Contact lenses are very important for people who love the convenience and all-around vision improvement they provide. That’s why, according to the British Contact Lens Association, there are about 3.7 million people who wear contacts in the UK.
However, contact lenses can be expensive. In one study published on Optician Online, contact lens wearers spend £28.37 monthly on daily disposable spherical lenses. Still, the researchers found that after letting contact lens wearers try soft toric lenses, they would much prefer these over traditional spherical lenses, as the cheaper toric lenses still provide better vision and similar comfort—highlighting a gap between consumer preferences and pricing.
Given the high monthly cost, it’s unsurprising that many people who wear contact lenses may struggle with the decision to pay for these. However, the study also suggests many contact lens wearers may not be exhausting their options with contact lenses, as the market has evolved to provide more affordable products. So, if you’ve got a tight budget but want to keep wearing contact lenses, here are a few tips:
Find deals online
As with many products, you’re more likely to get better deals on contact lenses online. Retailers can pass on the savings from not having a physical store down to you, keeping their offerings competitive. That said, buying more affordable contacts online doesn’t mean you’re compromising on quality, as you can get cheap contact lenses at Lenstore from leading brands like Acuvue, Bausch & Lomb, CooperVision, and more. The retailer covers the cost of customers’ eye tests, so once you have your up-to-date prescription, you can consider investing in daily-use lenses like the Soflens Daily Disposable.
These lenses provide clear and sharp vision in both low-light and well-lit settings, making them a versatile choice if you’re budgeting and want an all-in-one solution. When searching for online deals, look for add-ons like free aftercare, loyalty schemes, and free shipping vouchers that can further sweeten the deal.
Opt for monthlies
If you’re a loyal contacts wearer and have ditched your glasses, consider switching to monthlies.
While you may have to fork more cash upfront, it could be a more cost-effective choice. With the correct care methods, you’ll only need to buy a few pairs per year, reducing your overall cost on contact lenses. However, some users avoid monthlies because it can cause lens dryness, discomfort, and visual acuity issues after a certain age. You can overcome this with options like the TOTAL30 Multifocal lens, which uses a proprietary Water Gradient Technology to deliver almost 100% water to the contact lens surface.
Clinical studies show that the lenses are still comfortable even after 30 days. It can also help to set hydration reminders so you drink more water throughout the day. This, along with an increased intake of hydration-enhancing foods, could provide more comfort and reduce dryness when wearing contact lenses.
Care for your contacts
When you care for your contacts, you extend their lifespan, so you won’t have to replace them as often. But to save money, some could be rinsing or storing their lenses in tap water, which is a massive safety risk! There are microorganisms in tap water that can cause severe infections, costing you even more in the long run. That’s why investing in proper contact care is very important.
A dedicated range like the Cleadew lens cleaning solutions can help enhance the safety and comfort of your contacts, keeping them fresh for longer-term use. Instead of tap water, using the CleaDew Rinsing Solution helps ensure your contacts can be worn safely and repeatedly. Don’t forget to wash your hands before handling your lenses, and replace the solution after each use to avoid bacterial growth.
Contact lenses don’t have to be a luxury. By purchasing in bulk online, choosing longer-term options, and investing in care products, you can continue to enjoy contacts while staying within your budget.
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This is a collaborative post.
