One of the common dilemmas when choosing contacts is whether to go with monthly or daily lenses. Both have advantages, so the best choice depends on your lifestyle, comfort preferences, and budget. Learn about the key differences between monthly vs daily contact lenses to make the right decision for your eyes.
What Are Monthly and Daily Contact Lenses?
Before comparing, you should understand the basics of both types of lenses:
Monthly Contact Lenses: A pair of lenses designed to be worn daily for up to 30 days. At the end of each day, you remove them, clean them, and store them in a lens case with a solution. They can last an entire month before needing replacement, but only if you care for them properly.
Daily Contact Lenses: Single-use lenses you can wear only once. Then throw them away at the end of the day. Each morning, you put on a fresh new pair of disposable daily lenses, without the need for cleaning or storing them overnight.
Apart from the most popular - daily and monthly contact lenses, you may also find bi-weekly and long-term (3 months/6 months/yearly) lenses on the market.
RELATED: How to Clean Contact Lenses?
Comparing Monthly and Daily Contact Lenses
Convenience
Convenience is a major factor people consider when deciding between monthly or daily contact lenses.
Monthly Lenses: Monthly lenses require more maintenance. Since they are used for a long period, you’ll need to clean and store them every night. This might not be ideal if you have a busy or forgetful lifestyle.
Daily Lenses: If convenience is your top priority, disposable lenses are the clear winner. There’s no need to clean or store them, making them a hassle-free option. Simply discard them at the end of the day and don't sleep with daily lenses. If you travel often or have a hectic schedule, daily lenses are a logical choice.
Eye Health
Your eye health is the most important consideration in the dilemma of monthly vs daily contact lenses.
Monthly Lenses: While monthly lenses are safe to wear with proper care, there is a higher risk of infection or irritation if they aren’t cleaned well. Bacteria and protein deposits can accumulate on the lenses over time. If you’re not diligent about cleaning, you may compromise your eye health.
Daily Lenses: Because you’re using a fresh pair every day, the infection risk is lower. No need to worry about lens hygiene or buildup since the lenses don’t have time to collect bacteria. For people prone to infections or have sensitive eyes, daily lenses are often the healthier option.
Comfort
Comfort is a priority for most contact lens wearers. So let's see how monthly or daily contact lenses compare.
Monthly Lenses: Monthly lenses are usually made of thicker materials designed to last longer. While they are durable, some users find them less breathable than daily lenses. Some monthly lenses are made from silicone hydrogel, allowing for more oxygen to reach the eyes.
Daily Lenses: Daily wear lenses are thinner and more breathable than monthly lenses. Because you’re starting with a fresh pair each day, there’s no buildup of debris or protein deposits. For people with sensitive eyes or eye allergies, daily lenses often provide a more comfortable experience.
Environmental Impact
Another factor some people may consider is the environmental impact of daily and monthly contact lenses.
Monthly Lenses: Extended-wear lenses produce less waste because you’re only disposing of one pair of lenses per month. Cleaning solution bottles and lens cases add to the overall waste.
Daily Lenses: Single-use contacts generate more waste since you throw away lenses and their plastic packaging every day. For environmentally-conscious users, this may be a concern.
Cost
Price is another critical factor when choosing between monthly or daily contact lenses.
Monthly Lenses: Monthly contact lenses are more cost-effective in the long run. You only need about 12 pairs per year, making the upfront cost lower than daily lenses. You also need to factor in the cost of cleaning solutions and lens cases, which can add to the overall expense.
Daily Lenses: If you wear contacts full-time, daily lenses are more expensive in the long run because you need a fresh pair every day. For part-time wearers or people with sensitive eyes, the daily lens cost might be a justifiable investment.
Find a full cost-effectiveness analysis and a price breakdown of daily vs monthly contacts in the next few paragraphs.
Cost Breakdown of Daily and Monthly Contact Lenses
Let's break down the cost analysis of monthly contact lenses vs daily contact lenses for a year, based on prices and usage patterns in Europe and the USA. To determine how often daily lenses need to be worn to be worth it, we'll first calculate the total costs.
How Much Monthly Contact Lenses Cost Per Year?
For monthly lenses, you need:
12 pairs per year (one pair lasts for one month)
Lens care solutions (replaced monthly or every 1-2 months)
Costs per year for monthly contact lenses:
Monthly contact lenses in Europe
Average price per pair: €20-€30
Yearly cost, 12 pairs: €240-€360
Lens care solution in Europe
Average price per bottle: €5-€10
Yearly cost: €30-€60
Monthly contact lenses in the USA
Average price per pair: $30-$50
Yearly cost (12 pairs): $360-$600
Lens care solution in the USA
Average price per bottle: $10-$15
Yearly cost: $60-$120
Total yearly cost for monthly lenses
Europe: €270-€420
USA: $420-$720
How Much Daily Contact Lenses Cost Per Year?
For disposable contact lenses, you would use one pair per day. No need for lens cases or cleaning solutions.
Costs per year for single-use contact lenses:
Daily contact lenses in Europe
Average price per pair: €1-€2
Daily contact lenses in the USA
Average price per pair: $1-$2.50
Total yearly cost for daily lenses
Europe: €365-€730
USA: $365-$912
Comparison and Break-Even Point
The break-even point is when the cost of daily lenses equals the cost of monthly lenses.
Europe:
Monthly lenses (lower estimate): €270
Daily lenses cost €1.00 per day
Break-even number of days: €270 ÷ €1.00 = *270 days*
USA:
Monthly lenses (lower estimate): $420
Daily lenses cost $1.00 per day
Break-even number of days: $420 ÷ $1.00 = *420 days*
In Europe, if you wear contact lenses more than 270 days a year (~75% of the year), daily lenses are cost-effective.
In the US, if you wear contacts more than 420 days a year, dailies would be more expensive than monthly lenses. In this case, monthly lenses are likely more cost-effective, unless you use lenses infrequently.
This analysis assumes a lower range of prices. If you pay more for monthly lenses or solutions, the break-even point would decrease.
Which is Better for You, Monthly or Daily Contact Lenses?
The choice between monthly vs daily contact lenses comes down to your needs and lifestyle. The best option will vary from person to person.
Choose Monthly Lenses if: You want a more cost-effective option and don’t mind the extra cleaning and maintenance. Monthly lenses are a better choice for active people and those who wear lenses every day.
Choose Daily Lenses if: You value convenience, have sensitive eyes, or prefer a fresh pair of lenses every day. Disposable lenses are worth it for part-time wearers or those prone to eye infections.
Both daily and monthly contact lenses have pros and cons. If you’re unsure, consult your eye doctor to decide which is the best fit for your eyes and lifestyle.
Resources:
✅ Medically reviewed
Checked by Atanas Bogoev, MD.