How much do contact lenses cost?

Contact lenses are custom made for your individual needs. Some common factors that impact the price of your custom lenses include:

• Brand of contact lens
• Strength of prescription
• Where you buy them
• Insurance coverage
• Eye conditions (astigmatism)
• Special features (color enhancement)

Note: There are some ways to help lower the cost of contacts, including manufacturer’s rebates, retailer coupons and bulk-buying options.

Vision insurance won’t change the cost of your contacts, but it will affect how much you pay out of pocket. If you don’t have insurance, you pay 100% of the price. If you do have insurance, contact your provider to see how much is covered with your plan.

Types of contact lenses and cost

Many different types of contact lenses are available today. From replacement schedules to special lenses, here are a few types and their prices.¹

Daily

Daily disposable lenses are soft and comfortable but less durable than other contacts. They typically cost more, but you pay more for the convenience of zero maintenance.

Average price: $17–$45 per box (30-pack); $50–$122 per box (90-pack)

Monthly

Monthly lenses can be worn for a full month before replacement. They can be more affordable than daily lenses but require cleaning and storage.

Average price: $18–$39 per box of 6 lenses

Yearly

The toughest soft contacts you can buy, yearly lenses can be safely worn every day for up to a year. They’re the most cost-effective option versus daily and monthly lenses but need to be cleaned and soaked in contact solution every night.

Average price: $50–$80 per pair

Tinted lenses

Tinted contacts change the color of your eye while correcting your vision. They may cost more than standard contacts because they’re both prescription and cosmetic.

Average Price: $45–$90 monthly

Toric lenses

Toric contacts are non-spherical lenses that treat astigmatism as well as myopia and hyperopia. They’re typically more expensive than standard contacts and come in soft or rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses.

Average price: $45–$85 per box of 6 lenses (soft contacts); $95 per lens (RGP contacts)

Multifocal lenses

Multifocal and bifocal lenses help correct presbyopia and provide clear vision at any distance. Cost can depend on your prescription and lens type (RGP, extended-wear or disposable).

Average price: $35–$50 per box (30-pack); $90–$120 per box (90-pack); $70–$90 per box of 6 lenses

How much is a contact lens exam?

Before you can buy contacts, you need a prescription written by a licensed optometrist or ophthalmologist. The cost can vary whether you have insurance or not.

Average cost of contact lens exam with insurance

A vision insurance plan will typically cover all costs except for your copay. A copay, or copayment, is the amount you pay at the time of service.

Average cost of a contact lens exam without insurance

Without vision insurance, the average cost of an eye exam is around $200. Factors that can raise or lower the cost of an eye exam include the location, type of exam and if it’s your first visit.²

Check out Humana vision insurance plans

If you’re considering contact lenses, Humana may be able to help. Some Humana vision plans offer coverage for contacts, eye exams and more. To see plans and prices in your area, go to our vision insurance plans page.