Different Types of Contact Lenses and Their Costs

Contact lenses offer freedom from glasses and clear vision. Whether you want to wear them daily, on weekends only, or while playing sports, there’s likely a style that fits your needs. But with so many options—from soft to hard, daily to monthly, simple to specialized—it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.

This guide walks you through the different types of contact lenses, how they work, and what to expect at your fitting appointment. You’ll also learn how to weigh comfort, cost, and safety, so you can make confident choices with your eye care provider.

Contact Lenses and Refractive Errors

Contact lenses are thin, curved lenses that sit directly on the tear film covering your cornea. They correct focus problems, called refractive errors, by bending light so it lands properly on the retina at the back of your eye.

Refractive errors include:

Myopia (nearsightedness). Close-up vision is clear, distance is blurry.
Hyperopia (farsightedness). Distance vision is easier than near vision.
Astigmatism. Blurred vision from an uneven corneal curve.
Presbyopia. Age-related difficulty seeing up close.

Because contacts move with your eyes and eliminate the gap between glasses and the eye, they often give a wider field of view with less distortion.

Roughly one in three Americans has astigmatism, and millions more have myopia, hyperopia, or presbyopia. If your goal is clearer vision without glasses, a contact lens may be a great fit.

Eye Exam and Lens Fitting Basics

Fitting contact lenses involves more than just checking your vision. Your eye care provider will take detailed measurements and evaluate how your eyes respond to lenses during trial wear.

You can expect these steps during a contact lens fitting:

Corneal shape measurement. Your provider uses tools such as a keratometer or a topographer.
Tear film evaluation. This is to check moisture levels and lens compatibility.
Lens sizing. This is for selecting the correct diameter, curve, and prescription.
Trial lenses. You will try lenses in-office to check comfort and alignment.
Follow-up visit. To ensure a good fit, clear vision, and no signs of irritation.

If you wear lenses regularly or plan to sleep in them, your doctor may check additional details, such as pupil size or lens movement under the eyelids.

They’ll also ask about your habits—whether you want to wear lenses all day, just for sports, or occasionally for events.

Your provider may suggest a follow-up after a week or two of trial wear to make adjustments and confirm the lenses are keeping your eyes healthy. It’s not just about comfort—it’s about protecting your long-term vision.

Soft Lens Options

Soft contact lenses are made of flexible, water-containing plastics that mold gently to the eye. They’re the most common lens type, available in different materials and wear schedules to match your vision needs and routine.

Choosing between daily and reusable soft lenses depends on your budget, routine, and ability to follow care instructions. Your provider will help match you with a schedule that protects your eyes and fits your life.

Daily Lenses

Daily disposable lenses are worn once and then discarded. They’re the most convenient and hygienic option, especially for people with allergies or sensitive eyes.

Here’s why many choose them:

Less cleaning hassle. No need for cleaning solutions or storage.
Lower risk of some infections and inflammatory complications. This is due to having a fresh, sterile pair of lenses every day.
Great for part-time use. Perfect if you only wear lenses occasionally.
Fewer deposits. There’s less chance of protein or lipid buildup.

Studies show that daily disposable users have a significantly lower risk of infections, such as Acanthamoeba keratitis, than reusable lens wearers.

However, they can cost more over time, especially if worn every day. If convenience and eye health are top priorities, dailies may be the safest choice.

Reusable Lenses

Reusable lenses are available in weekly, biweekly, and monthly options. They’re worn for the approved duration and cleaned each night.

Benefits include:

Lower cost per day. This is especially if you wear lenses full-time
Variety of options. There are more prescriptions and specialty fits available.
Approved for extended wear. Some types can be worn overnight (with caution).

However, reusable lenses require diligent hygiene. Improper cleaning or extending their wear beyond the schedule increases your risk of serious infections.

If you're considering extended wear, note that even approved lenses carry a 6–8× higher risk of infection when worn overnight. Your doctor may still recommend taking them out overnight regularly.

Hard Lens Options

Hard contact lenses, also called rigid lenses, are less common than soft lenses but offer sharp vision and long-term corneal health when properly fitted.

RGP Lenses

Rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses are small, firm lenses that float on a thin layer of tears. They let oxygen pass through and often provide sharper vision than soft lenses, especially for astigmatism or conditions like keratoconus.

RGP advantages include:

Crisp vision. Often, there is better clarity than with soft lenses.
High oxygen delivery. They are healthier for corneal cells during wear.
Durability. They’re long-lasting if cared for properly.
Low infection risk. They’re among the safest options when worn daily.

However, RGP lenses take longer to adapt to—often a week or two—and may feel noticeable at first. Because they’re smaller, they may also dislodge more easily during sports or eye rubbing.

Still, for some eye shapes or prescriptions, RGPs are a top choice.

PMMA Lenses

PMMA lenses were the original “hard contacts.” They don’t allow oxygen through the material, which leads to problems like corneal swelling, discomfort, and visible blood vessels over time.

While they provide clear optics and are very durable, PMMA lenses have been almost entirely replaced by oxygen-permeable RGPs. They’re now rarely used, except in limited situations.

If you’re told you’re using a “hard lens,” it’s likely a gas-permeable one—not an old-fashioned PMMA lens. However, it’s always best to ask your provider.

Toric, Multifocal, and Presbyopia Lenses

Not all vision problems are simple nearsightedness or farsightedness. If you have astigmatism or presbyopia, special lens designs can help correct your vision at multiple distances.

Toric contact lenses. These are made for people with astigmatism. Unlike round lenses, torics have different curves in different directions and are weighted to stay oriented on your eye. They must remain in the correct position to provide sharp, stable vision.
Multifocal lenses. These have different power zones within the same lens to help you see both near and far. These are helpful if you’re over 40 and noticing you need reading glasses more often.
Monovision. This is where one eye wears a distance lens and the other a near lens. While some people adapt well to this, it can affect depth perception.

