Some eye doctors combine these fees into one price but many do not. Your vision plan and insurance coverage also will affect the cost of your contact lenses, and you’ll also have to consider cleaning supplies.
Read on for general information about the types and price of contact lenses to get you started.
Types of Contact Lenses
Many different types of contact lenses are available today. Your optometrist will be able to determine the type of lenses that would be most beneficial to you. Typical prices of contact lenses vary depending on the type of lens and the prescription required.
For example, if your vision requires you to wear a contact lens to correct astigmatism, your lenses will be called toric lenses. Toric contact lenses will cost more than the soft contacts used to correct nearsightedness and farsightedness.
Many toric lenses are meant to be replaced twice monthly. However, some healthcare providers will tell you that these lenses can safely be replaced less frequently to lower the monthly cost.
Other features that may increase contact lens prices include:
Bifocal contact lenses, used by older people with presbyopia Colored contact lenses, which cost up to 80% more Special-effect lenses, which have similarly higher prices
Contact Lens Prices
To give you an idea of the price ranges, here are some average contact lens prices taken from commercial optical centers, online contact lens retailers, and private healthcare provider offices.
Daily disposables: $55 to $95 per box (8 boxes/annual supply) Two-week disposables: $25 to $55 per box (8 boxes/annual supply) Two-week toric (astigmatism) disposables: $50 to $65 per box (8 boxes/annual supply) Monthly disposables: $45 to $85 per box (4 boxes/annual supply) Monthly toric (astigmatism) disposables: $55 to $95 per box (4 boxes/annual supply) Conventional-yearly soft lenses: $25 to $100 per lens (2 lenses/annual supply) Rigid gas permeable lenses: $75 to $325 per lens (2 lenses/annual supply) Hybrid RGP/soft lenses: $250 to $500 per lens (4 lenses/annual supply)
Where to Buy Contact Lenses
When it comes to buying contact lenses, you’re likely to find quite a few options. Keep in mind that you’ll always first need a prescription for contact lenses, which will need to come from an ophthalmologist or optometrist.
These providers may be in private practice, or they may work for an optical center in your community. Also consider that a provider may offer “one-stop shopping” and sell your contact lenses themselves, or you may go buy the lenses at retail stores or order contact lenses online.
These decisions will affect the price of your contact lenses. As a rule, you can expect that:
The cost of contact lenses from a private-practice optometrist can be more expensive. However, you may find the streamlined process more convenient (especially for insurance purposes) and it’s common for these providers to offer manufacturer rebates that online outlets do not. The contact lens price is often lower when ordering your contact lenses online, but there may be shipping charges. Keep an eye out for any volume discounts, and remember that it may be more difficult to order specialty or custom-designed lenses online. Retail outlets such as LensCrafters can accept your prescription or even do your exam and fitting on site. The cost of your contact lenses will be competitive, but keep in mind that Walgreens, CVS Optical, and other retailers still need to ship your contact lenses to you and rely on online ordering systems.
Cleaning and Safety
Contact lenses are a safe and convenient option to correct your vision, but they are also medical devices that must be cared for properly in order to maintain healthy vision.
You should take certain hygiene measures to avoid possible eye infections or serious eye problems. One serious health risk associated with contact lens wear is a corneal infection.
Washing your hands thoroughly with an antimicrobial soap before handling your contacts is extremely important for safe contact lens wear.
Other health and safety measures to consider include:
Never swap or share lenses with anyone, which can lead to infection and other serious eye problems. Never wear your contact lenses for longer than recommended by your eye doctor. Don’t sleep in your contacts, because a contact lens impairs oxygen flow to the cornea. The cornea has no blood flow, so it relies on oxygen in the air to stay healthy.
Summary
The price of contact lenses will vary on the basis of several factors. These factors include the type and style of lens, your own prescription, the optometry fees, and how and where you buy your contact lenses.
Your vision plan and insurance coverage also will affect the cost of your contact lenses. Be sure that you understand the details of your contact lens costs and which parts you will pay for.
Once you have your contacts, be sure to wear them in a safe and healthy manner. Always practice careful hygiene when handling them, never share contacts, and only wear them as intended. If you have questions, be sure to talk to your optometrist about how to best use your contact lens.
