Clear eyesight is one of the most essential things in life. Great vision helps us to enjoy life as well as stay safe in situations such as driving. So it’s a no-brainer that protecting your eyes is vital.
For people who need contact lenses, it can be easy to forget these points and opt for the cheapest option. But are cheap contact lenses as good as they appear?
Why Do People Choose Cheap Lenses?
Many users opt for affordable contact lenses to reduce their eye care expenses. It’s 2025, and the cost of living is skyrocketing, so saving where possible is a significant concern for many Americans. It’s no surprise that we’re bombarded with ads from cheap retailers across social media. Have you seen knockoff brands advertising everything from super-cheap clothes to questionably cheap contact lenses?
Life can get expensive, and it can be difficult to keep up with costs, which is why cheaper lenses can be appealing. But there can be unexpected consequences.
Don’t Risk Eye Damage
Like most cheaper products, the quality suffers. The materials may be of lower quality, and the construction may be subpar. It’s like the age-old saying, “You get what you pay for.”
Poorer quality lenses are more prone to tearing, making them less reliable throughout the day or month. The wrong prescription or bad quality contacts can also cause blurry vision. That leads to headaches and eye strain. So, they don’t end up doing what they’re supposed to!
Cheap contact lenses can also be more uncomfortable and less hydrating. The side effects? Itching, dryness, and a scratchy feeling. In the worst-case scenario, it can lead to infections and corneal scratching.
With the rise of online retailers and just about anyone being able to start a business, there are some dodgy deals out there.
So how can you see through them?
What to Look Out for When Buying Cheap Contact Lenses
Look at certifications and accrediting. Are the contact lenses genuine? Do they have accreditation? Regulated contact lenses should.
Since contact lenses are considered a medical device by the FDA, you’ll need a prescription to buy them. That also includes decorative or part-time use lenses. So if you see a retailer selling cheap contacts that don’t require a prescription, it’s a BIG red flag.
You can also check other customers’ reviews to see what the verdict is. Check the retailer’s site for reviews and look on third-party websites like TrustPilot for impartial reviews. Because that’s another way a false website can catch you, with fake reviews.
If you’re still unsure about the retailer’s reliability, try contacting their customer service. See if they offer support and can answer your questions and address any concerns.
Cheap Lenses: The Price Adds Up
You might be tempted to get a batch of cheap contact lenses, but what happens when you realize they don’t feel right? They can’t be returned once opened, so you’ll have to fork out on another box.
If you end up sticking with cheaper lenses that are prone to tearing, then you’ll have to keep replacing them. That cost can add up. It may even end up more than the cost of better quality lenses.
What’s the cost of eye damage?
If you purchase poor-quality contact lenses that damage your eyes, the costs can be high. It depends on the issues, which could range from an eye infection to emergency care.
It’s not that all cheap contact lenses cause vision loss; it’s that it’s important to check they’re the real deal to avoid harm to your eyes.
Safer Ways to Save
There are other ways to save money on your contact lens orders. Check out reputable brands like Biofinity, ACUVUE, Air Optix, and Eiyan. These brands have thousands of impartial reviews, are accredited, and offer various options.
Once you’ve found some options that are suitable for your prescription, it’s time to comparison shop. Check out different trusted retailers and see if they have any sales, discounts, or price-matching services.
You can also opt for subscription services that offer you a discount for bulk ordering. It’s wise to check the cancellation policy and stick to trusted retailers.
Other options if you’re tired of overpriced contacts.
If you’ve done the math and can’t find affordable contact lenses that meet your needs, it may be time to consider alternative options.
If you’re a daily contact lens wearer who’s feeling the pinch, it may be worthwhile to consider switching to monthly contacts, as they could work out cheaper. You need fewer lenses, it’s less waste, and they can help you cut costs.
There are also traditional eyeglasses. Yes, they are more noticeable, but there are more flattering styles than ever before! From designer glasses to smaller specialized brands, there is something for every price point.
If you’re a part-time contact-lens wearer, then switching to glasses could save you time, hassle, and money.
Even though LASIK comes with a hefty upfront price tag, for some contact lens users, it can work out cheaper in the long run.
It’s worth getting a few quotes, checking if your insurance can cover it, and then doing the math by calculating how many years of contact lenses it would take to pay for LASIK. You may find that it’s only a few years after which you’ll have no more need for those cheap contact lenses.
TL;DR
Long-term use of the wrong lenses or bad, cheap contact lenses can make your vision worse. It’s not always worth the risk.
- Be cautious of brands that cut corners, as they may compromise their quality. Trustworthy brands are accredited, and retailers should require a prescription.
- If cheap contact lenses damage your eyes, the cost of the bills could heavily outweigh the savings of using them.
- To save on big brands, consider retailer discounts, subscription services, and the cost of buying in bulk.
- If the cost of contact lenses is becoming a concern, you could weigh up other options like glasses or LASIK.
Bottom line: Buying cheap contact lenses can often cost you more in the long run, and so it’s best to stick with reputable brands or explore alternate options like glasses or LASIK.
