Advancement in contact lens technology means that that wearers have a much wider choice of the type of lens and how long they want to wear them for, compared to those in the past. Individual choice plays a large part in what type of contact lens the wearer chooses, each having their pros and cons.
Most people are suitable for monthly contact lens wear. They are extended wear contact lenses, so most types are removed after wearing and stored in a solution overnight to clean and disinfect them ready for the next time you want to wear them.
There are types of monthly contact lenses that can be worn up to 7 days without removing them – these are fully approved for sleeping in, unlike other types of monthly contact lenses that are not. Sleeping in this type of contact lens can lead to infections in the eyes, depriving them of oxygen so they feel dry, and corneal neovascularisation, a condition in which the whites of they eyes are encroached by the surrounding blood vessels.
Some users find monthly contact lenses more comfortable. They are more durable as they are extended wear lenses – they need to last the whole month so they are thicker than daily disposable lenses. Whilst your eyes are open, oxygen is able to reach your corneas – monthly contact lenses are typically silicone lenses with a higher gas permeability, allowing up to five times more oxygen to reach the eye compared to standard contact lenses. You eyes can breathe efficiently whilst staying moist.
Obviously, due to the fact that they are only disposed of and changed once a month, you are purchasing fewer lenses. This equates to just 24 lenses per year, rather than 2 per day as you would be using with daily disposable lenses.
Appointments are available for you, whether you wish to try contact lenses for the first time, are having problems with your current lenses, or wish to try a different type of contact lens. It is important to talk to your optician before you begin to use new contact lenses, to ensure they are fitted correctly and are at the right prescription for you, ensuring your eyes remain healthy.