Let's Talk About: Contact Lens Options

Name: Moody Eyes
Price range: $$

I am often asked, “Should I get daily or monthly contact lenses?” There are multiple factors to consider: your lifestyle, ocular health, and convenience. Cost is a factor, too, but not usually #1. Keep in mind, with your vision plan benefits and manufacturer’s rebate, the final cost to you is often not much different with type of lens.

Types of Contact Lenses Based on Replacement Schedule

Soft contact lenses come in 3 different replacement schedules: 1-days, 2-weeks, and 1-month. Although each has advantages, we primarily recommend either dailies or monthlies. Here’s a breakdown:

1-Days / Dailies – Replace Every Day

Wear once and throw away
No cleaning or storage needed
Freshest, healthiest option
Perfect for part-time wear
Most convenient
Ideal for those with allergies or dry eyes
Can carry extra lenses for travel, sports, or work

Monthlies – Replace Once per Month

Replace once a month
Daily cleaning & storage required
Less expensive for lenses, but you must pay for cleaning & storage solutions
Requires diligent care routine
Recommended for patients with astigmatism or bifocals

2-Week Replacement Lenses

Daily cleaning & storage required
Commonly worn longer than the approved 2-weeks, which can lead to corneal damage
Cost savings vs 1-Days is often offset by solution and 2-week replacement cost
The most abused of all contact lenses

Comparison at a Glance

	Daily	Monthly	2-Week
Cost per Day**	$$	$	$$
Convenience	Highest	Moderate	Moderate
Eye Health	Best	Good	Risky
Maintenance	None	Daily Cleaning	Daily Cleaning
Best for…	Most Patients	Astigmatism / Bifocals	(I don’t recommend these)

** When considering cost, keep in mind how much you spend on contact lens solution. When you add that to the annual cost of either monthly or 2-week lenses, the difference in dailies is usually not significant, if at all. When you factor in your vision benefits and manufacturer’s rebates, the difference in cost is usually insignificant.

Which Type of Lens is Right for Your Eyes?

Choose Daily Disposable contacts if you…

√ Want the healthiest option for your eyes

√ Have allergies or dry eyes

√ Wear contacts only socially or recreationally

√ Travel or are “on location” frequently

√ Don’t want to deal with cleaning your contacts

√ Want to reduce risk of eye infections

Choose Monthly contacts if you…

√ Have astigmatism or wear bifocals = more options available

√ Are diligent about cleaning and replacing lenses on time

√ Want to minimize cost (keep in mind the cost of solution)

√ Don’t mind the maintenance routing

Avoid 2-week Disposable because…

√ It’s hard to keep track of your replacement schedule

√ Frequently overworn contact lens = increased risk of complications & infections

√ You don’t save money if you clean and change your lenses per recommendations

√ Dr. Moody doesn’t recommend them due to the above factors

Important Considerations about Contact Lenses

Higher initial cost of 1-Days is typically offset by the cost of replacements and solution
By combining your vision benefits and manufacturer’s rebate, 1-Days are very affordable
Prescriptions with astigmatism and bifocals are offered more choices with monthly lenses
Wearing glasses 2-hours per day helps your eyes stay healthy over years of contact lens wear

This guide is written by Dr. Penn Moody and provided by Moody Eyes, an optometry practice serving Downtown Indianapolis and surrounding communities. If you’re experiencing issues with your contact lenses, or are just wondering what would be your best choice to wear, schedule a comprehensive eye exam on our website. We’ll help you choose the perfect solution for your lifestyle.