Getting contact lenses starts with a contact lens exam and fitting, which is a separate appointment from a standard eye exam. You’ll need a valid contact lens prescription before you can buy lenses anywhere, and that prescription includes measurements specific to your eyes that a regular glasses prescription doesn’t cover. The whole process, from your first appointment to wearing lenses daily, typically takes one to two weeks.
The Contact Lens Exam and Fitting
A standard eye exam checks your vision and eye health, but it doesn’t give you a contact lens prescription. For that, you need a contact lens fitting, which involves additional tests. Your eye doctor will use a device called a keratometer to measure the curvature of your cornea, which determines the base curve your lenses need to sit properly on your eye. They’ll also evaluate your tear production and quality, since lenses need adequate moisture to stay comfortable throughout the day.
These extra measurements matter because contact lenses sit directly on your eye. A lens that’s too flat or too steep for your cornea can cause discomfort, blurry vision, or even damage over time. The fitting also accounts for your lifestyle: whether you want daily disposables or monthly lenses, whether you need correction for astigmatism, and how many hours a day you plan to wear them.
Expect the exam to cost between $120 and $250 without insurance. If you need specialty tests like corneal topography or detailed tear film analysis, the cost can run higher. Many vision insurance plans cover part or all of a contact lens fitting, so check your benefits beforehand.
What’s on a Contact Lens Prescription
Your contact lens prescription looks different from a glasses prescription. Beyond the corrective power (how strong the lens is), it includes a base curve, which matches the curvature of your cornea, and a diameter, which is the overall width of the lens. It also specifies the brand and type of lens, because different brands have slightly different shapes and materials. You can’t simply swap one brand for another without your doctor’s approval.
Every contact lens prescription has an expiration date, typically one to two years from the fitting. Once it expires, you’ll need a new exam before you can reorder. Federal law requires your eye doctor to release your prescription to you at no extra charge, so you’re free to shop around for the best price on your lenses.
The Trial Period
After your fitting, you’ll leave with trial lenses to wear for about a week. This is your chance to test comfort, vision clarity, and how the lenses feel at the end of a long day. Some practices give you a seven-business-day window: if everything feels good, you can call, text, or email to order your supply. If something isn’t right, you go back for adjustments at no extra charge. Most people try one or two brands before settling on the right fit.
During this trial, your doctor’s office will likely check in with you through texts or emails. Pay attention to any persistent dryness, redness, or blurry vision, as these signal that the lens type, fit, or material needs to change.
Where to Buy Contact Lenses
Once you have a valid prescription, you can purchase lenses from your eye doctor’s office, an optical retailer, a big-box store, or an online seller. Online retailers often offer lower prices, and they’re legally required to verify your prescription before shipping. The process works like this: you provide your prescription details, the retailer contacts your eye doctor, and the doctor has eight business hours to confirm or correct the information. If the doctor doesn’t respond within that window, the prescription is automatically verified and the retailer can ship your lenses.
This verification system exists under the federal Contact Lens Rule, enforced by the FTC. It means you’re never locked into buying from your eye doctor, and no one can legally sell you lenses without a current prescription.
Daily vs. Monthly Lenses
The two most common options are daily disposables (you throw them away each night) and monthly lenses (you clean and store them each night, replacing them every 30 days).
- Daily lenses cost roughly $25 to $40 for a box of 30, or $55 to $90 for a box of 90. That works out to just under $1 per lens. If you wear them every day, dailies are the more expensive option over a year.
- Monthly lenses run about $30 to $40 for a box of six, roughly $3 to $4 per lens. You’ll also need to buy cleaning solution, which adds to the annual cost.
If you only plan to wear contacts three or four days a week, dailies and monthlies end up costing about the same. Dailies are more convenient and carry a lower risk of infection since you never reuse them. Monthlies make more sense financially for full-time wearers who don’t mind a nightly cleaning routine.
Essential Care Habits for New Wearers
Contact lens infections are preventable, but they can be serious. The CDC’s core guidelines are straightforward: never sleep in your lenses unless your eye doctor specifically tells you to, keep your lenses away from all water (remove them before swimming or showering), and replace your lens case at least every three months. Water, even tap water, harbors microorganisms that can bind to lenses and cause infections that are difficult to treat.
Always wash and dry your hands before handling lenses. Use only the solution your doctor recommends, never saliva or water. And don’t “top off” old solution in your case. Empty it, rinse with fresh solution, and let it air dry face-down between uses.
Can Kids Wear Contact Lenses?
There’s no strict minimum age. The FDA has approved certain lenses for children as young as 8 to 12 years old, particularly lenses designed to slow the progression of nearsightedness. The bigger factor is maturity. A child who consistently handles personal hygiene, like brushing teeth and washing hands without reminders, is more likely to manage contact lenses safely. For younger kids who aren’t ready for that responsibility, glasses remain the better option.