Daily disposable vs. reusable contact lenses
Unsure whether daily disposable or reusable two-week/monthly contacts are the best option for you? Learn more about the benefits of daily disposable and reusable monthly contact lenses and see which may be the right fit for you.
When it comes to contact lenses, one important decision you'll need to make is whether to ask your doctor to prescribe daily disposable or reusable contact lenses. Each option has its own set of advantages and considerations, so it's helpful to understand the differences between the two.
You’ll want to consider things like cost, your lifestyle, and whether you have a more complicated prescription, like astigmatism, that would require a specific type of lens. From daily disposables lenses to colored contacts to Toric lenses, there are more options now than ever.
Your eye care professional will determine whether contact lenses are right for you, and if they are, provide you with a prescription for the contact lenses you'll need. While your eye doctor can help you understand which type of contact lenses may be best for you and your eye health, you can prepare by looking into the different options and features available to you.
Daily disposable contacts 101
Daily disposable contacts refer to soft contact lenses that are single use, making them an option for people who don’t want to manage storing or cleaning their lenses. While these are called daily lenses, these single use lenses should be thrown away once they are removed from your eye (regardless of how long the lenses were in).
Always wash hands thoroughly before handling contact lenses.
Lifestyle considerations
Daily disposable contact lenses are single use, so they don’t need storage, cleaning, or maintenance making them a great option if you don’t plan to wear contacts every day or have a hectic schedule. However, this also means that you’ll need to have a stock of dailies in storage. In addition, since daily disposable lenses are typically thinner than other types of longer wear lenses, you should consider keeping a spare pair on hand for day-to-day mishaps like if your lens tears by accident.
Pros
The main advantage of daily disposable contacts is that you start each day with a fresh pair of lenses. This eliminates the need for cleaning and disinfecting solutions, making them a hassle-free option. It is especially beneficial for those who have busy lifestyles or travel frequently.
Cons
Complications can happen when people try to reuse daily disposable lenses. Never try to reuse daily disposable contact lenses or use them for longer than their stated lifespan. You’ll also need to make considerations for having enough of a supply stored since you’ll be replacing your lenses at least every day.
Cost of daily disposable contacts
Daily contacts typically cost more than bi-weekly and monthly contacts, with prescriptions including astigmatism or presbyopia further increasing the cost. You can expect to pay at least $50/month or $600/ year for daily contacts (Average daily cost $1.76- $4.66). Vision insurance and rebates may help cover some of these costs.
Reusable two-week/monthly contacts 101
Reusable two-week or monthly contact lenses can be worn daily for up to two-weeks or 1 month, respectively. Reusable lenses are also soft, disposable contacts like daily disposables but are designed to last longer and therefore may feel thicker than their single use counterpart. Note: All daily disposable and most reusable two-week and monthly lenses are daily wear only and should only be worn during waking hours, 12-16 at a time. This can vary based on the brand, lens and any eye conditions you may have.
Always wash hands thoroughly before handling contact lenses.
Lifestyle considerations
Reusable monthly and two-week lenses can be a good option for contact lens wearers who expect to wear them daily or may take them out often in the middle of the day. Reusable lenses require a little more maintenance than daily disposable contact lenses and are a good option for those who are comfortable with, and have the time for, proper cleaning and storing of their lenses. This requires contact solution and two-sided storage container. If you have sensitive eyes, reusable lenses may not be recommended as they can possibly feel less comfortable than the daily disposable option.
Pros
Because reusable contact lenses are designed to last longer than daily disposables, they should not tear as easily. They can also be removed and stored and then used again, whereas daily disposables would need to be replaced as they are single use.
Cons
Similar to daily disposable lenses, it is important not to wear reusable two-week or monthly contact lenses longer than their intended lifespan to prevent issues like deposit build up or infection. Unlike daily disposable lenses, you’ll need to make sure to clean and store your lenses in contact lens solution when not wearing them (like when you’re sleeping).
Cost of monthly contacts
Monthly contacts are typically the most cost-effective option when compared to daily contacts. You can expect to pay about $15-$25/month, or about $250/year for monthly lenses. However, you will also need to consider the cost of contact solution and cases, as well as having to replace lost or damaged lenses.
While monthly and two-week lenses require a bit more effort in terms of maintenance, the advantage is that reusable lenses can be more cost-effective in the long run. Your vision insurance and rebates may help offset some of these costs.
Talk to an eye care professional today to learn more about your contact lens options
Whether you are leaning towards the convenience of daily disposable lenses or the durability of reusable contact lenses, your eye doctor can help you understand the details about the pros and cons of each. In addition to helping you decide what wear schedule you prefer, your eye doctor can help you understand the different options and features available. They will guide you to what will work best for your eyes, considering any refractive errors or unique eye conditions before deciding what contact lens option is best for you.
Consult your eye care professional for more information. Johnson & Johnson does not provide medical advice; this information is for educational purposes only.
*Free trial contact lenses available only from participating eye care professionals. Exam and fitting fees not included.
Important Information For Contact Lens Wearers: ACUVUE Contact Lenses are available by prescription only for vision correction. An eye care professional will determine whether contact lenses are right for you. Although rare, serious eye problems can develop while wearing contact lenses. To help avoid these problems, follow the wear and replacement schedule and the lens care instructions provided by your eye doctor. Do not wear contact lenses if you have an eye infection, or experience eye discomfort, excessive tearing, vision changes, redness or other eye problems. If one of these conditions occurs, remove the lens and contact your eye doctor immediately. For more information on proper wear, care and safety, talk to your eye care professional, call 1-800-843-2020, or download the Patient Instruction Guides.
