2 Weekly Contact Lenses: A Complete Guide
Two weekly contact lenses are popular with optometrists thanks to their “Goldilocks” factor. Their replacement schedule is neither too long nor too short, offering a practical middle ground between daily disposable and monthly contact lenses.
For people who find their monthly lenses become less comfortable towards the end of the month, replacing lenses every two weeks may be worth considering. Two weekly lenses can also appeal to regular wearers looking for a balance between comfort and cost.
As their name suggests, 2 weekly contact lenses are normally replaced 14 calendar days after first use. Remove them each evening, clean and disinfect them with an approved contact lens solution, and store them overnight before wearing again.
In this guide, we'll look at the available types, our recommended lenses, how much they cost, and how they compare with daily and monthly contact lenses. We'll also explain how to care for them and help you decide whether they're a suitable choice.
What Are 2 Weekly Contact Lenses?
2 weekly contact lenses, also known as fortnightly disposable contact lenses, are reusable soft contact lenses designed to be replaced every 14 days, rather than every day or once a month. They are usually worn during the day and removed at night for cleaning and storage.
The shorter replacement cycle can make them an appealing option for people who wear contact lenses regularly but would prefer not to keep the same pair for a full month.
Benefits of 2 Weekly Contact Lenses
Comfort
Some people find that replacing their lenses more frequently helps them remain more comfortable and achieve longer wear times throughout their replacement cycle. However, comfort also depends on the lens material, fit, tear film, and individual eye health.
Affordability
Two weekly lenses can cost less than daily disposables for regular wearers, although cleaning solutions must be included when comparing the total cost.
Flexibility
Two weekly lenses are available for several prescription needs, including astigmatism and presbyopia. This means a shorter replacement cycle isn't limited to people with straightforward prescriptions.
A Practical Compromise
For some wearers, two weekly lenses offer a useful balance between the fresh-lens convenience of daily disposables and the longer replacement cycle of monthly lenses.
Types of 2 Weekly Contact Lenses
Modern 2 weekly contact lenses are predominantly made from silicone hydrogel, a material that allows high levels of oxygen to reach the cornea.
Although there are fewer brands available than in the daily and monthly categories, two weekly lenses can still correct a range of vision needs.
Standard Contact Lenses
Standard spherical contact lenses are designed to correct short-sightedness or long-sightedness. Options include ACUVUE OASYS with HYDRACLEAR PLUS and Avaira Vitality.
Toric Contact Lenses
Toric contact lenses are designed to correct astigmatism, which can cause blurred or distorted vision. ACUVUE OASYS for Astigmatism provides a two-weekly option for suitable prescriptions.
Multifocal Contact Lenses
Multifocal contact lenses are designed to help people with presbyopia see clearly at different distances. ACUVUE OASYS Multifocal offers a two-week replacement schedule for suitable wearers.
The most suitable lens will depend on your prescription, eye health, comfort and individual fitting requirements.
Best 2 Weekly Contact Lenses
Our recommendations focus on three useful categories of 2 weekly lenses, ask your optometrist which one is best for your vision needs.
Best Overall — ACUVUE OASYS with HYDRACLEAR PLUS
ACUVUE OASYS with HYDRACLEAR PLUS is a silicone hydrogel contact lens designed for a two-week replacement schedule when used for daily wear. HYDRACLEAR PLUS technology incorporates a wetting agent intended to help maintain a smooth, comfortable lens surface.
It's a strong all-round choice for regular contact lens wearers, including people who spend long periods using digital screens or working in air-conditioned environments.
Best for Astigmatism — ACUVUE OASYS for Astigmatism
ACUVUE OASYS for Astigmatism is designed for people who need toric contact lenses to correct astigmatism. Its stabilisation design helps the lens maintain the correct orientation on the eye, supporting clear and consistent vision.
It's a good option for contact lens wearers who want astigmatism correction without committing to a full monthly replacement cycle.
Best Multifocal — ACUVUE OASYS Multifocal
ACUVUE OASYS Multifocal is designed for people with presbyopia who need help seeing clearly at near, intermediate and distance ranges.
It offers the benefits of a multifocal lens with a two-week replacement schedule, providing an alternative to daily and monthly multifocal options for suitable wearers.
Another Option — Avaira Vitality
Avaira Vitality is a silicone hydrogel lens featuring CooperVision's Aquaform Technology. It may be prescribed on either a two-weekly or monthly replacement schedule, depending on your optometrist's recommendations.
