Contact Lens vs Glasses Cost Calculator
Compare the annual and lifetime costs of contact lenses vs eyeglasses.
Find out which option is more affordable for your vision correction needs.
Vision correction costs vary significantly between contact lenses and eyeglasses. Most people who wear contacts still own glasses — so the real question is whether contacts are worth the extra expense.
Typical annual costs:
Glasses:
| Item | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Basic frames + lenses | $100–$300 |
| Mid-range frames + lenses | $300–$500 |
| Premium / designer frames | $500–$1,000+ |
| Anti-reflective coating | +$50–$100 |
| Progressive lenses (bifocal) | +$100–$400 |
| Replacement frequency | Every 2–3 years |
Contact lenses (annual):
| Type | Annual Cost |
|---|---|
| Daily disposable (1-day) | $400–$800/year |
| 2-week disposable | $200–$400/year |
| Monthly disposable | $150–$300/year |
| Toric (astigmatism) | Add 20–50% more |
| Multifocal contacts | Add 30–60% more |
| Saline + cleaning solution | +$100–$200/year |
| Contact lens exams | +$100–$200/year (separate from glasses exam) |
Insurance coverage:
Most vision plans cover glasses OR contacts, not both, with an annual allowance ($100–$200 typically). If you use your allowance on contacts, you pay full price for glasses (and vice versa).
Hidden costs of contacts:
- Contact lens fitting exam required annually (separate from glasses exam)
- Cleaning solutions and cases (if not using daily disposables)
- Risk of eye infections — estimated treatment cost $50–$500
- Discomfort in dry or dusty environments (higher consumption)
- Travel: carrying solutions, cases, and backups
Advantages of glasses:
- Lower long-term cost (frames last 2–3 years, lenses longer)
- No cleaning routine or daily handling
- Can double as UV protection with photochromic lenses
- Fashion accessory / personal style element
- No infection risk from lens handling
Advantages of contacts:
- No fogging, no frames in peripheral vision
- Better for sports, physical activity
- Compatible with all sunglasses
- No sliding down the nose
- Natural appearance without visible correction
The LASIK alternative:
LASIK surgery costs $2,000–$4,000 per eye (one-time cost). At $500–$1,000/year for contacts, LASIK breaks even in 4–10 years. Good candidates: stable prescription, cornea thick enough, no dry eye disease.