Contact Lenses Cost With and Without Insurance in 2025
Contact lens prices vary depending on lens type, prescription, and your purchase location. The table below summarizes current annual cost estimates for different lens categories. These figures reflect pricing before insurance and potential rebates.
| Lens Type | Replacement Schedule | Approx. Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Soft Disposable – Standard (Spherical) | Every 2 weeks or monthly | $200 – $400 (AAV report) |
| Soft Disposable – Toric (Astigmatism) | Every 2 weeks or monthly | $400 – $700 (AAV analysis) |
| Soft Disposable – Daily (Spherical) | Single-use (Daily) | $600 – $900 (Optometry Times) |
| Soft Disposable – Daily (Toric/Multifocal) | Single-use (Daily) | $700 – $1,000+ (CooperVision Study) |
| Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) | Reusable (1–2+ years) | ~$100 – $200/year (AAO guide) |
| Orthokeratology (Ortho-k) specialty | Overnight wear (annual fitting) | $1,000 – $2,000 (FDA info) |
What this means for you:
- Daily disposable lenses typically cost the most overall.
- Monthly or bi-weekly lenses are more affordable but need routine cleaning.
- Specialized lenses (toric or multifocal) cost more due to added complexity.
Recent surveys indicate contact lens prices increased 1–3% yearly in 2023–2024 due to inflation and new product launches (Optometry Times).
Real-World Cost Anecdotes
Many contact lens wearers share their expenses online, providing insights into actual costs:
- One Reddit user calculated $800/year for daily disposables if used every day. They now wear glasses a few days a week, cutting annual contact costs by half.
- Another wearer switched from daily to monthly lenses, lowering their yearly total from $400 to about $200. They noted monthly lenses require proper cleaning and solution but significantly reduced expenses.
Types of Contact Lenses and Updated Prices
Daily Disposable Contacts
Daily disposable lenses offer convenience and hygiene but can be pricier. They eliminate the need for contact lens solution or storage.
| Number of Lenses per Box | Avg. Cost per Box | Approx. Monthly Cost | Approx. Yearly Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30 | $25 – $50 | $50 – $100 | $600 – $1,200 |
| 90 | $50 – $100 | $50 – $120 | $600 – $1,440 |
What this means for you:
- Daily disposables are ideal for convenience and reduced infection risk.
- If you wear them every day, expect annual costs to be on the higher end (up to $1,000+).
- Wearing them only part-time (e.g., for sports) can save money without losing convenience.
Bi-Weekly & Monthly Disposable Contacts
These contact lenses are replaced either every two weeks or once a month.
| Lens Type | Cost per Month | Cost per Year |
|---|---|---|
| Bi-Weekly Use | $20 – $40 | $240 – $480 |
| Monthly Use | $15 – $35 | $180 – $420 |
Key points:
- Regular cleaning with solution is required.
- Costs tend to be significantly lower than daily disposables.
- Always replace on schedule to avoid buildup and potential eye infections.
Extended-Wear Contact Lenses
Extended-wear lenses can be worn continuously for days or weeks at a time, including overnight. They are often replaced monthly or on a schedule determined with your doctor.
| Brand | Avg. Price/Box (6 lenses) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Air Optix Night & Day | ~$45 (Alcon) | Approved for up to 30 days of continuous wear |
| Biofinity EW | ~$65 (CooperVision) | Known for high oxygen transmissibility, comfortable overnight wear |
What this means for you:
- Pros: Less handling and insertion/removal. You can wake up with clear vision.
- Cons: Higher risk of eye infections if not used properly, and potentially more expensive.
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Jasiah Hasan is from Portland, Oregon. She is completing her Master's in Public Health in global health policy at George Washington University. Outside of health equity and women's health, Jasiah is passionate about writing and dreams of one-day publishing poetry books.