What Is the Difference Between Monthly & Weekly Disposable Contacts?

Wearing contact lenses can be a freeing experience for those with bad vision after only wearing glasses. With only some minor maintenance, clear vision without smudges and glares is possible. Choosing between the various contact lenses now available, however, can be tricky; the differences between the levels of disposable contacts are not always clear.

Differences

• The first noticeable difference between weekly and monthly contacts is the price. Weekly contacts tend to cost more per month than monthly lenses. Despite their monikers, monthly disposable lenses are designed to be worn between one and three months; whereas, weekly disposables are worn for one to two weeks.

Misconceptions

• There are two types of monthly lenses. Monthly disposable (or frequent replacement) lenses generally follow the same cleaning guidelines as weekly disposables and are intended for daily use and nightly storage. Extended wear monthly lenses, which are generally known as monthly contacts, can be worn for a month straight, day and night. Confusing the two can cost not only money but also eye health.

Cleaning

• Weekly and monthly disposable lenses require nightly removal and cleaning with a saline solution. Monthly disposable lenses sometimes require stronger protein removal in the form of effervescent drops. An optometrist can recommend cleaning products depending on eye sensitivity, lifestyle and other conditions.

Weekly Contacts

• Weekly disposable contacts are useful for people with sensitive eyes. Since disposables are worn for shorter durations and disposed of, they do not allow a lot of protein buildup which can agitate the eye and cloud the lenses. Allergy sufferers and people with dry eyes often choose weekly disposables for these reasons.

Monthly Contacts

• Monthly contacts, or frequent replacement monthly lenses, are great for people with active lifestyles who prefer to limit the storage space dedicated to contact lenses and their care. They are approved for longer use due to the higher amounts of oxygen these lenses allow into the eye. Because they are thrown out every one to three months, more care may be needed to remove protein buildup from the lenses and keep them moist. This usually requires one or two extra steps in the cleaning process at least once a week with solutions.