Are Weekly Contacts Cheaper Than Daily?

Choosing between weekly and daily disposable contact lenses significantly impacts personal finances. Understanding the full financial implications requires a detailed look at their direct purchase prices, associated maintenance costs, and various external factors. This analysis helps individuals make an informed budgeting choice for their vision correction needs.

Direct Lens Cost Comparison

The initial purchase price of contact lenses presents a clear distinction between weekly and daily disposable options. Daily disposable lenses typically come in boxes of 30 or 90, with an estimated cost per 90-lens box ranging from $50 to $100. For an individual wearing daily disposables consistently in both eyes, approximately 730 lenses are needed annually. This translates to about 16 boxes of 90-count lenses each year, leading to an estimated annual expenditure between $810 and $1,620.

In contrast, weekly disposable lenses, often referred to as bi-weekly, are typically sold in boxes containing six lenses. Each lens is designed for two weeks of wear. To meet a full year’s need for both eyes, an individual would require around 104 lenses, equating to approximately eight boxes of six-count lenses. The cost for a six-pack of bi-weekly lenses can be around $45. This results in an annual direct lens cost of approximately $360.

Ancillary Expenses

Weekly disposable contacts incur additional, ongoing expenses primarily related to cleaning and storage. These ancillary costs are generally absent when using daily disposable lenses, as they are discarded after each use, eliminating the need for cleaning solutions or cases.

Weekly lenses require daily cleaning with specialized contact lens solutions. These solutions are essential for disinfecting and storing lenses to maintain eye health. A bottle of multi-purpose solution typically costs between $8 and $20. The yearly cost for cleaning solution can be around $90.

Another recurring expense for weekly lens wearers is the contact lens case. These cases should be replaced frequently, ideally every one to three months, to prevent bacterial buildup and maintain hygiene. Replacing them quarterly adds a minor, yet consistent, annual cost of approximately $8. When factoring in both solution and cases, the combined annual ancillary expense for weekly lenses can total around $100 to $200.

Factors Influencing Total Annual Cost

Several factors can significantly alter the total annual expenditure on contact lenses. The frequency of wear plays a substantial role, particularly for daily disposables. If contacts are worn only a few days a week, daily disposables become more cost-effective since a fresh lens is only used when needed. This contrasts with weekly lenses, which, once opened, must be discarded after their designated wear period, regardless of actual usage.

Purchasing habits also impact overall costs. Buying contact lenses in bulk often leads to considerable savings compared to purchasing smaller quantities more frequently. Many online retailers offer bulk discounts and special promotions, and their prices tend to be lower than those found at traditional optician offices. Comparing prices across various providers can uncover significant savings.

Vision insurance coverage can substantially reduce out-of-pocket expenses. Most vision plans offer benefits for contact lenses, typically providing an annual allowance or discounts. Some plans may require choosing between an allowance for contacts or glasses, but they often cover annual eye exams. Reviewing specific policy details is advisable to understand the extent of coverage for lenses, fittings, and examinations.