Which Contact Lenses Are Right for You? A Simple Guide to Finding Your Match

Choosing contact lenses can feel overwhelming. With so many options, daily vs. monthly, clear vs. colored, and more, how do you know what's best for you? 

At Global Lens, we understand that the right lenses make all the difference in comfort, clarity, and confidence. This quick guide breaks down the types of contacts available (and how they fit your lifestyle). Whether you’re looking for low-maintenance convenience or bold styles for special occasions, we’ve got you covered.

Lens Replacement Schedules: Daily, Weekly, Monthly, Yearly

One major way contact lenses differ is how long you wear each pair before replacing them. Here’s a simple comparison:

As the table shows, daily disposables offer the ultimate in hygiene and convenience. You get a fresh, sterile lens every morning and toss it at night, which minimizes the risk of irritation or infection. No cleaning or contact solution is needed at all! Of course, this convenience comes at a higher per-lens cost (though you save on solutions), so dailies can be a bit pricier overall if worn full-time. 

Weekly/bi-weekly lenses (often replaced every two weeks) are a middle ground; you reuse the lens for several days, cleaning each night, then switch to a new pair about once a week or fortnight. This means less waste and lower cost than dailies, but more frequent freshness than monthlies. 

Monthly lenses remain very popular for full-time wearers – they’re affordable and made of advanced materials that stay comfortable for up to 30 days (with proper nightly cleaning to prevent deposits). And since you’re using fewer lenses, you’ll generate less packaging waste than with daily disposables. 

Finally, yearly lenses were more common in the past; today, they’re mainly used in special cases. These lenses can last many months with diligent care, but most eye doctors now recommend more frequent replacement for better eye health. Yearly lenses demand the most cleaning discipline, yet offer the convenience of not constantly reordering lenses.

Specialty Lenses: Astigmatism and Multifocal

Beyond the wear schedule, consider if you need specialized contacts:

Astigmatism (Toric) Lenses: Designed to correct astigmatism, these have a unique shape that ensures they stay oriented on your eye for stable, clear vision. Regular spherical lenses can rotate and blur if you have astigmatism, but toric lenses won’t. Toric contacts are available in daily, 2-week, and monthly styles. At Global Lens, you’ll find toric versions of popular brands (Acuvue, Biofinity, Proclear, and more), so you can stick with a brand you trust. If your prescription has a cylinder and axis, make sure to choose a toric lens to match.

Multifocal Lenses: If you need both distance and reading correction (presbyopia), multifocal contacts let you see near, intermediate, and far seamlessly.These high-tech lenses have multiple focus zones, eliminating the need for reading glasses over your contacts. They come in daily and monthly versions. There’s a short adaptation period, but multifocals can greatly improve convenience for those 40+ who are tired of juggling glasses. We offer multifocal options from all the leading brands (Acuvue, CooperVision, Bausch + Lomb, etc.), so it’s easy to find one that fits your needs.

Clear vs. Colored Contacts

Clear contact lenses are the standard, designed to be invisible while correcting your vision. But you can also have fun with colored contacts to enhance or change your eye color. These lenses come in various tints from subtle (enhancing your natural shade) to dramatic (completely changing your iris color). Colored contacts can be a great choice for special occasions, costumes, or just switching up your style.

If you choose colored lenses, remember they are medical devices just like clear lenses. You must use them safely with a proper prescription and care. In fact, even if you have 20/20 vision, you still need an eye exam and prescription to buy colored contacts legally. All the colored lenses we carry are FDA-approved and safe to wear when used correctly. They also come in different replacement schedules (daily colored lenses for one-time or occasional use, and monthly colored lenses for regular wearers). For example, 1-Day Acuvue Define is a daily lens that adds a subtle sparkle to your natural eye color, while Air Optix Colors are monthly lenses that can completely change your eye hue. Always follow the recommended wear schedule (and never sleep in lenses not approved for it), so you can enjoy your new look comfortably and safely.

Choosing a Color: For a subtle effect, consider an enhancement tint that adds a see-through wash of color to brighten your natural eye hue (great for light-colored eyes). For a dramatic change, opt for an opaque tint lens that completely masks your original iris color. This works for anyone, especially if you have dark eyes and want to go noticeably lighter or vice versa. 

Think about the look you’re going for: everyday natural or special-occasion bold. You might even keep one set of colored lenses for fun events and use clear lenses for daily wear.

Making Your Choice (and How We Can Help)

When deciding on lenses, consider these pointers:

• If you dread cleaning or wear contacts only occasionally, go with daily disposables for maximum ease and hygiene.
• If you wear lenses every day on a budget, choose monthly lenses for the lowest cost per day (commit to the cleaning routine).
• If you want a bit of both: try bi-weekly (2-week) lenses, which balance convenience and cost.
• If you have special vision needs (astigmatism or presbyopia) or style goals: there are toric, multifocal, and colored lenses to meet those requirements, so you can still find your perfect pair (ask your eye doctor which type is best for you).
• It’s always a good idea to consult your eye care professional for personalized advice, since they know your eyes best. 

But once you have your prescription, Global Lens is here to make finding the right lenses easy. We stock all major brands and categories, from everyday clear contacts to specialty toric and multifocal lenses to fashion colors, all at great prices. Our website lets you shop by category to compare options side by side, plus we carry all the top brands (like Acuvue, CooperVision, Bausch + Lomb, and more) and our support team is ready 24/7 to answer questions. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are daily contacts healthier for my eyes?

Daily disposables give you a fresh, clean lens each day, minimizing infection risk and buildup of deposits. However, any contact lens can be safe if you follow proper cleaning and replacement schedules. Dailies just make it easier by eliminating the cleaning step.

Q: Can I get colored contacts with astigmatism or multifocal prescriptions?

In many cases, yes. Most colored contacts are for standard prescriptions, but there are specialty options, for example, toric colored lenses for astigmatism and even a few multifocal colored lenses. The selection is more limited than for clear lenses, so ask us or your eye doctor about available brands in your prescription.

Q: Are daily lenses more expensive than monthly lenses?

Generally, yes, if you wear contacts every day, monthlies tend to cost less over time. Daily lenses are a bit pricier because you use a new pair each day, but remember you won’t spend on solution and cases.

Q: Is it okay to sleep in my contacts?

Generally, no, sleeping in lenses that aren't designed for it can lead to serious eye issues. Only specific extended wear contacts (highly breathable lenses) are made for overnight use, and even those should be worn overnight only under an eye doctor’s guidance. When in doubt, take them out before bed!

Q: Do I need a prescription to buy contacts?

Yes, contact lenses are medical devices, so you should purchase them with a valid prescription from your eye doctor.

With the right lenses, you'll see the world in a new light – and we're here to help make that happen.

Ready to find your perfect pair? Browse our collections today and let us help you see clearly and confidently with lenses that fit your lifestyle.