Switching from Daily to Monthly Contact Lenses
Understanding Monthly Contact Lenses
Monthly lenses are designed to be worn for up to 30 days when properly cleaned and stored each night. Unlike daily disposables that you throw away after a single use, monthly lenses require nightly cleaning and disinfection. This means you will handle your lenses more frequently and need to maintain a consistent care routine.
Reusable lenses often use silicone hydrogel materials with higher oxygen transmission and a stiffer modulus to tolerate repeated cleaning. Thickness varies by brand and prescription and is not inherently greater than for daily lenses. Both lens types can correct many of the same vision problems, but available parameters and features vary by brand and modality. Some complex prescriptions or custom parameters are available only in certain replacement schedules.
Monthly lenses typically cost less per day than daily disposables, especially if you wear contacts every day. A year of full-time monthly wear typically uses 12 pairs, while daily lenses need 365 pairs for full-time wear. However, you will need to budget for cleaning solution, lens cases, and replacement cases each month. If a lens is lost or damaged, you may need to open a replacement pair early, which can change your annual total.
When comparing costs, we recommend calculating the total annual expense including all supplies. Some patients find that the savings make monthly lenses worthwhile, while others prefer the convenience of dailies despite higher costs. Include solution and case costs when budgeting.
Monthly lenses work well for people who wear contacts consistently every day and enjoy establishing routines. If you have a stable schedule and a clean space to care for your lenses each night, monthly lenses may fit your lifestyle. People who are comfortable handling their lenses and following detailed care instructions often succeed with monthly wear.
- Full-time contact lens wearers who use lenses daily
- Patients with consistent daily routines and good hygiene habits
- Those looking to reduce long-term costs of contact lens wear
- People who have a stable home environment for lens care
- Wearers who need parameters that are more available in monthly options, such as certain toric or multifocal prescriptions
Daily disposable lenses remain the best option for many people. If you wear contacts only occasionally, such as for sports or special events, dailies eliminate the need for cleaning supplies and storage. Daily lenses are associated with a lower risk of infection than reusable lenses because you use a fresh, sterile lens each day. People who are prone to deposits or giant papillary conjunctivitis often do better with single-use daily lenses.
People with allergies, dry eyes, or a history of eye infections often do better with daily disposables. We may recommend staying with daily lenses if your eyes are sensitive or if your lifestyle makes consistent cleaning difficult.
Your Fitting Appointment for Monthly Lenses
Before switching to monthly lenses, our eye doctor will examine the health of your eyes thoroughly. We check for any signs of dryness, inflammation, or other conditions that might affect how well you tolerate monthly wear. A healthy ocular surface is essential for successful monthly lens use. We also assess your eyelids and lashes for blepharitis or papillary changes and look for corneal neovascularization that can affect safe lens wear.
This exam also includes evaluating your tear film quality and quantity. Adequate tears help keep monthly lenses clean and comfortable throughout the day.
Even if you currently wear daily lenses successfully, monthly lenses may fit differently on your eyes. We measure the curvature of your cornea and determine the best lens parameters for your eye shape. Monthly lenses come in different base curves and diameters that must match your eye's unique measurements.
These measurements ensure that your lenses move properly with each blink and allow enough oxygen to reach your cornea. Proper fit is crucial for both comfort and eye health.
During your appointment, we will ask about your daily routine, work environment, and activities. Understanding when and where you plan to wear your lenses helps us recommend the best monthly lens type for you. Some monthly lenses are designed for sensitive eyes, while others prioritize high oxygen transmission or moisture retention.
- Your typical daily schedule and sleep patterns
- Environmental factors like air conditioning or outdoor exposure
- Any hobbies or sports that may affect lens wear
- Your access to a clean space for lens care each day
We will place trial monthly lenses on your eyes to assess the fit and your vision clarity. After allowing the lenses to settle for a few minutes, our eye doctor checks how they move on your eyes and whether they center properly. You will read an eye chart to confirm that your vision is sharp and comfortable.
If the initial lenses do not fit perfectly, we may try different parameters until we find the best match. This process ensures you start with lenses that feel good and provide clear vision.
Before you leave with your new monthly lenses, we provide detailed training on inserting and removing them safely. You will practice these skills under our guidance until you feel confident. Proper technique prevents damage to your lenses and reduces the risk of eye irritation.
We also teach you how to inspect your lenses for damage or deposits before inserting them each day. Recognizing a torn or damaged lens helps you avoid eye problems.
