Types of Contact Lenses: Which One Is Right for You?
Contact lenses differ based on how long they can be worn and what vision conditions they correct. There are daily and monthly disposable lenses, as well as types for nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and presbyopia.
Here you can see how they differ from one another. The final choice is confirmed during the eye exam.
Before Choosing Your Contact Lenses
It’s not just about the price or which ones seem most comfortable. Your prescription, the shape of your eye, how your eye responds, and how you plan to use them all matter. Wearing contact lenses every day is different from wearing them for sports or travel. At Miller & Marc, we help you choose the right type during your eye exam. This guide is meant to help you arrive with a clearer idea, not to make a decision without having your eyes checked.
By duration: daily and monthly
Daily contact lenses
You put on a new pair every time you use them and discard them at the end of the day. They don’t require a case or cleaning solution.
They’re usually a good fit when:
- · You alternate between contact lenses and glasses.
- · You wear them for sports, travel, or specific days.
- · You’re just starting to wear contact lenses.
- · You prefer a low-maintenance routine.
Keep in mind: if you use them daily, the ongoing cost is usually higher than with monthly lenses.
Monthly contact lenses
They are replaced according to the schedule specified for each model and are removed before bedtime, unless otherwise advised by a professional. After each use, they are cleaned and stored in their case with the appropriate solution.
They’re usually a good fit when:
- · You wear them frequently.
- · You have a consistent routine.
- · You don’t mind spending a few minutes on daily care.
Keep in mind: They require consistent hygiene. The replacement period begins when you open the package, not based on how many times you wear them.
By type of correction: spherical, toric, and multifocal
Spherical contact lenses
These are the most common. They are used to correct nearsightedness or farsightedness when no specific correction for astigmatism is needed.
Toric contact lenses
These are designed to correct astigmatism. They can also correct nearsightedness or farsightedness at the same time.
They need to be positioned correctly on the eye, so fitting them requires checking more than just the prescription.
Multifocal contact lenses
They allow you to see at different distances with the same lens. They’re used to correct presbyopia and can be combined with other prescriptions.
Fitting them may take a little longer. It’s not just about seeing every line on an eye chart—you also need to check how they work in your daily life.
How We Choose Your Contact Lenses in-Store
At Miller & Marc, a licensed optometrist checks your prescription and determines which type of contact lens is right for you.
We assess your vision, how the lens fits your eye, and what you plan to use it for. The eye exam is free and with no obligation at our optical stores in Madrid, Barcelona, Bilbao, Seville, and Valencia.
If it’s your first time, we’ll schedule a fitting appointment. We’ll practice putting them in, taking them out, and caring for them until you feel comfortable doing it on your own.
You don’t need to know which ones you need when you arrive. We’ll figure it out together.
Frequently Asked Questions About Types of Contact Lenses
What is the difference between daily and monthly contact lenses?
Daily pads are used once and discarded at the end of the day. Monthly pads are reused for the specified period and require cleaning and maintenance after each use. Daily pads are usually better suited for occasional use. Monthly pads may be more practical if you wear them frequently.
What are toric contact lenses?
These are contact lenses designed to correct astigmatism. Their shape helps keep the correction in the proper position on the eye. They can also correct nearsightedness or farsightedness at the same time.
What are multifocal contact lenses?
These are contact lenses that allow you to focus at different distances. They are used primarily when presbyopia sets in. They may require a period of adjustment to find the balance that is most comfortable for near, intermediate, and far vision.
Can I alternate between daily and monthly contact lenses?
Yes, that could be an option. Some people use monthly lenses on a regular basis and daily lenses for sports or travel.
It’s not enough for both to have the same prescription: the design, curvature, diameter, and other parameters may also vary. Both must be customized and prescribed specifically for you.
Which contact lenses are right for me if I have myopia and astigmatism?
Toric contact lenses that correct both prescriptions are typically considered.
The choice depends on the specific values in your prescription, how the lens fits, and how well you see with it. This is confirmed during the fitting process.
