Is using contact lenses economical and environmentally friendly?

An ever increasing number of people all over the world are struggling with insufficient visual acuity resulting from a refractive error. Contact lenses are definitely a much more convenient alternative to glasses. However, the question remains whether long-term use of contact lenses is cost-effective and harmless to the environment? Let’s check!

Annual cost of wearing contact lenses

The ophthalmological market currently offers various types of contact lenses to choose from – from one-day lenses to monthly ones, and toric lenses for those with astigmatism. The average cost of leading brand one-day, toric contact lenses is 160 PLN per month. This means that the annual cost will reach 1920 PLN, and the amount paid within the next 10 years will be as high as 19 200 PLN.

These costs vary depending on which type of contact lenses the patient requires (spherical or toric ones), which wearing mode they will choose (daily or monthly) and whether the lenses need to be tailor made (e.g. due to unusual lens curvature or cylinder value) or not.

While calculating the costs of using contact lenses, you should also take into consideration making regular appointments with an ophthalmologist/optometrist to have your vision tested and an appropriate correction selected if your defect progresses. You also need to bear in mind possible costs of treating inflammations related to inadequate use of lenses.

Cost of laser vision correction at the ArtLife Centre

It is true that when you decide to undergo a laser vision correction surgery, you have to take into account a larger, one-time expense. However, given the fact that the procedure is performed once in a lifetime, regular use of contact lenses for many years turns out to be far more expensive.

In the case of laser vision correction, an additional cost is the cost of a preliminary qualifying examination and follow-up appointments. Usually 1-3 appointments are scheduled within the first six months after the procedure, which is the standard time required for the vision to stabilise until the expected final effect is reached.

Our Clinic offers a possibility of having the examination and the surgery on the same day (one-day procedure). If you choose this option, the cost of the qualifying examination will be deducted from the total cost of the bilateral (performed on both eyes) procedure. Moreover, the cost of the surgery includes the cost of the first follow-up appointment, a set of eye drops that need to be used for a month, special eye shields to wear during sleep and a pair of protective sunglasses. Current prices of qualification for the surgery, the procedure itself and the follow-up appointments are available under the PRICELIST tab.

Contact lenses and the environment

Wearing contact lenses not only generates high costs for the user, but it is not the only disadvantage. Probably not many people are aware of how it may affect the environment.

To begin with – the manufacturing and transport of contact lenses are significant contributors to carbon footprints.

Secondly – contact lenses are made of silicone and hydrogel materials, i.e. materials of unnatural origin. Each contact lens is packed separately into a sterile, plastic container. If you wear daily disposable contact lenses, you use and throw away 1440 lenses and plastic containers per year.

Furthermore, improper disposal (e.g. contact lenses ending up in the sink drain) contributes to the formation of microplastic particles in the oceans, which threaten aquatic organisms.

Laser vision correction is a way to reduce your contact lens expenses and see better without harming our planet!

To make an appointment for the one-day procedure, fill in the preliminary qualification form available online or call us.

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