What are the best contact lenses?
Question: What are the best contact lenses for me (daily, 2-week or monthly replacement)?
Dr. Clay's Answer:
The most popular contact lenses on the market today are soft disposable lenses. These lenses are categorized by how often you're supposed to replace them. The frequency of disposal depends on factors such as the lens material, oxygen transmission, and the ability of the lens to resist deposits. Most contacts are for either daily, two-week, or monthly disposal.
So, what are the advantages of the different replacement schedules? Let's look at each to help answer the question, "Which contact lenses are best for me?"
Daily Disposable Soft Lenses
What are they?
Daily disposable contact lenses or single-use lenses are worn for one day, then thrown away. You get to wear a new, fresh lens every morning. Daily disposable contacts represent the ultimate in health and convenience. They are the healthiest option because the lenses never get to build up deposits and proteins on the surface. They're not handled as much, which reduces the possibility of germ contamination. You don't need to buy contact lens solutions or cases because you don't need to clean them. Many view dailies as the most comfortable contact lenses because of these qualities.
Who are they for?
Daily disposable lenses are ideal for children or teenagers who may not properly clean and care for longer-wear lenses (have you seen a teenager's bedroom?). They're also a great option for people who suffer from solution sensitivities, allergies, or dry eyes. People who only wear contacts for sports or special occasions enjoy the low maintenance and comfort of a fresh, clean lens every time they put them in.
Daily disposable lenses tend to be a little more expensive than two-week or monthly replacement lenses. Still, the difference is minimal when you take out the cost of cleaning products and factor in the convenience.
What are the best daily contact lenses?
That's a great question that we're uncomfortable answering because the answer is, well, subjective. What we can do is fill you in on some of the most popular daily-disposable contacts available.
AquaSoft® Daily are recommended by 9 out of 10 customers who switch to them because they're comfortable and start at only $25 a box—which makes them very affordable for daily contacts. Made of silicone hydrogel, AquaSoft Daily allows four times more oxygen. Basically, they're super comfy.
1-DAY ACUVUE® OASYS® with HydraLuxe™ are a consistent favorite amongst dailies wearers. Their tear-infused design lubricates and moisturizes for superior comfort and performance all day. The one drawback? Price. These contacts do gravitate to the more expensive end of the spectrum.
DAILIES TOTAL1® are the only daily contact lenses that feature water-gradient technology, which increases the water content to nearly 100% at the surface of the lens for a crazy-comfortable lens.
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Two-Week Disposable Lenses
What are they?
Most two-week disposable lenses are designed to be removed each night, cleaned and disinfected overnight, then put back in every morning for up to 14 days before being replaced. Some of these lenses can be worn overnight for up to one week before replacement.
Some of the most comfortable and popular lenses on the market fall into the category of two-week disposable lenses. They usually come in boxes of 6, 12, or 24 lenses.
What are the best two-week contact lenses?
Again, subjective question. While we can't give you a definitive answer, we can share some of the most popular contact lenses in this category.
ACUVUE® OASYS® with HYDRACLEAR® PLUS are extremely comfortable contact lenses thanks to their Hydraclear Plus technology that keeps your eyes moist and comfortable all day.
Avaira Vitality™ 2-week contact lenses by CooperVision are silicone hydrogel contact lenses that provide a higher water content for all-day comfort you'll enjoy from the moment you put them in until you take them out.
Are you looking to spice things up? FreshLook® COLORBLENDS® color contacts are the way to do it. They use a patented 3-in-1 technology to combine three colors into one. Your eyes will take on a new deep color while retaining their natural appearance.
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Monthly Disposable Lenses
What are they?
Monthly disposable lenses are designed to be taken out at night, cleaned and disinfected, and put back in every morning for up to 30 days. Some are approved for sleeping in.
There are many comfortable and healthy monthly disposable lenses on the market. Replacing lenses monthly is easier for most people to remember than replacing them every two weeks. Monthly replacement lenses usually come in boxes of six lenses and are often a little more expensive per box than the same amount of two-week lenses, but the overall cost per year tends to be less in monthlies.
What are the best monthly contact lenses?
Here are some of the most popular monthly contact lenses on the market.
AIR OPTIX® plus HydraGlyde® contact lenses patented technologies deliver comfort all month long. SmartShield® blocks deposits from collecting on the lens surface, while HydraGlyde® helps maintain moisture.
Bausch + Lomb ULTRA® contact lenses help fight eyestrain, dryness, and other unpleasant symptoms with MoistureSeal® technology.
Biofinity® monthly contact lenses by CooperVision use Aquaform Comfort Science technology to provide an advanced level of comfort in a monthly disposable lens.
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As you can see, the best contact lenses depend on how you want to wear them, how much time you want to take care of them, and how much money you want to spend. Many great options and brands are available in these three lens replacement schedules.
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Original Publish Date: 1/24/2020
Updated: 5/10/2023