As the name suggests, monthly contact lenses cannot be used for over a period of one month. These monthly lenses are greatly used by contact lens enthusiasts and willingly prescribed by eye doctors as well – according to research done in the UK, around half of all contacts prescribed are monthlies.
Previously these monthly lenses were made up of a material called HEMA. Nowadays, these lenses are made of Silicon Hydrogel because this material is oxygen permeable – which simply means that it allows approximately five times more oxygen to reach the eyes.
Monthly contact lenses come with an “all-in-one” cleaning liquid that should be regularly used to clean away the protein based tear fluid that sit on the surface of the lens – this tear fluid, if not regularly cleaned away, can cause a host of eye-infections.
Just as it is important to properly and regularly clean the lenses, it is also absolutely necessary to store the lenses away in the manner prescribed. However, it has to be said that monthly lenses are designed to require comparatively lesser care and maintenance – in fact this is one of the biggest reasons why these lenses are in such hot demand.
Why you should use monthly contacts?
The biggest reason is convenience. The monthlies that facilitate extended wear do not require the wearer to take them off after a certain number of hours. Thanks to the Hydrogel’s unique ability to allow more oxygen to the eyes, many of these lenses can be worn for a period of thirty days continuously – this is super convenient for those parents and professionals who are challenged with hectic work schedules.
Another reason why these monthly lenses are so sought after is because they are not very expensive at all as compared to its other long-life counterparts. When it comes to drawbacks, there are no hazardous drawbacks with using these lenses. However, as a safety precaution, always choose a good and reputable brand.
Secondly, even though monthly contact lenses are designed to be worn for extended periods, it is advisable to take them off after a week or so and soak them in the prescribed cleansing liquid for a few hours – this will clear away any protein and amino acids that may have formed on the lens’ surface.
Thirdly, using the monthly contact lenses for over a month can cause serious irritation and infection in the eyes – make sure you have a fresh pair before the thirty day period expires.