Daily Handling and Cleaning
Washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water before touching your lenses is the most important step in preventing eye infections. Dry your hands with a lint-free towel to avoid transferring fibers to your lenses. Clean hands reduce the transfer of bacteria, viruses, and other contaminants to your eyes.
Avoid using moisturizing soaps or lotions before handling your lenses, as these products can leave residue that clouds your vision or irritates your eyes. Plain soap works best for contact lens wearers.
Each night when you remove your monthly lenses, you must clean them immediately. Place the lens in your palm, add a few drops of multipurpose solution, and gently rub the lens with your finger in a back-and-forth motion. This mechanical rubbing removes protein deposits, lipids, and debris that accumulate during wear.
After rubbing, rinse the lens thoroughly with fresh solution before placing it in your case. Never skip the rubbing step, even if your solution is labeled as a no-rub formula, as rubbing provides the most effective cleaning. Do not use saline to disinfect lenses. Saline does not disinfect.
Storage and Disinfection
Always fill your lens case with fresh multipurpose solution each night. Never top off old solution or reuse solution from previous days, as this practice can allow harmful microorganisms to grow. Pour out the old solution from your case each morning after inserting your lenses.
- Discard all used solution from the case daily
- Refill with fresh solution from the bottle each night
- Never use tap water, saliva, or other liquids to store lenses
- Keep the solution bottle tip clean and avoid touching it to any surface
- Do not transfer solution into smaller containers
Water exposure increases the risk of serious eye infections, including those caused by microorganisms that resist treatment. Removing your lenses before any water contact protects your eyes from these dangers.
- Do not shower, swim, or use hot tubs while wearing contact lenses
- If lenses are exposed to water, remove them as soon as you can. For dailies, discard. For monthlies, clean and disinfect before reinsertion
- If you develop pain, light sensitivity, or decreased vision after water exposure, remove lenses and seek same-day care
Clean your lens case every day. After lens insertion, empty the case, rub the wells and caps with clean fingers and fresh solution for a few seconds, rinse with fresh solution, then wipe dry with a clean tissue and air dry face-down with caps off.
Store your case in a clean, dry location away from the bathroom sink or toilet, where splashing water can introduce contaminants. Replace the caps on your solution bottles immediately after use to maintain sterility.
- Never rinse the case with tap water
- Do not mix different disinfection systems in the same case
- Close the bottle tightly after each use
Hydrogen peroxide systems offer an effective alternative to multipurpose solutions for disinfecting monthly lenses. These systems require specific handling to ensure safety and proper neutralization.
- Use only the case that comes with the peroxide system so the solution can neutralize fully
- Allow the full neutralization time as directed, usually 6 or more hours
- Never put un-neutralized peroxide directly in your eye
- Do not mix peroxide with multipurpose solution in the same case
Replace your contact lens case at least every 3 months, or sooner if it becomes dirty, cracked, or stained. Over time, microscopic organisms can colonize the case material and resist cleaning efforts. Many solution manufacturers include a case with each bottle, making regular replacement easy and affordable.
Consider replacing your case on the same schedule you replace your lenses to make it routine. This habit helps you maintain a fresh, sanitary storage environment for your monthly lenses.
Standard monthly lenses must be removed every night before sleep. Sleeping in lenses that are not approved for overnight wear significantly increases your risk of serious eye infections and corneal damage. Your eyes need time without lenses to receive oxygen and recover from daily wear. Naps count as sleeping and carry the same risks with non-extended-wear lenses.
If you occasionally need to sleep in lenses, talk to our eye doctor about extended-wear lenses that are specifically approved for overnight wear. These lenses require a different fitting and monitoring schedule.
Making the Transition Smooth
Switching from daily to monthly lenses may feel different at first. Monthly lenses can feel slightly thicker or more noticeable than the ultra-thin daily lenses you are used to wearing. Most people adapt within a few days as their eyes adjust to the new lens material and design.
You might also notice that your lenses feel slightly different at the end of the day compared to when you first insert them. This change is normal as deposits gradually accumulate throughout the day, which is why nightly cleaning is so important.
Creating a consistent routine for lens care helps ensure you never skip important steps. Many patients find it helpful to care for their lenses at the same time each day, such as right before brushing their teeth at night. Keeping all your supplies in one designated spot makes the routine faster and more automatic.
