Are you weighing up the cost of must-have products? More people are crunching the numbers as prices continue to rise, including on eyewear!
Which leads to the question, are contact lenses expensive? And if so, what makes them expensive, what options are available, and how can you save?
I’m going to answer all these questions so you can purchase your eyewear with confidence.
Breaking Down the Annual Cost of Contact Lenses
To answer the question ‘Are contact lenses expensive,’ I’ll break down the costs for the main types of soft lenses on the market. Generally, standard soft lenses cost less than specialized contact lenses such as gas-permeable lenses or multifocal lenses.
Daily contact lenses
Daily lenses can be the most costly contacts. You need a fresh pair for each day, so although they usually come in boxes of a month’s supply, the cost can be higher.
To work out the annual cost of your daily contacts, multiply a month’s supply by 12.
For example: $40 x 12 = $480
Weekly contact lenses
Weekly contact lenses can work out slightly cheaper. However, they do need daily cleaning, which means you need to buy a solution and a contact lens case for storage.
First, calculate the cost of a year’s supply of weekly contact lenses, and then work out the cost of maintenance products.
For example: $300 (annual cost of contacts) + $60 (annual cost of products) = $360
Monthly contact lenses
Monthly contact lenses generally work out the cheapest. You only need one pair per month alongside maintenance products. They are a good option for people who want to cut costs and produce less waste.
However, some users find them uncomfortable due to dry eyes. There are hydrating models, but it’s smart to get advice from your doctor if you suffer from dry eyes.
To work out the annual cost, multiply the cost of one pair by 12 and then add on the cost of maintenance products.
For example: $20 x 12 = $240 (annual supply of contacts) + $60 (products) = $300 (annual total)
Which option is best for you?
Consider your priorities when selecting contact lenses. Do you have dry eyes? If so, you will need to look for a hydrating model regardless of whether they’re daily or monthly lenses.
If you’re looking for a low-maintenance solution, daily lenses may be a good option, as they are disposable, whereas monthly lenses require ongoing cleaning and care. If you’re concerned about the environmental impact of your contacts, then you can look for a recycling program to opt into.
Why Do Contact Lenses Seem Expensive?
You’re probably asking yourself, “Are contact lenses expensive?” But it could be because they appear to be expensive. Here are some reasons you might think so:
- Contact lenses are a repeat purchase. Products that you need to buy consistently seem to be expensive because of the ongoing cost. It’s not like the one-off cost of buying a pair of sunglasses that last for years.
- Inflation increases annual costs by 1% to 3%. Inflation is like an invisible cost. It’s added on to all products and services, and it can make things feel more expensive (because they are).
- If you need a specialized prescription, it can cost you more. Contact lenses can cost more depending on how complex they are. Think of it like a designer bag or high-end jewelry. These accessories often take longer to make and are more detailed, which increases the price.
- Paying for contact lenses out of pocket can be expensive. If your insurance doesn’t cover the cost of your contacts, it can feel like an added expense in your daily life. It’s worth checking if and how you can get coverage for your eye care needs.
Are Contact Lenses More Expensive Than Glasses?
Are contacts more expensive than glasses? It depends on the type of contact lenses you need. If you just need simple daily soft lenses and don’t have any major eye conditions, your contact lenses may not be so pricey. If you need a specialized prescription, you could find that glasses work out cheaper than contact lenses.
The best course of action is to first consult with your eye doctor for advice on which option they think is best for your eye health. Then, do a price comparison by calculating the cost of your annual contact lenses and comparing that to the cost of a pair of prescription glasses.
For example: $40 (monthly supply of contacts) x 12 (months) = $480 (annual supply)
Now, compare that price to a pair of glasses. Make sure to include the cost of the frames, lenses, and any add-ons.
Are Contact Lenses More Expensive Than LASIK?
This is a tough one because the answer is yes and no. LASIK is a permanent solution, so although the upfront cost is higher, it could work out cheaper in the long run.
Dividing the cost of LASIK by the cost of your annual supply of contacts will give you the number of years of buying contacts it would take to pay for LASIK.
For example: $4,000 (potential cost of LASIK) ÷ $480 (annual supply of contacts) = 8.3 (years)
It’s worth consulting with your doctor and insurance company to see if LASIK is worth it for you.
Save Money on Your Contact Lenses
Looking for ways to save money on your contacts? Consider signing up for a contact lens subscription service. EZContacts offers a 10% discount on contacts when signing up. It’s also a hassle-free opt-in and opt-out service.
EZContacts also offers a price match service. So if you see your contacts cheaper elsewhere and the terms and conditions are met, we’ll match the price plus a 5% discount!
With some online retailers, you can buy multiple boxes of contact lenses in one go. Bulk buying can help you avoid sudden price hikes. Plus, some people prefer the larger upfront cost over ongoing payments.
TL;DR
Are contact lenses expensive? The answer is that they can seem expensive, but the cost depends on your prescription and other factors. The good news is that there are ways to save.
- Compare the price of daily, bi-weekly, and monthly contacts alongside any maintenance products like cleaning solutions.
- Compare the annual cost of contact lenses to glasses to see which option makes more sense for you.
- Specialized contact lenses can be more costly, so if you’re finding it a big financial burden, consider the cost of LASIK.
- Save on your contacts by bulk buying, signing up for a subscription, and price matching across different retailers.
