Q: What vision problems do monthly contact lenses correct?

• Myopia : Short-sightedness makes focusing on distant objects difficult but is easily treated with monthly contact lenses. • Hyperopia : Long-sightedness causes close objects to appear blurry but a pair of monthly contact lenses can fix this with no trouble. • Astigmatism : When you have astigmatism, your eye is not perfectly round, which leads to blurry vision and even discomfort. Toric contact lenses are designed to fit this shape more securely than traditional spherical contacts and are available as monthlies. • Presbyopia : As we get older, our eyes find it harder to change shape to focus on objects at different distances. This makes nearby objects appear blurry, but multifocal contact lenses can correct this and are available with a monthly wearing pattern.

Question 1

What vision problems do monthly contact lenses correct?

Accepted Answer

• Myopia: Short-sightedness makes focusing on distant objects difficult but is easily treated with monthly contact lenses.

• Hyperopia: Long-sightedness causes close objects to appear blurry but a pair of monthly contact lenses can fix this with no trouble.

• Astigmatism: When you have astigmatism, your eye is not perfectly round, which leads to blurry vision and even discomfort. Toric contact lenses are designed to fit this shape more securely than traditional spherical contacts and are available as monthlies.

• Presbyopia: As we get older, our eyes find it harder to change shape to focus on objects at different distances. This makes nearby objects appear blurry, but multifocal contact lenses can correct this and are available with a monthly wearing pattern.

Question 2

Why choose monthly contact lenses?

Accepted Answer

Monthly lenses are great for regular contact lens wearers as they provide an entire month's wear from just one pair. They offer better value for money than dailies but do need cleaning. This is quick and easy and could save you a considerable amount every month. If you're still not sure which type of lenses to go for, look at our comparison page.

If you're thinking of wearing monthly contact lenses, it's worth deciding for certain that they're right for you. For example, if you only wear your contact lenses for sport or the occasional night out, then monthly lenses are probably not the right choice.

If you wear contacts every day, then monthlies will help you to save money. They're also available in wide variety of forms so, whether you have astigmatism, long sight or any other difficulty with vision you're sure to find a monthly lens to suit your needs.

Some opticians may even approve you wearing your monthly lenses continuously. This extended wearing pattern means that you don't need to take out your lenses for sleeping, so you can wake up with perfect vision every day. This is ideal for those who work long hours and need consistently clear vision, as well as new parents, who might be getting up in the middle of the night and don't want to mess around with glasses or putting lenses on.

If you currently wear an optician's own brand contact lenses, you can still find the equivalents of these lenses online. Check out our table on Boots own brand lenses and Specsavers easyvision to find the branded equivalents of your lenses.

Question 3

What are the different types of types of monthly contact lenses?

Accepted Answer

Monthly contact lenses for short sight and long sight

There are lots of choices with monthly contacts for myopia or hyperopia. We recommend choosing a lens that's good at retaining moisture and allows oxygen to pass through so your eyes feel healthy and fresh for the whole month.

Air Optix Aqua and Biofinity are both available with correction for short or long sight. Air Optix Aqua uses TriComfort technology for an ultra-breathable lens that retains moisture, with a smooth lens surface that prevents protein build ups for clear and comfortable vision. Biofinity uses CooperVision's Aquaform technology to ensure a natural feeling and is often recommended for extended wear.

Monthly contact lenses for astigmatism

If you have astigmatism, typical spherical contact lenses won't fit you very well. Monthly toric contact lenses are available to fit your eyes securely and make sure that your vision is totally clear for as long as you wear them.

Biofinity Toric are a popular choice for monthly contact lens wearers, providing perfect vision for up to 30 consecutive days with high level comfort. Air Optix for Astigmatism provides consistently clear vision for up to 16 hours a day, making them an excellent choice if you need your contacts for long hours.

Monthly contact lenses for presbyopia

Multifocal contact lenses are designed to treat the condition of presbyopia. Each lens contains multiple powers that allow you to focus on objects at all ranges. This means that you don't need to be swapping between wearing and not wearing glasses, making for a more convenient way to correct blurry vision.

Air Optix Multifocal use TriComfort™ technology to ensure a super comfortable wearing experience. This means the lenses are exceptionally breathable, lock in moisture to keep your eyes hydrated and are designed with a smooth, thin surface that resists build ups of dirt and debris.