- Choose a specific time each night for lens removal and cleaning
- Keep all supplies organized in a clean, accessible location
- Complete all care steps before getting into bed
- Prepare your case with fresh solution before removing lenses
Replace each pair 30 days after opening. Set a 30-day reminder tied to the open date so you do not exceed the schedule. Wearing monthly lenses beyond 30 days increases the risk of infections and discomfort.
Writing your replacement date on your lens case with a marker can also help you remember when replacement day arrives. Never extend the wearing schedule, even if your lenses still feel comfortable. Do not extend wear past 30 days even if the lenses feel comfortable.
We typically schedule a follow-up visit one to two weeks after you start wearing monthly lenses. During this appointment, our eye doctor examines how the lenses fit after regular wear and checks for any signs of complications. We also ask about your comfort level and any challenges you have experienced with the care routine.
These follow-up visits allow us to make adjustments early if needed. If your lenses are not fitting well or causing any problems, we may recommend different lens parameters or discuss returning to daily disposables.
Monthly lenses may not feel exactly the same as your daily disposables, especially at the beginning and end of each day. Some awareness of the lens is normal and does not necessarily indicate a problem. However, the lenses should never cause pain, persistent irritation, or more than mild initial awareness.
Give yourself time to adapt, but trust your instincts if something feels wrong. Contact our office if you experience ongoing discomfort that does not improve within the first week of wear.
Recognizing Problems and When to Seek Care
Certain symptoms indicate a potentially serious problem that requires immediate attention. Remove your contact lenses right away if you experience any of these warning signs. Do not reinsert your lenses until our eye doctor examines you and clears you to resume wear.
- Sharp or stabbing pain while wearing lenses or persistent pain after removal
- Burning sensation that may result from contaminated solution or chemical exposure
- Eyes that remain red for several hours after lens removal or redness that worsens over time
- Thick, yellow, or green discharge, or sticky discharge that causes eyelids to stick together
- Increased sensitivity to light or seeing halos around lights, especially if sudden or worsening during daytime
If sharp pain occurs, inspect your lens for tears or debris and rinse your eye with sterile saline if available. Do not use multipurpose solution as an eye drop. If a chemical exposure occurs, irrigate with sterile saline if available and seek care. Contact our office the same day for any of these symptoms, especially if accompanied by vision changes or discharge.
Some mild symptoms may resolve quickly after you remove your lenses and give your eyes a break. Mild redness that goes away within an hour of removing your lenses is usually not concerning. Occasional blurred vision that clears after a few blinks is often caused by dryness or a lens that has shifted slightly.
However, if these mild symptoms persist beyond an hour, worsen, or recur frequently, contact our office for evaluation. Trust your instincts about your eye health. If any symptom alarms you or causes severe discomfort, remove your lenses immediately and call our office during business hours or seek emergency eye care after hours. It is always better to have us check your eyes and find no problem than to delay care when something is wrong. Early treatment helps prevent serious complications.
Frequently Asked Questions
You will need a new contact lens fitting even if your vision prescription has not changed. Monthly lenses have different parameters than daily lenses, and we must ensure proper fit and comfort. Your original daily lens prescription cannot simply be transferred to a different monthly lens brand or type.
Set a 30-day recurring reminder from the date you open a new pair. Replace each pair exactly 30 days after opening, not on a fixed calendar day. Writing your replacement date on the outside of your lens case as a visual reminder can also help you stay on schedule.
No. Remove lenses before showering, swimming, or using hot tubs. Water exposure increases the risk of serious infections. If lenses are exposed to water, remove them, disinfect monthlies before reuse, and seek care the same day if you develop pain or light sensitivity.
Use only lubricating or rewetting drops labeled for contact lens use. Avoid redness-relief drops unless prescribed. Do not use multipurpose solution as an eye drop.
Discard the lenses right away and start a fresh pair. Monitor for redness, pain, or vision changes. If symptoms occur, stop lens wear and contact our office.
Not all solutions are compatible with every lens material. We will recommend a specific multipurpose solution that works well with your particular monthly lenses. Using the wrong solution can cause discomfort or damage your lenses. Always follow our recommendations and avoid switching solution brands without consulting us first.
Getting Help for Switching from Daily to Monthly Lenses
Our eye doctor is here to guide you through every step of transitioning to monthly contact lenses. We will determine if monthly lenses suit your eyes and lifestyle, fit you with the right lenses, teach you proper care techniques, and monitor your progress with regular follow-up appointments. Contact our office to schedule a consultation and discuss whether making the switch is right for you.