Short answer: the cost of contact lenses varies widely by type, replacement schedule, brand, and whether you have insurance or discounts. Most people spend roughly a few hundred dollars per year, but prices can range from under $100 to over $1,000 annually depending on choices. Key factors shaping cost

• Lens type and replacement frequency
  • Daily disposables: higher per-box cost but simpler (no cleaning) and great convenience. Typical ranges often cited are around $25–$60 per box of six lenses for a single eye, with yearly costs commonly described in the hundreds of dollars range when buying for both eyes and frequent replacement. Costs can be substantially higher if you need premium brands or specialized features.

* Biweekly/monthly disposables: lower per-box price than daily disposables, but you’ll need ongoing replacements and possibly multiple boxes per year. Annual costs usually fall in the low hundreds to mid-range, depending on prescriptions and how many boxes are needed.

* Extended wear/long-wear lenses: designed for longer wear cycles; costs vary but can be in the mid-range per box, with total yearly costs influenced by how many pairs are used.

* Rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses: typically more expensive upfront per pair but can last longer (months to a year) with higher per-lens costs. Expect higher initial costs if you need this type.

• Additional fees
  • Fitting or examination fees: some clinics charge a separate fitting or consultation fee, which can range from about $25 to well over $200, depending on complexity.

* Prescription updates and renewals: costs may occur if an updated prescription is required or if you need a new fitting.

• Insurance and discounts
  • Vision or health insurance may cover part of the cost, particularly for standard contacts; discounts from retailers or buying in bulk can reduce annual spend.

• Brand and retailer variability
  • Online retailers, big-box retailers, and ophthalmology practices may have different price points for the same lens type. Comparing quotes and looking for promotions or bulk discounts can yield meaningful savings.

Typical ballpark ranges you might encounter

• Daily disposable lenses: commonly cited as higher yearly costs because you replace every day; annual costs can be several hundred dollars per eye, depending on pricing and consumption.

• Biweekly/monthly disposables: often described as a more economical option per lens, with yearly totals generally in the mid to high hundreds (for both eyes, depending on prescription and box counts).

• Specialty or toric/multifocal lenses: generally more expensive than standard daily or weekly lenses, contributing to higher yearly costs.

• Overall annual estimates (no insurance): widely vary, but many consumer guides place typical annual outlay from roughly $200 to $1,000+ depending on the factors above.

What to do to estimate your own cost

• Talk to your eye care professional about the exact lens options for your prescription and lifestyle (daily wear, astigmatism, multifocal needs).
• Ask about fitting fees and whether they’re waived with purchasing a certain number of boxes.
• Check with your insurance about coverage for contact lenses or fitting fees.
• Compare two to three retailers for the same lens type and calculate annual costs based on your planned replacement schedule and number of lenses needed for both eyes.

If you’d like, share your starting points (lens type you’re considering, frequency of use, whether you have insurance, and your country/region), and the assistant can estimate a more precise annual cost range for your situation.