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Contacts
Andrea Feucht, 19 Dec 2024

Your Complete Guide to Buying Contact Lenses

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You’ve just returned from the eye doctor, who has informed you that you should correct your vision with prescription lenses. Your doctor has given you the choice between eyeglasses or contact lenses, and you decided to go with contacts! So, what comes next? If you’ve never worn contact lenses before, there are a few extra steps you need to know about to make sure you get the right fit and to ensure your best chance at clear vision. Here is a guide to get to know everything about getting contacts.

Why choose contact lenses?

Contact lenses are a convenient choice for many people, and they have some advantages over glasses. Here are a few reasons why you might want to get contact lenses:

• More natural field of vision compared to glasses
• Freedom of movement during physical activities
• Ability to wear your favorite non-prescription sunglasses
• Less costly to replace than glasses
• Not loving how you look in eyeglasses
• Wanting to avoid glasses fogging or getting smudged when wearing a mask

Now that you've made your choice to wear contact lenses, it's time to schedule a contact lens exam with your eye doctor.

Do I need a contact lens eye exam?

Prescriptions for contact lenses are different from eyeglasses, so you’ll need to schedule a contact lens exam with your eye doctor to determine options and details specific to contact lenses.

This exam for contact lenses has a few components, including consulting with an optometrist, getting key eye measurements, and having a contact lens fitting. If you’re new to contacts, you’ll also receive guidance on how to insert and remove lenses so that it becomes comfortable and easy. When your contacts fit well, you won’t know they are there at all!

All contact lens prescriptions are specific for a kind of lens, and most will specify a particular brand. This ensures you get the fit and comfort that is best for your eyes. Ask your eye doctor to prescribe a major brand of contacts if you’d like to be able to order your lenses from the widest range of retailers.

Once you have your contact lens prescription, it’s time to order your lenses. But first, let’s talk about insurance options and the cost of contact lenses.

Does vision insurance cover contact lenses?

Once you’ve decided to go with contacts, you have payment options for the exam and the lenses. Most vision insurance plans offer savings or a copay on both the contact lens eye exam as well as lenses.

Each vision insurance plan will have its own levels of coverage and allowances for contacts lenses. Nearly all insurance plans have a contact lens allowance that can offset some or all of the material costs. Most VSP® Individual Vision Plans include a contact lens allowance, plus you’ll be able to take advantage of additional savings and discounts through Exclusive Member Extras for VSP members.

Where can you buy contact lenses?

Once you have a prescription for your contact lenses, there are several options to purchase contacts that depend on your budget and your vision insurance coverage.

Contact lenses can be ordered from many retailers, both in person and online. It’s possible your eye doctor will have a recommendation for a contact lens supplier — or even sell them at their office — but you can order from any retailer that sells the brand of contacts that you want.

How do you order contact lenses online?

The steps to get started ordering contacts are simple. First, locate the type and brand of contacts from your eye doctor. Then, upload your prescription to the website. Finally, choose a method of payment (cash, FSA/HSA or insurance) and complete the order for your contact lenses!

Many online retailers accept vision insurance, but the benefits for in-network and out-of-network can vary widely, so it’s a good idea to check directly with the retailer before placing your order. No matter which vision insurance you have chosen, you’ll get the most by using the contact lens retailers that are in network for your plan.

If you have vision insurance through VSP, you can make the most out of your coverage by getting contacts through your VSP network doctor or shop contacts at Eyeconic®, the VSP online store.

Are contact lens subscriptions worth it?

Getting your contact lenses delivered automatically can save time and effort! Some online retailers offer contact lens subscriptions for disposable contacts so that you can receive contact lenses on a schedule that fits your life and level of use.

The process is typically easy for retailers that offer subscription services. First, you’ll start an order, choosing your lenses and payment method. Then you’ll indicate frequency of deliveries and quantity of lenses to be shipped to you. Many sites offer discounts for subscriptions, but the main benefit is never worrying about running out of your lenses!

How often should you replace contacts lenses?

Some contact lenses are worn once per day, then discarded. Others are meant to be worn for several days or longer, with care between wearing sessions. Rigid (semi-permeable) lenses are a type of semi-soft contact lens that if well cared for, are meant to be used for several months, as long as your prescription does not change.

Contact lenses have recommended life spans, and it is a good idea to know the recommended time frame and stick to that. Following the instructions about the wear lifetime of your contacts can help reduce your risk of eye infections.

Your eye doctor will discuss all of your corrective lens options with you. Be prepared to ask any questions that you may have, so that you understand all the choices available for your specific prescription.

What if my contact prescription changes?

Your contact lens prescription will typically be valid for one year from your exam date. This is meant to help you maintain good eye and vision health. Having a comprehensive eye exam every year can keep your vision clear and your chance for long-term vision problems low. Need to schedule a contact lens exam? VSP Individual Vision Plans has you covered with our Find an eye doctor search tool.

If you find that your contact lens prescription is outdated, don’t worry! This is not uncommon, and it only takes a short amount of time to update your prescription. Then, you’ll be able to upload your new prescription to the retailer where you buy contacts and continue ordering exactly what you need for your clearest and best eyesight.

Contacts Lenses and VSP Individual Vision Plans Insurance

Seeing your world with clear vision is important, whether you choose contact lenses or glasses to sharpen your vision. VSP Individual Plans offer great benefits and savings for contact lenses to suit your needs.

Is vision insurance worth it beyond glasses or contacts? When it comes to total eye health, absolutely. VSP has everything for complete vision health, including vision correction allowances, preventative health screenings, annual eye exams, and more. With providers across the country, it’s easy to find a location near you. Get started today with the VSP Individual Vision Plan Selector to find the vision insurance plan that’s right for you and your family.

Information received through VSP Individual Vision Plans’ social media channels is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, medical recommendations, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.