If you're considering Avaira Vitality, follow the replacement schedule given by your optometrist rather than changing it yourself.
How Much Do 2 Weekly Contact Lenses Cost?
The cost of 2 weekly contact lenses varies depending on the brand, lens design and number of lenses in each box, your replacement schedule, and how frequently you wear them, will also play a factor.
To make the comparison easier, the table below shows the approximate daily lens cost for both eyes.
| Replacement Type | Contact Lens | Box Price | Lens Cost Per Day (Both Eyes) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 Weekly | ACUVUE OASYS with HYDRACLEAR PLUS | £28.99 / 6 lenses | 69p |
| 2 Weekly* | Avaira Vitality | £15.36 / 3 lenses | 73p |
| Daily | Crystal Aqua Daily | £12.00 / 30 lenses | 80p |
| Monthly | Air Optix plus HydraGlyde | £19.99 / 3 lenses | 44p |
*Avaira Vitality is calculated using a prescribed 14-day replacement schedule. Calculations assume a lens is worn in each eye, a 14-day cycle for two weekly lenses and a 30-day month for monthly lenses. Prices are based on the confirmed box prices supplied for this guide and may change.
Reusable lenses require contact lens solution. Allowing approximately £10 per month for an All-in-One solution adds around 33p per day, although your actual cost will depend on the product and how much you use.
For example, ACUVUE OASYS works out at approximately 69p per day for the lenses alone, or around £1.02 per day when this estimated solution cost is included.
Daily disposable lenses don't require cleaning solution or overnight storage, so it's important to compare the full cost rather than the lens price alone.
Comparing Daily, 2 Weekly and Monthly Contact Lenses
Each replacement schedule has advantages. The right choice depends on how often you wear lenses, how much cleaning you're comfortable with, your budget and, most importantly, which lenses suit your eyes.
| Feature | 2 Weekly | Daily | Monthly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Replacement | Every 14 days | After each use | Usually every month |
| Cleaning | Required | Not required | Required |
| Overnight Storage | Yes | None | Yes |
| Convenience | Regular care routine | Fresh pair each wear | Regular care routine |
| Cost | Often priced between daily and monthly | Can cost more for everyday wear | Often economical for regular wear |
| Deposit Build-up | Shorter replacement cycle to help limit accumulation | Minimal accumulation; fresh lenses each wear | Longer time for deposits to accumulate |
Cleaning and Care
Both two weekly and monthly contact lenses require regular cleaning, disinfection and appropriate overnight storage. Daily disposables eliminate this routine because a fresh pair is used each time.
Convenience
Two weekly and monthly lenses require more care, but many regular wearers find that cleaning and storing their lenses quickly becomes part of their daily routine.
Daily disposables are often the most convenient choice for occasional wearers, travelling or anyone who prefers not to clean their lenses.
Cost and Comfort
Two weekly lenses offer a balance between cost and comfort, particularly for people who notice reduced comfort towards the end of a monthly replacement cycle.
Monthly lenses can be economical for everyday use, while daily disposables avoid the additional cost of cleaning solutions.
However, comfort depends on the individual lens and wearer, not simply how frequently the lenses are replaced.
How to Get the Best Out of Your 2 Weekly Contact Lenses
Good cleaning and storage habits are essential when wearing reusable contact lenses. Following the care routine recommended by your optometrist helps maintain comfortable vision and reduces the risk of eye infections.
Always wash and thoroughly dry your hands before handling your lenses. Use only the contact lens solution recommended for your lenses and never use tap water, bottled water or saliva to clean or store them.
Replace your lenses according to your prescribed schedule. For a standard 14-day replacement cycle, the clock starts when you first use the lenses, not each time you wear them. Wearing a pair only occasionally does not extend its replacement date.
How to Insert and Remove Contact Lenses
If you're new to contact lenses, or would like a reminder of the correct technique, our step-by-step guides explain how to insert and remove your lenses safely.
Your Morning Routine
- Wash your hands with soap and dry them thoroughly using a clean, lint-free towel.
- Remove the first lens from its case and inspect it for damage, dirt or debris.
- Rinse the lens with the recommended contact lens solution as instructed by your optometrist or solution manufacturer.
- Insert the lens and repeat the process for your other eye.
- Empty the used solution from your case. Clean the case as directed with fresh contact lens solution, then leave it open to air dry.
