your vision as you adapt to a new type of contact lenses.