Are daily contacts more expensive?

What kind of contacts should you invest in? We don't mean investing like in stocks (you probably won't make money reselling contact lenses) but for personal use. Should you be buying daily contacts or stocking up on longer-lasting lenses? Daily disposables are popular, but there's something to be said for contact lenses you can use for a longer period. 

The cost dynamics of daily contacts

Daily disposable contacts are supposed to be single use only, and after you're done with them, they go in the trash. Several types of lenses are made to be worn for longer periods, but how do the economics break down, and is it worth it?

Introduction to daily contact lens costs

Daily contacts are made to be affordable (okay, cheap), and they're meant to be worn just once. These are usually sold in packs meant to last a month or so. The price goes up with the details of your prescription, however, and your own specific costs can vary quite a bit.

The major selling point of daily disposables is that they're convenient and affordable on a per-use basis. Because they're single use, losing a lens is not a major emergency because you can grab a replacement easily. Dailies are also a convenient option because they come in larger packs, so you shouldn't run out and have to switch to glasses if you lose a set.

Factors that influence daily contact lens prices

Like we noted above, the exact price you pay for contact lenses jumps around a lot due to several factors. Beyond the details of your own prescription, contact prices vary with the brand, the material your lenses are made from, and the various additional features (such as cylinders) that may or may not be a part of your prescription.

Comparing costs: daily versus the competition

You have options for contact lenses that go beyond daily disposables. Which one is right for you depends on how the pricing and other factors break down in your case.

Daily versus monthly contacts

No matter what you're paying for dailies, each set is almost certainly way less expensive than more durable monthly contacts. But on a per-use or daily cost basis, you might wind up saving with monthly lenses. How, you ask? Well, because you're effectively buying in bulk with monthlies, you're getting more uses out of a single set.

If your daily disposables are selling for $1 per set, for instance, you might be able to find a 30-day set for $25 or so, or approximately the cost of a pizza from 10 years ago. Again, you're getting about 30 times as many daily uses out of the monthlies, so this can be a more economical choice. Of course, you're also going to pay for some upkeep on the monthlies in the form of cleaning solution and a case to keep them in — and replacement cost when you inevitably drop a lens at the airport.

Extended-wear contacts

Extended-wear contact lenses can last up to a year or more. These are hard, or at least rigid, silicone lenses that allow oxygen to pass through the lens and onto the eye surface. These are not as popular as the more common soft lenses, but they do have their advantages.

The long-term benefits of daily contacts

There's a lot to be said for dailies, even if the total cost over a year comes out to somewhat more than the longer-lasting options. They tend to be more hygienic because you can just toss the old ones out. They also save money on solutions and other expenses for other types of contacts.

Tips for cost-effective daily contact lens use

If you're buying daily contacts, you'll probably need a lot of them. Buying in bulk saves you a lot of money, and you can order dailies by the box. There are also plenty of coupons you can use to save on your purchase.

Should you go for daily contacts?

Daily contacts are great for a lot of things, but they have their shortcomings. Find an eye care professional near you and get a proper eye exam before ordering contacts. Try a few types to get a set that works for you.

FAQs

Are there government assistance programs or subsidies for daily contact lenses? 

Medicaid offers free or reduced-cost eye exams and necessary vision care, including contacts. Check with your worker to find out what's available in your state.

Are there quality differences between expensive and affordable daily contact lenses? 

Contact lenses with the same prescription should have equal performance. That fades fast with dailies, but extended-wear lenses should last longer.

Is it worth investing in daily contacts for occasional use? 

Even if you wear extended-use contacts, it's good to have a few dailies for emergencies.