Your Evening Routine
- Wash and thoroughly dry your hands before touching your lenses.
- Carefully remove one lens.
- Clean and rinse the lens using your recommended solution, including rubbing where directed.
- Place the lens in the correct compartment of your clean case and cover it completely with fresh solution.
- Repeat for the other lens and close the case securely.
Never top up old solution with fresh solution, and replace your lens case regularly as advised by your optometrist or solution manufacturer.
Once you're familiar with the routine, caring for reusable contact lenses usually takes only a few minutes each day.
If a lens becomes uncomfortable, or your eye becomes red or painful, remove the lens. Seek urgent professional advice for significant pain, light sensitivity or changes in vision.
Who Should Choose 2 Weekly Contact Lenses?
Two weekly contact lenses can be particularly appealing to people who wear contact lenses most days but find that monthly lenses become less comfortable towards the end of their replacement cycle.
- People Who Find Monthly Lenses Less Comfortable Towards the End of the Month - If your monthly lenses feel comfortable when first worn but less so after a week or two, your optometrist may suggest trying a shorter replacement schedule. However, changing the replacement frequency isn't always the answer, as dryness, fit and other factors can also affect comfort.
- People Who Wear Contact Lenses Every Day, Looking to Reduce Costs - Two weekly contact lenses may also suit regular daily disposable wearers who would prefer a reusable lens to help manage ongoing costs and are happy to follow a cleaning routine.
- People Who Prefer a Shorter Replacement Schedule - Some people simply prefer the reassurance of opening a fresh pair more frequently than once a month, without using a new pair every day. A fresh pair every two weeks may appeal to those who are comfortable with a daily cleaning routine but don't feel they need the convenience of daily disposables.
When Might Daily or Monthly Lenses Be Better?
If you only wear contact lenses occasionally, daily disposables may be more practical because you use a fresh pair each time and don't need cleaning solutions or storage.
If you wear lenses every day, are comfortable with your current monthly lenses and want to keep costs down, there may be no reason to change.
The best replacement schedule is the one that works for your eyes, prescription, lifestyle, and budget, as recommended by your optometrist.
Our Optometrist's Advice
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Benefits of 2 Weekly Contact Lenses?
Two weekly contact lenses offer a middle ground between daily and monthly replacement schedules. They may appeal to people who want to replace their lenses more frequently than once a month while keeping costs lower than some daily disposable options. They are available for several prescription needs and can be a practical choice for regular wearers who are comfortable cleaning and storing reusable lenses.
Can You Sleep in 2 Weekly Contact Lenses?
Most two weekly contact lenses should be removed before sleeping. Certain ACUVUE OASYS lenses may be approved for overnight wear under specific conditions, but this must be prescribed and supervised by your optometrist. Sleeping in contact lenses increases the risk of complications, including serious eye infections. Never sleep in your lenses unless your optometrist has specifically advised that it is safe for you to do so.
Are 2 Weekly Contact Lenses Different from Monthly Contact Lenses?
Yes. The main difference is the prescribed replacement schedule. Two weekly lenses are normally replaced every 14 days, while monthly lenses are generally replaced after one month. A shorter replacement cycle may help limit the accumulation of deposits such as proteins, lipids and pollen on the lens surface, although it does not prevent deposits entirely. Both types require appropriate cleaning and storage when used for daily wear.
Can You Wear 2 Weekly Contact Lenses If You Have Astigmatism or Presbyopia?
Yes. Two weekly contact lenses are available for people with astigmatism or presbyopia. ACUVUE OASYS for Astigmatism offers a toric lens designed for people with astigmatism, while ACUVUE OASYS Multifocal is designed to help people with presbyopia see clearly at different distances. Your optometrist can confirm whether the available prescription parameters and lens design are suitable for your eyes and prescription needs.
Do You Replace 2 Weekly Contact Lenses After 14 Days or 14 Wears?
For a standard two-week replacement schedule, lenses are replaced 14 calendar days after first use, not after 14 separate occasions of wearing them. For example, you should not keep them beyond their prescribed two-week replacement date simply because you skipped a few days. Always follow the schedule recommended by your optometrist.
Can You Switch from Monthly to 2 Weekly Contact Lenses?
Yes, provided a suitable two-weekly lens is available for your prescription and your optometrist confirms that it fits your eyes correctly. Different contact lens brands and designs are not automatically interchangeable, even when the prescription powers appear similar. It's always advised to have a professional fitting before changing lenses.
