Contact Lens Costs 2022

Contact lenses come in many types, which can make comparing costs complicated. When making comparisons on contact prices in 2022, break down contacts by type.

Remember that boxes often contain different numbers of lenses and different types of lenses stay in use for varying amounts of time. For accurate cost comparisons, note how long a given purchase would last you, not just the initial cost of the purchase.

Contact Lens Costs by Type

When assessing contact costs, the biggest determining factor is the type of contact. 

• Daily disposable contacts: Daily use contacts come in bulk, with a box usually containing between one and three months’ worth of lenses. =
  Using DiscountContacts.com and Lens.com as reference points, a 90 pack of 1-Day Acuvue Moist Contact Lenses costs between $52.74 and $60.99. Lens.com also offers substantial rebates for bulk orders that can sharply reduce total costs.
  This range is typical for daily disposable lenses. While cost varies by brand, one can expect daily use lenses to cost between $18 and $40 per month. 
• Weekly or 2-week contacts: Because weekly use lenses remain in use longer, the average cost of lenses over the same period of time begins to drop.
  Again using DiscountContacts.com and Lens.com, a six-month supply of Acuvue Oasys 2-week lenses costs between $45.24 and $63.99. This range is also typical. 
• Monthly use contacts: Of the options discussed thus far, monthly use contact lenses represent the cheapest option. A six-month supply of Biofinity Contact Lenses costs between $32.74 and $39.99. 
• RGP contacts: These contacts cost significantly more per lens, but they are much longer lasting. Unlike disposable options, RGP contact lenses can remain in use for up to two years before needing replacement, assuming proper maintenance and hygiene.
  RGP contact lenses often sit at a very similar price point across brands. For example, DiscountContacts.com lists their RGP options almost all between $33.99 to $35.99 per lens. Even then, exceptions ‌always exist, such as their Optimum classic lenses, which cost $74.99 per lens. 
• Specialized lenses: Some lenses have specialized properties meant to correct certain vision problems such as astigmatism. In general, specialized lenses cost more over a similar period of time compared to traditional corrective lenses. This is in part due to the higher cost to manufacture them.
  Toric contact lenses, the kind of lens designed to correct astigmatism, can cost $80 and above for a 90-day supply of daily disposable lenses. People purchasing multifocal lenses, designed for those with multiple prescriptions such as nearsightedness and presbyopia, may pay even more compared to traditional lenses of an otherwise similar type.

Looking for the Best LASIK Near You?

Find a LASIK Surgeon

What Affects the Cost of Contacts in 2022?

A number of factors impact the cost of contact lenses and medical goods in general.

The first factor is simply supply and demand. A higher supply generally reduces prices, and a higher demand generally raises prices. This is part of why niche lenses may cost more than expected. 

Demand for these items is low, but so is the supply. Fewer companies produce them and those that do make fewer, as fewer consumers want to purchase those kinds of lenses. Because of this, consumers who need specialized lenses may not have many alternatives, so they often pay a marked-up price.

Manufacturing costs also factor into the final price. Every contact lens takes a certain amount of material, time, and labor to make and get into the hands of consumers. Items that take more time and effort to produce usually cost more.

In terms of how much a lens costs you as the consumer, rebates, discounts, and insurance represent potential ways to save on your out-of-pocket price. Some companies offer substantial discounts for bulk orders, so it’s worth investigating this option.

Contact Lens Cost & Insurance

Most insurance plans with a vision component cover contact lenses to some degree. For example, Guardian Direct offers a $225 contacts allowance for their Achiever plan members and a $160 contacts allowance for Core plan members. 

If you use contacts consistently, a vision plan will almost invariably result in savings over time. On their website, Acuvue notes that insurance providers average about $150 of yearly coverage for contact lenses or glasses.

Calculating the costs of your contact lenses with and without insurance can help you understand your savings and if a different plan might suit you better. Remember to factor in the premium cost of your plan in your calculations.

Costs of Contact Lenses vs. Glasses

Glasses cost significantly less than contacts, on average. The biggest determining factor is lifespan. 

Unless damaged, glasses function indefinitely. This means a pair can last multiple years, although you may need new glasses if your prescription changes. 

Glasses also require less maintenance. The cheapest contact lenses, such as monthly use lenses and RGP lenses, still require cleaning solution and a thorough hygiene routine. Although this may not represent a large cost, it still means more money spent over time.

Contact Lens Costs FAQs

What is the average cost of contacts in 2022? 

The total varies greatly depending on the brand and type of contact. Most people should be able to get a year’s supply of contacts for $100 to $250 per year. Contacts that are worn for a longer period of time, such as a month, tend to be less expensive than daily disposable lenses.  

How much do contacts cost per month on average? 

he monthly price of contacts can range from as low as $7 to as high as $40, depending on the brand and type of lens chosen. On average, daily disposable lenses cost $18 to $40 per month, whereas monthly lenses cost $7 to $15 per month.

Are daily disposable contacts more expensive?

enerally, yes. Since these lenses are only worn once and then thrown away at the end of the day, they tend to be more expensive. Lenses that are worn for weeks or months tend to cost less.

Are more expensive contacts better?

While it is true that not all contact lenses are of equal quality, price isn’t based on quality alone. If choosing between two lens brands with good reviews and similar features, the cheaper option may do everything the more expensive option would. By focusing on features and consumer satisfaction, you can better identify when price is or isn’t a sign of quality.

Do contacts cost more than glasses?

Generally, yes. A pair of glasses usually lasts much longer than contacts, which need to be frequently replaced. If you care for your glasses well and your prescription doesn’t change, a pair of glasses can last you for years.

How can I save money on contacts?

If you have vision insurance, it’s likely you have a yearly allotment you can put toward the cost of contacts. Look for specials and discounts available online. Many retailers offer discounts if you buy in bulk.

References

1. 1-Day Acuvue Moist Contact Lenses. Lens.com

2. 1-DAY ACUVUE MOIST 90pk. DiscountContacts.com

3. ACUVUE OASYS 2-Week 12pk. DiscountContacts.com

4. Acuvue Oasys Contact Lenses. Lens.com

5. Biofinity. DiscountContacts.com

6. Biofinity Contact Lenses. Lens.com

7. Contact Lenses. Walgreens.

8. Daily Contact Lenses. Lens.com.

9. DiscountContacts.com. DiscountContacts.com.

10. Does Vision Insurance Cover Contacts? The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America

11. RGP Contact Lenses. DiscountContacts.com

12. Toric Contact Lenses. DiscountContacts.com

13. Types of Contact Lenses. (January 2018). U.S. Food and Drug Administration.