What Makes Contact Lenses More Expensive?

Summary: Certain factors will increase the cost of your contact lenses. Here is a brief breakdown on what some of these factors may be.

If you’re in the market for contact lenses, you may be paying a significant amount depending on your personal needs. After a visit to your local eye doctor, he or she will determine what type of contact lenses will suit you the best. Here are some factors that may end up raising the cost you’ll pay for your lenses.

Astigmatism

Contact lenses that come with astigmatism correction are generally priced higher than those that address farsightedness or nearsightedness. Soft contact lenses such as the Acuvue 2 contact lenses that correct astigmatism are called toric lenses. These can run you an annual cost of around $600 and higher. Prices vary as astigmatism lenses can be worn as daily contact lenses or extended wear.

Nearsightedness or Farsightedness

Contact lenses that correct nearsightedness and farsightedness are priced rather fairly. These lenses come as disposable soft contact lenses and can be sold at around $30 and up for a box of six lenses.

Enhancements

Specialty contact lenses, like color contact lenses, will cost significant more than your standard extended wear models. Tinted lenses that enhance the color of the eye can cost you more than 75% of what you would originally pay for a standard pair of contacts. Anything that requires an enhancement to the lens itself will generally raise the price, so be prepared to pay a modest fee for this. You can also regularly shop around on various sites such as Lens.com for example, to check for the lowest prices and the exact product that you need.