Contact Lenses
The World of Monthly Replacement Contact Lenses
7 mins read
Not long ago, contact lenses were rigid and scrupulously maintained, considering how expensive each one was to buy.
Since then, science and technology have moved on by light years. With numerous materials, types and even colours on offer, a world of choice has opened up for contact lens wearers (and opticians). One of these choices is whether and why to choose monthly replacement contact lenses over other options.
Why choose monthly replacement over daily disposable lenses?
Let’s start by looking at the alternatives. As the name implies, daily disposable contact lenses are worn for just one day. That makes them ideal for occasional use by people who otherwise wear glasses, or for everyday use by those wanting to wear lenses during all their waking hours. The daily disposable option also appeals to anyone looking for minimal hassle or wanting to avoid a nightly cleaning and care regime.
The difference of monthly replacement contact lenses
A monthly replacement disposable contact lens is designed for a limited lifespan, though this extends to a complete month. This does not mean that you can wear them permanently for the whole period; you can take breaks —and you must not wear them overnight.
Monthly replacement lenses tend to be worn by those who prefer to wear contacts every day. The standard approach is to take them out each evening, clean them, then disinfect and store them in a case filled with fresh contact lens solution before reapplying them in the morning. However, there are also monthly replacement lenses that can be worn constantly for up to 30 days and nights. It is vital not to get the two confused or mixed up: make sure you understand what your optician has prescribed, since it is dangerous for your eye health to wear the wrong lenses overnight.
An option for everyone
Monthlies are a great option for correcting nearsightedness (myopia) and farsightedness (hyperopia) alike. Monthly replacement replacement lenses are also available if you need ‘toric’ contact lenses to correct astigmatism, or a multifocal lens to address presbyopia (the natural loss of elasticity of the lens in the eye that comes with age). There are even colored monthly replacement contact lenses for those wanting a consistent change to their eye color and personal style.
Your eye optician can prescribe the perfect contact lenses to match your prescription, preferences and lifestyle needs. In each case, today’s contact lenses provide a fantastic combination of sharp vision and eye health protection. Just make sure you follow the instructions on how to wear and care for them.
A monthly replacement contact lens that’s right for you
Right. You’re ready to join the vast tribe of contact lens wearers—and have decided to go for a modern lens. Breathable lenses which you only need to replace once a month. You’ve chosen from the options, which include ways to correct astigmatism and deal with multifocal needs. Deciding to start wearing your monthly replacement contact lenses on a memorable day (like the 1st or 10th of the month) makes it really easy to remember when to dispense with the old pair and start with fresh lenses.
Now it’s time to get used to applying, wearing, removing, cleaning and disinfecting your monthly replacement lenses - every day. As we note below, there are some extended wear monthly replacement lenses you can wear overnight—or even for several days and nights – but make sure you understand and are guided by your optician’s recommendation and prescription.
The structure of a monthly replacement contact lens
Monthly replacement disposable contact lenses are soft and comfortable, but more durable than daily disposables. This is because they have to be applied, removed and cleaned as many as 31 times during their lifetime. They are also designed to be particularly resistant to deposits.
Nowadays, the vast majority of monthly replacement lenses are made from a silicone hydrogel material which allows them to deliver up to five times more oxygen to the cornea than regular hydrogel contact lenses. This accounts for their popularity, but also explains why they are slightly more expensive than hydrogel lenses.
How to maintain monthly replacement contact lenses
As with all modern contact lenses, monthlies are very safe to wear, as long as you treat them properly. Each day, they pick up microscopic debris and deposits from your eye, eyelids, skin and the surrounding environment. Most of this is washed away by your natural tears, but the rest needs to be removed from the lenses through thorough cleaning after use.
This is done through disinfection in a sterile solution, within the case used to store your lenses overnight. Cleaned and maintained correctly, your contact lenses will keep delivering their best performance, while your eyes stay healthy and your vision remains clear.
Extended wear option
If you want a clever way around this regular care regime, there are monthly replacement (and weekly) contact lenses for what is called extended wear. You can keep these lenses on your eyes day and night, so they do not require the daily disposable care demanded by other monthlies. How is this possible? The answer is by using special types of silicone hydrogel materials, which maximize the amount of oxygen entering the eye. Extended wear lenses are ideal for busy people who want the convenience of an ultra-breathable lens, or don’t want to worry about remembering to take out their lenses at night.
Wear, don’t over wear
Unfortunately, most people who sleep with their contact lenses in are wearing lenses that are not suitable for doing so. Over-wearing a particular monthly replacement (or even worse, a daily) disposable contact lens and ignoring its specific guidance can do more than just interfere with the clarity of your vision. It creates a range of potential complications, including the risk of eye infections. This can easily be avoided by following the instructions and guidance given by your optician. So if you choose monthly replacement contact lenses, never be tempted to wear them more than a month after you have opened the blister pack.
Even more benefits
A pair of monthlies tends to cost less than 30 pairs of daily disposables. But when doing your calculations and comparing your options, remember to add in the cost of the contact lens solution, which is not needed for daily disposables.
Consult your eye optician
Most opticians stock a wide range of monthly replacement lenses for daily disposable or extended wear, while the internet is full of one-off or subscription alternatives. Our recommendation is always to use your favourite local eye optician, to ensure you remain in professional hands. They can examine your eyes; recommend which lenses work best for you; fit the lenses; guide you through how to apply, remove and care for them; then check on progress and performance, as well reassure you through regular follow-up appointments and examinations.
Monthly replacement contact lenses are great if you can put in the care
To sum up. Monthlies are a great choice if you are ready to make the regular and small efforts needed to keep them clean. Having mastered the art of using and caring for your monthly replacement lenses, we are fairly certain of one thing: your life and eyes will have taken a major turn for the better.
Products You Might Be Interested In
AIR OPTIX™ PLUS HYDRAGLYDE™
Outstanding value and outstanding comfort that lasts all month.1-3*
AIR OPTIX™ PLUS HYDRAGLYDE™ MULTIFOCAL
See clearly at all distances, near through far, in a comfortable monthly replacement disposablecontact lens.1-4*
AIR OPTIX™ PLUS HYDRAGLYDE™ FOR ASTIGMATISM
Outstanding value and outstanding comfort that lasts all month,1-3* plus clear vision for those with astigmatism.5*
REFERENCES
*Based on a clinical study with AIR OPTIX™ AQUA, AIR OPTIX™ for Astigmatism, and AIR OPTIX™ AQUA Multifocal contact lenses.
- Eiden SB, Davis RL, Bergenske PD. Prospective study of lotrafilcon B lenses comparing 2 versus 4 weeks of wear for objective and subjective measures of health, comfort, and vision. Eye & Contact Lens. 2013;39(4):290-294.
- Based on a 30-day clinical study of 75 habitual lotrafilcon B lens wearers; Alcon data on file, 2017.
- Lemp J, Kern J. A comparison of real time and recall comfort assessments. Optom Vis Sci. 2016;93:Eabstract 165256.
- Lemp J, Kern J. Alcon multifocal contact lenses for presbyopia correction. Paper presented at the Canadian Association of Optometrists Congress; June 28-30, 2017; Ottawa, ON. In a randomized, subject-masked, multi-site clinical study with over 150 patients; Alcon data on file, 2005.
Consult your eye care professional for wear, care, precautions, warnings, contraindications and adverse effects.
©2023 Alcon IMG-AHG-2300016
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