Monthly extended wear contact lenses

If you have plenty of natural tears, your optician might allow you to use monthly contact lenses for extended wear. This wearing pattern means that you can sleep in your lenses and they don't need regular cleaning.

The maximum you'll be able to wear extended lenses is for 30 days and you'll either be recommended lenses specially designed for extended wear, such as Air Optix Night and Day, or a monthly lens with a high water content like Biofinity.

Monthly coloured contact lenses

Coloured contact lenses let you change your natural eye colour, either with a subtle enhancement or a more dramatic shift in shade. You can get coloured contact lenses that correct vision as well as just for cosmetic use without any correction.

Monthly coloured contact lenses are perfect if coloured contacts are part of your everyday look, providing a great value option that lasts for 30 consecutive days. We recommend FreshLook Colorblends and Air Optix Colors, both of which are high-quality contact lenses that are perfect for boosting your natural colour.

Question 4

What are our most popular monthly contact lenses?

Accepted Answer

If you're looking to buy monthly contact lenses, take a look through our bestselling options.

• Air Optix Aqua

These ultra-breathable monthly lenses from Alcon, are made from silicone hydrogel and so allow up to 5 times more oxygen than regular hydrogel lenses. This helps to keep your eyes stay healthy and your vision clear throughout the entire month.

Shop Air Optix Aqua

• everclear AIR

Exclusive to Vision direct, everclear AIR is one of the best value monthly lenses on the market today. With a built in handling tint to help those new to contacts, high water content to keep eyes moisturised, and a UV filter to protect eyes from the sun, everclear AIR has everything a contact lens needs to keep your eyes comfortable from day 1 to day 28.

Shop everclear AIR

• Biofinity

Making use of CooperVision's unique Aquaform Comfort Science, Biofinity combine a high water content with a maximum breathability for a lens that provides plenty of comfort. Often recommended for extended wear, Biofinity are ideal for those who need high performing contact lenses for long hours.

Shop Biofinity

• Proclear

A great option for those who suffer from dry eyes, Proclear contact lenses are made with PC Technology™ for a lens with a high level of water built in to the material. This design makes sure the lenses retain a high level of water, making for hydrated and comfortable eyes.

Shop Proclear

• Biofinity toric

CooperVision's Biofinity Toric lenses are specially designed for astigmatism, with a shape that ensures a secure and stable fit for clear and comfortable vision all day long. Aquaform Comfort Science helps to soothe eyes that can become dry or irritated, allowing oxygen to pass through the lens surface and working to make the lens retain moisture.

Shop Biofinity toric

• FreshLook Colorblends

FreshLook Colorblends are monthly coloured contact lenses available for both prescription and cosmetic use. Manufactured by Alcon (formerly Ciba Vision), these lenses are comfortable, durable and are available in 12 great shades for a complementary tint to your natural eye colour.

Shop FreshLook Colorblends

• PureVision

From optical specialists Bausch & Lomb, PureVision are affordable monthly lenses that utilise Aergel technology to guarantee extra comfort. This ensures that oxygen passes through to your eyes, making them an excellent choice for those who sometimes experience discomfort.

Shop PureVision

• Air Optix Night & Day Aqua

These monthly lenses are specially designed for extended wear and so can be worn while you sleep if your optician approves of it. Using Alcon's TriComfort technology, these lenses ensure lots of breathability, plenty of moisture retention and a smooth lens surface that stays clear of protein build ups.

Shop Air Optix Night & Day Aqua

• Air Optix for Astigmatism

Toric contact lenses are contact lenses that are designed to fit comfortably and securely for people with astigmatism. Air Optix for Astigmatism offer clear and stable vision for up to 16 hours a day, keeping your eyes comfortable for the entire wear time.

Shop Air Optix for Astigmatism

• Biomedics 55 Evolution

Biomedics 55 Evolution are monthly lenses that correct naturally occurring spherical aberrations in your eyes. Designed with your comfort in mind, these are slim and soft contact lenses that fit snugly and provide an extra layer of UV defence.

Shop Biomedics 55 Evolution

• SofLens 59

These durable lenses, manufactured by Bausch & Lomb are perfect for those who lead a busy life. These lenses are particularly adept at resisting protein build ups that occur naturally on their surface and have a high water content to ensure your eyes stay feeling hydrated and comfortable all month.

Shop SofLens 59