Contact lenses vs glasses?

Question

I currently have glasses and I have have had them for almost 6 years now. I don't really like them and have been considering getting contact lenses. Are there any brands out there that are affordable, but are still of good quality? My family doesn't have much money and my parent's insurance only covers the cost for like 20 % and then we have to take care of the rest of the bill. [I have to wear glasses all the time; my prescription is about -4.5]. Also, does anyone have any other tips or advice for me? Thanks!

Answer 1

In terms of affordability, contact lenses are going to be more expensive, if you wear them properly. First of all, a contact lens exam costs more than a eyeglass exam.  Then you have to buy the contacts(and you don't really get to "choose" what brand you get, the doctor will prescribe what is best for your refractive error, your corneal shape, ect) and solutions.  A contact lens prescription is only good for 1 year from the date of the examination.  That means you can only order one year's worth of contacts, so every year you will have to go get another contact lens exam. This is a federal law.  Additionally, you ALWAYS need a back up pair of glasses when you wear contacts for situations such as loss of a contact, eye infection, cold, flu(never wear contacts when you are sick)

I don't know where you live, but in the office at which I work a contact lens exam costs anywhere from $105-$145, with a $20 fee if you've never worn contacts before(to cover training on wearing/taking care of them).  Then add the cost of the contacts which can run anywhere from $150-400 or more a year depending on type, replacement schedule.  Then figure in solutions and cases. They run about $6-$10 a bottle.  

Hopefully this helps you get a better idea of the costs of wearing contacts.

Answer 2

i HAD the exact same problemo. i wore glasses for about 5 years and aboslutely hated them. now i wear Acuvue 2s and they are so awsem! my eyes are never dry and i can wear them all day. they are awsem quality and not expensive at all and we have about the same insurance! you may also want to consider contacts that you can sleep in and only have to take out every week! gl and i hope you get rid of those GLASSES

!!! ugh...

Answer 3

I wear both glasses and contact lenses, depending on what I feel like wearing that day. Contacts are a lot easier to deal with since I have a really high prescription, too.

There are some brands that are less expensive, but unfortunately you can't just pick a brand. You'll need to go to your eye doctor and get an exam and a fitting. Make sure you get a copy of your contact lens prescription once you're done. NOT your glasses Rx - some docs will try to give you the wrong one. Then go buy your lenses online, it will be WAY cheaper. Like half of what the doc will charge you. I get mine from CoastalContacts.com. They also sell glasses which are also a lot less to buy online. Then you can still submit your receipt to your folks' insurance and get the reimbursement. :)

My clear lenses are Acuvue Advance for Astigmatism, and I was going to have to pay something crazy like $500 for a year's supply. From Coastal it's $300.

Answer 4

i wear glasses 2 and i have been seriously considering contacts 2 and i have asked my eye doctor about the prices and he said they are affordable for almost any one and its about $40 a box and the boxes have 6 pairs of contacts and the contacts these days are designed 2 be very comfortable and good quality and a lot of my friends have contacts and they say they lov them and theyd never go back 2 glasses!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!i hope this helps

Answer 5

i'd suggest keeping your glasses until your family- or you- can cover the cost. they are not too bad, if you think about it.

my neighbor got glasses when she was just 6 and she hates them. but you should be positive. plus, contact lenses require daily care and cleansing, plus are a pain to handle! also, you have to be okay with touching your eye. it can be a really big step. but if you really want to, go for it!

Answer 6

when you consider contacts, make sure you get them the right size because for people with astigmatism, if they don't get specially made contacts for them, their vision will blur often. just go talk to your doctor to tell you about some options.

Answer 7

Today just about everyone can wear contact lenses, and there are more healthful and convenient contact lens options than ever before. Contact lenses are used to correct the same conditions that eyeglasses correct. For all details,  information and remedies about contacts check out http://use-contactlens.blogspot.com/

Answer 8

Contacts are really worth it! Get Acuve Advance, for a year they are about as expensive as glasses. Go with the two week kind, and if they are too expensive for you, then get the 2 week kind and just wear them for a month (that's the longest they will last) and make sure to rub them really well (even though it says no rub on the bottle, it is10x better when you do rub them)