A firm favourite among regular contact lens wearers, monthly contact lenses are a fantastic option for those who correct their vision day after day. If you have been considering switching to monthlies, or you simply want to know more about this popular lens type, this guide is a good place to start.
With 20 years of experience in optometry, our Director of Professional Services and lead optician at Lenstore, Roshni Patel, makes it easy with a short Q&A covering the most frequently asked questions about monthly contact lenses.
Ask the expert — monthly contact lenses
What are the benefits of monthly contact lenses?
Monthly contact lenses are a great option for many reasons:
- They are more cost-effective for people who wear lenses regularly
- Reusable lenses are generally available in a wider range of prescriptions, particularly for patients with astigmatism
- They also offer flexibility — if you want to give your eyes a break for a few hours, simply remove them, store them in a case with solution, and put them back in later in the day
- They are more environmentally friendly, as they use less packaging and are reusable
Can you sleep in monthly contact lenses?
It depends on the type of lens you have been prescribed. There are specific monthly lenses that have been designed (and licensed) for overnight wear. However, you would need your optician’s approval to confirm it is safe for you personally.
How long can you wear monthly contact lenses?
Monthly lenses can be worn for up to 30 days, after which they must be discarded regardless of how frequently you have worn them during that period.
How do monthly contact lenses work?
Monthly lenses are designed to be worn for one month, but they must be removed each day, cleaned and disinfected with contact lens solution. Your optician will advise you on how often to wear them and which type of cleaning solution to use, as this depends on your eyes and individual needs.
Are monthly contact lenses cheaper than daily lenses?
Generally speaking, monthly lenses are more economical. However, it always depends on how often you wear lenses. For example, if you wear lenses twice a week, daily disposables will likely work out better value for you.
If you have any further questions about contact lenses, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our Customer Service team — one of our specialists will be happy to help.
Monthly lens details
What vision corrections can monthly lenses correct?
One of the most popular styles of vision correction, most contact lens manufacturers offer a monthly option for virtually every type of need. Depending on which lens your eye care professional recommends, monthly lenses can correct:
- Hyperopia (longsightedness): when close objects appear blurred
- Myopia (shortsightedness): when distant objects appear blurred
- Presbyopia: when close objects appear blurred due to age-related changes in the eye
- Astigmatism: when vision is blurred due to the curvature of the eye
What are monthly lenses made from?
Most disposable lenses are made using two water-based polymers — hydrogel and silicone hydrogel. The flexibility and absorbency of these gel-like materials create a smooth lens surface that allows healthy amounts of oxygen and moisture to circulate during wear.
Find out more about which option may be best for you in our article on the differences between these two materials here.
What types of monthly lenses are available?
As with daily disposables, monthly lenses are manufactured to cover a wide range of vision correction needs. The three most common types are:
- Spherical — use the same power across the entire lens surface. Recommended for people with myopia or hyperopia. The most common lens type on the market.
- Multifocal — combine multiple prescriptions in a single lens, allowing wearers to transition smoothly between near, intermediate and distance vision.
- Toric — with different powers in different sections of the lens, toric lenses account for the shape of the wearer’s eye to correct astigmatism.
What are the most popular monthly lenses?
Drawing on our customers’ ratings and reviews, we have put together a list of the best-selling monthly lenses at Lenstore. If any of these popular choices seems to match your needs, check with your optician to see whether they are right for you.
Biofinity
One of the best-selling monthly lenses on the market, Biofinity monthly lenses feature Aquaform technology for high levels of moisture retention and breathability in a soft, flexible lens. These silicone hydrogel lenses provide lasting comfort throughout the month. Also available in packs of 6 for great value.
Air Optix plus HydraGlyde
The latest spherical addition to the Air Optix family from Alcon, this updated lens comes with HydraGlyde Moisture Matrix for an enhanced wearing experience. In addition to HydraGlyde technology, Air Optix Plus disposable monthlies also use SmartShield technology to provide the lens with an ultra-smooth surface to protect your eyes from irritation. Available in packs of 3 and 6.
Avaira Vitality Toric
Avaira Vitality Toric monthly lenses are specially designed to correct astigmatism. Their advanced toric design ensures stable, sharp and comfortable vision no matter how active you are. With Class 1 UV protection, they block over 99% of UVB rays and 90% of UVA rays.
Bausch + Lomb ULTRA for Presbyopia
A 3-Zone Progressive Design makes the Bausch + Lomb ULTRA for Presbyopia the ideal choice for clear vision at near, intermediate and far distances. These versatile monthly lenses also feature MoistureSeal technology, which helps maintain 95% of moisture on the lens surface, keeping eyes comfortable for up to 16 hours.
Air Optix plus HydraGlyde Multifocal
Another excellent option for wearers with presbyopia, Air Optix Plus HydraGlyde Multifocal is a monthly lens from Alcon. With a Precision Profile design, wearers can enjoy seamless vision at near, intermediate and far distances. Available in packs of 3 and 6.
How much do monthly contact lenses cost?
As with all lenses, the cost of the monthly disposables you need will reflect the manufacturer and style. On average, however, monthly lenses are one of the most affordable lens types on the market. When you shop at Lenstore, you can expect to pay between €20 and €30 for a 90-day supply (3 lenses per box, one box per eye).
Because toric and presbyopia lenses incorporate additional values and technologies, their base price can be slightly higher than spherical lenses. The average monthly lens wearer can expect to pay around €30 to €40 for a three-month supply of toric lenses.
How do I switch to monthly contact lenses?
If you are currently wearing daily disposables and are thinking about trying monthly lenses for the first time, the best way to find out whether they suit you is to book an appointment with your optician. After a general eye health check, your optician will typically have you trial a pair for a period of time and will follow up to see how you and your eyes have adjusted to the new lens type.
If you think you are ready to switch to monthly lenses, find your nearest optician and have a chat with them.