Daily disposable lenses are worn once and thrown away, so there is no cleaning, lower infection risk and fresh comfort every day, but they cost more per year. Two-week and monthly lenses are cleaned and stored each night in solution, which lowers lens cost but adds care routines and solution costs. Dailies suit occasional wearers, allergy sufferers and travelers; monthlies suit daily wearers who are diligent about care. Your eye care provider must fit and prescribe them.
Contact lenses are sorted mainly by how often you replace them. The right choice depends on how often you wear them and how much care you want to do.
Side by side
| Daily disposable | Two-week | Monthly | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Worn | One day | Up to 14 days | Up to 30 days |
| Cleaning | None | Nightly | Nightly |
| Solution and case | Not needed | Needed | Needed |
| Infection risk from care | Lowest | Higher | Higher |
| Yearly lens cost | Highest | Moderate | Lowest |
| Good for | Occasional wear, allergies, travel | Regular wearers | Regular, diligent wearers |
What’s on a contact lens prescription
- Power (PWR or SPH), plus CYL and AXIS for toric lenses
- Base curve (BC) and diameter (DIA): the lens fit
- Brand and material
- Expiration date
In the US, a contact lens prescription is separate from a glasses prescription, and you’re entitled to a copy after your fitting.
Special lenses
- Toric: correct astigmatism.
- Multifocal: for presbyopia (reading difficulty).
- Colored: cosmetic or tinted lenses still require a prescription in the US.
Care rules for reusable lenses
- Wash and dry hands before handling lenses.
- Clean and store lenses in fresh solution every night; never top up old solution.
- Never use water or saliva on lenses.
- Replace the case regularly, typically every three months.
- Replace lenses on schedule, even if they feel fine.
Warning signs
Remove your lenses and contact your eye care provider if you have eye pain, redness, light sensitivity or blurred vision that doesn’t clear.
Common questions
Are daily contacts healthier?
Daily disposables avoid the buildup of deposits and the risks of cleaning mistakes, which lowers the chance of some eye infections. Any lens can cause problems if worn longer than prescribed or slept in when not approved for it.
Can I sleep in my contact lenses?
Only lenses approved for extended wear, and only if your eye care provider says so. Sleeping in lenses raises the risk of serious eye infections.
Can I switch brands without a new prescription?
No. A contact lens prescription names the specific lens brand and material, base curve and diameter. Ask your eye care provider before switching.