Your doctor will help you decide among multifocal lenses, monovision, or specialty designs based on your needs. Be patient—these lenses often require extra fine-tuning for the best results.

Scleral Hybrid and Lenses

When traditional contact lenses don’t work due to eye shape, dryness, or injury, more specialized options are available. These lenses can restore vision, reduce discomfort, and even protect your eyes during healing.

Scleral Lenses

Scleral lenses are large, rigid lenses that rest on the white of your eye (the sclera) and vault over your cornea. They hold a reservoir of saline between the lens and the eye, which keeps the surface moist and smooths out irregularities.

Doctors often recommend them for:

Keratoconus or ectasia, where the cornea bulges and distorts vision
Severe dry eye, especially in autoimmune conditions
Post-surgery or trauma, when the cornea is scarred or misshapen
Lens intolerance, when soft or RGP lenses cause too much discomfort

Because scleral lenses are custom-fitted, they often require several appointments. But the payoff can be dramatic—some people go from blurred vision or daily pain to clear, comfortable sight.

Hybrid Lenses

Hybrid lenses combine a gas-permeable center (for crisp vision) with a soft outer skirt (for comfort). They’re often used when RGP lenses provide good vision but aren’t comfortable enough.

These lenses work well for:

Moderate keratoconus, especially if the patient can’t tolerate RGPs
High astigmatism, where a soft lens doesn’t stay centered
People who need sharper optics and who struggle with soft lens blur

Hybrids do have some trade-offs. They may not allow sufficient oxygen through the soft skirt, and the junction between the hard and soft parts can wear over time. Fitting them well takes experience.

In both cases, your provider may recommend more frequent follow-ups to ensure the lenses remain safe and effective.

Cosmetic, Transition, and Color Lenses

Contact lenses aren’t just for vision—they can change how your eyes look or feel in the sun. Even lenses with no prescription power are medical devices that require a valid prescription and fitting.

Decorative or costume lenses—like colored or patterned lenses for parties or Halloween—are regulated by the FDA. Buying them without a prescription, especially from novelty stores or online sellers that don’t ask for your doctor’s info, is illegal and dangerous.

Infections, corneal scratches, and even vision loss have been linked to unregulated cosmetic lenses. If you’re interested in changing your eye color, ask your provider about safe options like FreshLook ColorBlends or other approved brands.

Transition contact lenses are newer. They automatically darken in bright sunlight and fade indoors—similar to photochromic glasses. While they reduce glare and block UV on the covered part of your eye, they aren’t a substitute for sunglasses, since the white of your eye and surrounding skin still need protection.

Cleaning Solutions, Infection Prevention, and Safe Wear

Proper lens care helps prevent complications and protect your eyes. A few daily habits can make a big difference.

Here are the basics:

Never use water or saliva on your lenses. Tap water can carry Acanthamoeba and other microbes.
Rub and rinse your lenses. Even with “no-rub” solutions, cleaning helps remove deposits.
Use a fresh solution each time. Don’t top off or reuse old liquid.
Replace your case regularly. This should be done at least every three months, or sooner if it looks worn.
Watch for red flags. These may include redness, pain, blurred vision, or light sensitivity.

Most people use multipurpose solutions, which clean, rinse, disinfect, and store lenses in one step. For some, hydrogen peroxide systems offer stronger disinfection, especially for people with allergies or a history of infections. However, they require careful use and neutralization.

If lenses are exposed to water from showering, swimming, or tap water, they should be discarded or cleaned and disinfected overnight.

Water exposure is a leading preventable risk factor for serious infections, including Acanthamoeba and Pseudomonas keratitis (corneal ulcers). When in doubt, take your lenses out and call your provider.

Contact Lens Brands and Costs

Contact lenses vary in cost based on type, brand, and frequency of wear. Daily disposable lenses tend to cost more per year (often $700–$900), while monthly or biweekly lenses may cost less overall but require cleaning solutions.

Fitting fees and exams add to the upfront cost. A basic fitting typically costs $100–$250 (or more, depending on where you live and the complexity of your prescription), while specialty fittings—such as toric, multifocal, or scleral lenses—can cost several hundred dollars due to the time and expertise required.

Popular brands, such as Acuvue Moist, Air Optix Aqua, and Biofinity, are produced by major manufacturers. Store-brand lenses may be rebranded versions of these products, offering savings.

You can ask your provider if there’s a compatible generic lens that meets your needs.

Consumer Protection

Under the Fairness to Contact Lens Consumers Act, U.S. providers must provide you with a copy of your prescription once the fitting is complete.

You’re free to shop from any legitimate retailer, but sellers must verify your prescription. If a seller doesn’t ask for it, they’re likely operating illegally.

Avoid lenses from unknown sites or overseas vendors. They may sell expired, mislabelled, or counterfeit products.

Why You Should See Your Eye Doctor for Contact Lenses

Safe contact lens wear is a partnership between you and your eye care provider. Even if you buy your lenses online, you should have regular check-ups—usually at least once a year.

At follow-ups, your doctor checks for:

Corneal inflammation or blood vessels
Lens fit or movement problems
Changes in your prescription
Early signs of dryness or irritation

Regular follow-up visits help your doctor catch fit problems or early irritation before they become serious. If you’re wearing extended wear lenses or have had issues in the past, your provider may recommend more frequent exams.

If you ever notice eye pain, redness, light sensitivity, or blurry vision that doesn’t clear up, remove your lenses immediately and seek care. Early treatment of infections or corneal problems can prevent long-term damage.

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