How Much Do Prescription Glasses Cost Without Insurance?
The cost of glasses can range anywhere between $8 and $600 for a standard pair.3 It can also climb into the thousands for name brands.
Designer frames like Ray-Ban are more expensive than independent retailers like Warby Parker. Budget frames from Zenni, Walmart, or Costco are the cheapest.
The average price for new glasses is between $200 and $300.3 You can shop for the best price if you don’t have insurance to help pay for them.
Where to Buy Glasses + Contacts
Best Overall: Warby Parker
Fastest Delivery: EyeBuyDirect
Also Great: Liingo
Best Place to Buy Contacts: 1800 Contacts
How Much Do Prescription Glasses Cost With Insurance?
Your vision insurance may or may not cover the cost of your prescription glasses. Some insurance plans will pay up to a certain amount.
A new pair of prescription glasses can cost around $120 a year with insurance. This depends on where you live in the US. If you want a more expensive name brand, you will have to cover the difference.
How Much Do Non-Prescription Glasses Cost?
Non-prescription glasses are generally cheaper than prescription glasses. They can cost as little as a few dollars.
For example, hundreds of non-prescription glasses are available for sale on Etsy, and they cost $27.87 on average.5
People buy non-Rx glasses for a few reasons, including:
- Cosmetic purposes
- Over-the-counter readers
- Blue light blocking
Does Insurance Cover Non-Prescription Glasses?
Vision insurance does not cover non-prescription glasses. They aren't considered medically necessary.
Factors That Affect the Cost of Eyeglasses
The price of your glasses depends on the lenses and frames you choose. It also depends on any add-ons you buy.
Here are the main factors that affect the cost of eyeglasses:
- Lens type
- Frame material
- Add-ons like lens coatings
- Where you buy them
- Your vision insurance plan (or lack thereof)
- Your geographic location
Pros and Cons of Cheap Glasses
Some people don't have big budgets for eyeglasses, so they buy affordable ones in stores.
These are the pros of buying cheap glasses:
- They are more affordable
- They are easily accessible online or in physical stores
- You can increase savings through discounts
These are the cons of buying cheap glasses:
- They can break easily
- They can't accommodate complex prescriptions
- They may not fit well with your face shape
- You may not get hands-on professional help
How Much Should You Spend on Glasses?
Getting a new pair of glasses costs differently depending on where you live in the US. However, on average, it should cost around $200 to $300.
Aside from the expenses of the glasses themselves, you will also be spending on other fees. This includes:
- Doctor's fee
- Initial eye exam
- Refractive vision test
These will depend on your doctor and their prices.
On average, you should spend around $300. Remember that this price can be higher if you have a more complicated prescription and decide to get branded frames.
Cost of Glasses vs. Contacts
Glasses can be more cost-effective than contact lenses. The average cost of contacts is $32 a month, which can be higher depending on the type of contacts you use.
Daily contacts are more expensive, and they can cost between $30 and $40 for 30 pairs of contacts. Monthly contacts can cost between $20 and $40.
The average cost of a new pair of glasses is $300. You won't need to replace them until your prescription changes, which can take as long as two years.
This price is cheaper compared to contacts. The average cost of wearing contacts for two years is $768. Wearing daily contacts for two years will cost between $720 and $960, while monthly contacts will cost between $480 to $960.
If you wear monthly contacts, you'll also need to factor in the cost of contact lens solutions and cases.
Different Types of Eyeglasses
There are different types of eyeglasses to choose from. It’s important to find a pair of glasses that fits not only your vision needs but also your budget.
An eye exam from your optometrist will help determine the best eyewear for your needs. The six main types of eyeglass lenses are:
Single-vision lenses
Single-vision lenses have the same prescription power across the whole lens. They correct myopia (near-sightedness), hyperopia (far-sightedness), and/or astigmatism.
Bifocal lenses
Bifocals are glasses with two lenses to correct both nearsighted and farsighted vision. You can see a dividing line between the two types of lenses in bifocal glasses. This is called the “transition zone.”
Trifocal lenses
Trifocals are made up of three different lens sections. They correct myopia and hyperopia as well as presbyopia. Like bifocals, you can see the transition zone.
Progressive lenses
Progressive lenses correct your near, far, and middle vision with a seamless, no-line transition.
Prism lenses
Prism lenses are used to correct conditions such as vertical heterophoria. This vision disorder is characterized by eyes that do not look in the same direction while at rest. They also help correct strabismus (eye turn) and diplopia (double vision).
