How Many Hours Can You Wear Monthly vs. Daily Contacts?

Most types of soft, disposable contact lenses can be worn for 12 to 16 hours at a time, but be sure to consult your optometrist on this question first. The number of recommended hours of wear can vary depending on the lens, manufacturer, and any eye conditions you have. 

Remember—it’s always best to remove your contacts before bed at night to give your eyes a chance to rest and prevent infection.

Factors To Consider When Choosing Between Daily and Monthly Contacts

Daily and monthly contacts are both convenient in different ways and for different lifestyles. Here’s what you should consider before making your choice. 

Your Prescription and Eye Conditions

Your visual acuity and refractive errors (such as myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism) will help determine whether daily or monthly lenses are most suitable for you. Daily lenses are a good idea for most kinds of vision correction, but if your eye prescription is complex, it may not be available in daily contacts—and your doctor may recommend monthly or specialty contacts instead. 

The lens you use should also take any eye conditions you might have into account (your optometrist will be the authority on this!). 

Be aware that contact lenses can’t accommodate every prescription out there—sometimes glasses are your best bet.