Daily Contact Lenses vs Monthly vs Yearly: How to Choose?

27.12.2023 | Leah | TTDeye Care

Contact lenses are a popular choice over eyeglasses for many, providing a more natural and unrestricted view of the world along with increased freedom of movement. For fashion folks, regular contact lenses are not the top pick – it's all about embracing the vibrant world of colored contact lenses!

But with daily, monthly, and yearly colored contact lenses available, it can be difficult to decide which type of contact lenses to choose. In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at the differences between contact lenses - daily, monthly, and yearly disposable - to help you determine which one is right for you.

Types Of Colored Contact Lenses by Frequency

What Are Daily Colored Contact Lenses?

Daily disposable color contact lenses are precisely what the name implies – they're for a single day's use. Simply pop open a new pack in the morning, wear them throughout the day, and toss them before bedtime. These lenses are typically thin with high water content.

Opting for daily colored contacts means no cleaning or storing, but once removed, they can't be worn again, requiring a fresh pair.

🙋🏻Target Group: They are a good option for people who have allergies or sensitivities, as they don’t accumulate deposits or bacteria over time.

What Are Monthly Colored Contacts?

Monthly disposable colored contact lenses are available to wear daily for up to a month. Unlike daily disposables. They're reusable within 30 days once opened.

However, proper care is crucial. Regular rinsing, cleaning, and disinfecting are necessary to avoid irritation or allergies. Neglecting cleaning may lead to deposits and bacteria, risking eye infections.

🙋🏻Target Group: Monthly disposable contact lenses suit regular contact lens users, offering an affordable alternative to daily lenses. They're especially beneficial for those with dry eyes, crafted from materials that retain moisture, ensuring prolonged comfort.

What Are Yearly Colored Contact Lenses?

Yearly colored contact lenses offer cost-effective value, being the most budget-friendly option.

Designed to last a full year, they require diligent maintenance to prevent deposits and bacteria buildup. Regularly clean, disinfect, and store them in a fresh solution within a clean lens case to ensure eye health.

🙋🏻Target Group: Yearly disposable lenses are a good option for people who are looking for a more cost-effective solution. They are typically less expensive than daily and monthly color contact lenses over the long term.


When picking contact lenses, consider various factors. Once you grasp the differences between daily, monthly, and yearly colored contact lenses, weigh these factors to find the perfect pair for you.

Daily Contact Lenses vs Monthly vs Yearly - Prescription

💡 For High Power of Vision Correction: Yearly or Monthly > Daily

Among the 3 types of contact lenses, not all are compatible with every prescription. Yearly and monthly colored contact lenses are thicker and more durable than daily disposables, resisting drying out.

However, for higher power of vision correction, especially in cases of astigmatism or presbyopia, it's recommended to choose monthly or yearly colored contacts, as daily disposables may have limitations in power availability.

Daily disposables may have limitations in power availability

Daily Colored Contact Lenses vs Monthly vs Yearly - Comfort

💡 Lens Comfort: Daily > Yearly or Monthly

They are all pretty comfy, but daily lenses have a slight advantage. The substances in your tears, like proteins, lipids, and calcium, can accumulate on your contacts, making them less comfortable over time.

Monthly and yearly lenses may retain some deposits, especially towards the end of their wear time, which poses a higher risk of infections. Daily contacts minimize this risk, as using fresh lenses every day reduces the chance of contamination, promoting better eye health and comfort.

Daily contacts minimize this risk of infections

Yearly vs Daily vs Monthly Contact Lenses - Cost

💡 Lens Cost: Yearly or Monthly > Daily

Daily colored contacts may seem more expensive, especially if you use a pair each day, but they do provide enhanced comfort and convenience, making them a great choice for those with sensitive eyes and a flexible budget.

On the other hand, yearly and monthly disposable lenses are relatively more cost-effective. However, they require additional expenses for contact lens solutions and cases for cleaning and storage.

Yearly and monthly disposable lenses are relatively more cost-effective

Daily Contact Lenses vs Monthly vs Yearly - Upkeep

💡 Lens Care: Daily > Yearly or Monthly

Daily lenses are the easiest to manage, allowing you to use a new pair each day and discard them before bedtime. However, it's crucial to ensure you always have a sufficient supply.

On the other hand, both yearly and monthly color contact lenses demand more care. After each use, you need to rinse, clean, and disinfect them with contact lens solution before storing them in their cases. Consistent maintenance and regular changes to the solution are essential.

Daily vs Monthly vs Yearly Contact Lenses - Convenience

💡 Lens Convenience: Daily > Yearly or Monthly

Daily disposable color eye contacts offer the utmost convenience among the 3 types. Whether on vacation or on a business trip, you can easily pack the required daily lenses without the need for cleaning solutions or storage kits. While daily lenses demand the least upkeep, ensuring a sufficient supply is essential.

In contrast, yearly and monthly lenses require more effort. After daily use, rinse, clean, and disinfect them with a contact lens solution before storing them in cases. Consistent maintenance and regular solution changes are vital.

Daily disposable color eye contacts offer the utmost convenience

Daily Contact Lenses vs Monthly vs Yearly - Frequency of Use

💡 Low Frequency of Use: Daily > Yearly or Monthly

If you don't wear colored contact lenses daily, opt for dailies to avoid dealing with cleaning lenses you don't use regularly. Monthly lenses, if not used daily, risk contamination and drying out in storage, possibly requiring disposal before 30 days.

For daily wearers or those who switch between contacts and glasses, monthly or yearly lenses are cost-effective. You can store them in a case when not in use and reuse them multiple times a day if needed.

Final Words

Ultimately, the type of contact lens that you choose will depend on your individual needs and preferences. It's important to consult with your eye doctor to determine which type of contact lens is right for you. They can help you assess your specific needs and recommend the best type of contact lens for your eyes.

Here to shop for different types of colored contact lenses at TTDeye:

👉 Daily Disposable Colored Contacts

👉 Monthly Disposable Colored Contacts

👉 Yearly Disposable Colored Contacts