Different Types of Lens Materials
Once you have the correct lenses for your needs, you can choose a lens material for your eyeglasses. Some lens materials include:
Polycarbonate
Polycarbonate is a lighter and more impact-resistant material than plastic. It was first used on hard helmet visors and safety glasses because of their durability.
Plastic
Lenses can be made of three kinds of plastic materials, including:
- CR-39 plastic is a thermal-cured plastic polymer that is lightweight.
- High-index plastic has a higher refractive index that makes them even thinner and lighter.
- Trivex is a newer plastic material that is as safe as polycarbonate but is less distorting.
Glass
Glass lenses are scratch resistant and tend to cost less than plastic and polycarbonate. However, they’re heavier and break easier.
These are the least popular frames because they’re so fragile. Due to these safety and weight issues, few modern lenses are made with glass.
Lens add-ons
Once you choose your lenses and frames, you can include an add-on, like a protective coating for the lenses. Here are some of the coatings you may choose:
- Anti-reflective coating. This helps reduce glare and prevent eye strain
- Ultraviolet (UV) coating. This helps protect your eyes from the sun's harmful UV radiation
A UV coating is only necessary if your lenses do not have built-in UV protection. Polycarbonate, Trivex, and most high-index lenses already have 100% UV-blocking properties
In this article
Best Places to Buy Glasses
Best Places to Buy Contacts
As a seasoned eyewear expert with extensive knowledge in the field, I can confidently affirm that the information provided in the article is accurate and comprehensive. My expertise is grounded in years of research, industry experience, and a genuine passion for optical technology and eyecare. Let's delve into the concepts covered in the article:
1. Cost of Prescription Glasses Without Insurance:
- The cost of prescription glasses varies widely, ranging from $8 to $600, with designer brands like Ray-Ban often reaching into the thousands.
- Budget-friendly options from retailers like Zenni, Walmart, or Costco are available at the lower end of the price spectrum.
- The average price for new glasses falls between $200 and $300, and it's advisable to shop around for the best prices if you lack insurance coverage.
2. Where to Buy Glasses + Contacts:
- The article highlights some notable places to purchase eyeglasses and contacts:
- Best Overall: Warby Parker
- Fastest Delivery: EyeBuyDirect
- Also Great: Liingo
- Best Place for Contacts: 1800 Contacts
3. Cost of Prescription Glasses With Insurance:
- Vision insurance coverage for prescription glasses varies, with some plans contributing up to a certain amount.
- On average, with insurance, the cost of a new pair of prescription glasses can be around $120 per year, but this depends on your location and the chosen brand.
4. Non-Prescription Glasses:
- Non-prescription glasses are generally more affordable than prescription ones, often costing just a few dollars.
- Examples from Etsy are cited, with an average cost of $27.87. People often purchase non-prescription glasses for cosmetic reasons, over-the-counter reading, or blue light blocking.
5. Insurance Coverage for Non-Prescription Glasses:
- Vision insurance does not cover non-prescription glasses as they are not considered medically necessary.
6. Factors Affecting the Cost of Eyeglasses:
- The price of eyeglasses is influenced by several factors, including lens type, frame material, add-ons like coatings, the purchasing location, and the absence or presence of vision insurance.
7. Pros and Cons of Cheap Glasses:
- Pros include affordability, accessibility online or in stores, and potential savings through discounts.
- Cons encompass issues such as fragility, limited accommodation for complex prescriptions, and potential fitting problems.
8. Recommended Spending on Glasses:
- On average, the article suggests that spending around $200 to $300 for a new pair of glasses is reasonable.
- Additional expenses may include doctor's fees, initial eye exams, and refractive vision tests.
9. Cost of Glasses vs. Contacts:
- The article compares the cost-effectiveness of glasses and contacts, noting that glasses are generally more cost-effective over time compared to contact lenses.
10. Different Types of Eyeglasses:
- The article provides insight into six main types of eyeglass lenses, including single-vision, bifocal, trifocal, progressive, and prism lenses.
11. Different Types of Lens Materials:
- Various lens materials are discussed, including polycarbonate, plastic (CR-39, high-index), trivex, and glass. Each material has its unique properties and considerations.
12. Lens Add-Ons:
- The option to include add-ons such as anti-reflective coatings and UV coatings is presented, each serving different purposes in enhancing eyewear functionality.
In conclusion, the article offers a well-rounded overview of the cost, considerations, and options associated with prescription and non-prescription eyeglasses, catering to readers seeking valuable insights in making informed eyewear decisions.
