Choosing between daily or monthly options.
Astigmatism is one of the most common vision conditions among Australians, with around 1.4 million people suffering from it. It happens when the cornea (the clear front surface of your eye) isn’t perfectly round, causing light to bend unevenly and resulting in blurred or distorted vision at any distance.
Modern contact lenses for astigmatism, also called toric lenses, are designed to correct this uneven curvature, giving the wearer clear, sharp vision. With contact lenses comes a big question, should you go with daily or monthly lenses?
Daily Contact Lenses for Astigmatism
Designed to be worn once and then discarded at the end of the day, these are ideal for those with busy schedules or who simply love convenience.
One of the biggest advantages of daily lenses is hygiene. Since you start with a fresh pair every morning, the risk of bacteria and protein build-up is greatly reduced, making them ideal for anyone prone to eye irritation or allergies. They’re also incredibly convenient, there’s no cleaning, no storage, and no carrying around lens cases or bottles of solution. If you’re travelling, they’re a hassle-free choice since you can simply pack as many pairs as you need.
On the downside, the cost of daily lenses can add up over time. As you’re using a new pair every day, they’re often more expensive in the long run compared to monthly options. They also generate more waste since you’re disposing of plastic packaging and lenses daily, which might be a concern for eco-conscious wearers.
Monthly Contact Lenses for Astigmatism
Monthly contact lenses are designed to be reused for up to 30 days, provided they’re removed, cleaned and stored properly each night. For many people, this makes them a more budget-friendly option since you only need 12 pairs a year.
The main benefit of monthly lenses is cost-effectiveness and variety. They’re generally less expensive per wear and can be a great option if you’re looking for something more sustainable, as you’ll be throwing away far fewer lenses and packaging compared to dailies. Monthly lenses also often come in more custom contact lenses options, giving those with more complex prescriptions or unique eye shapes a better fit and sharper vision.
However, monthly lenses do require more responsibility. Proper cleaning and storage are essential, and skipping this step can increase the risk of eye infections. For people with busy lifestyles, the nightly cleaning routine can feel like a chore. They’re also less travel-friendly since you’ll need to pack cleaning solutions and storage cases wherever you go.
The choice between daily and monthly contact lenses for astigmatism often comes down to your lifestyle and personal preferences.
You might want to choose daily lenses if…
You prioritise convenience and hygiene.
You’re prone to eye irritation or allergies.
You don’t wear contacts every day.
And choose monthly lenses if…
You wear contact lenses daily and want a cost-effective option.
You need a wider prescription range or custom contact lenses.
You don’t mind a cleaning routine and want to reduce waste.
Find Your Perfect Fit
Ultimately you need to find out what works best for your eyes and your lifestyle. Both options have their benefits, and the best way to decide is to book an appointment with your optometrist.
At Abernethy Owens Optometrists, we’ll assess your vision, eye health and day-to-day needs to recommend the lenses that will give you comfort and clarity. Whether that’s daily disposables, durable monthlies, or tailored custom contact lenses, you can trust our team to help you see your world at its sharpest. Book an appointment online now or call 1800 411 744.