Contact Lenses for Seniors

Considerations for Contacts

When considering contacts for seniors, it is important to regularly visit an eye doctor; this is because, such as with eyeglasses, your prescription requirements will most likely change over the years. You may also have a difference in the quality of your tears and have drier eyes, which will require finding the right lens fit for your eyes.

One reason older adults may not want to wear contacts is because of perceived discomfort; however, contacts can take a while to adjust to and there are daily wear or extended wear contact lenses available. Daily wear lenses are taken out at night, but extended wear can be worn continuously for up to a month.

Contact lenses are FDA-approved medical devices and should be prescribed by your eye doctor and purchased with a prescription. Some considerations for contacts for seniors include:

Fit

For those new to contacts, getting the right fit to your specifications and comfort level can take a little time. This means trying out the contacts and allowing yourself time to adjust to them.

Cost

The cost can vary and depend on the brand selected, replacement frequency (every day, week, or month), and where the contacts are purchased. Manufacturer rebates and senior discounts — such as through AARP membership — can help you save more (you don’t have to be retired to join AARP!). For nearsighted individuals, the average cost for an annual supply of contacts can range between $200 and $300.2

Replacement costs per year can amount to $20 to $30 for each box for up to 10 boxes total. Those with astigmatism or presbyopia will pay more. It will also be more expensive if you are using daily disposable lenses — you can expect costs ranging between $500 and $700 per year. Additional costs include bottles of contact lens cleaning solutions and contact lens cases.

Care

Wearing contact lenses requires properly handling, cleaning, and storing them. For seniors who have hand-related problems, contacts may be a difficult option. Care for reusable contacts is simple and just requires a daily rinse with a contact solution. Daily disposable lenses require no cleaning, as you just dispose of them each night.

What’s Best for Seniors

Nine out of 10 people who would like to wear contacts can wear them, according to Prevent Blindness, an eye health and safety organization.3 In the contact lens industry, there has been much improvement in materials and designs to make contacts for seniors a good option. For seniors who don’t like wearing glasses and want to maintain a happy, healthy, independent lifestyle, contacts can be a comfortable and convenient alternative. Contacts for seniors can improve vision and won’t alter appearances — like glasses.

Seniors who may not be good candidates for contacts include those who suffer from repeated eye infections or severe allergic reactions — also, people with eye lubrication issues or those exposed to significant dust, dirt, or smoke. In addition, contacts may not be a good idea for seniors who are concerned about falling asleep with their contacts in or forgetting where they left their contacts.

Aging adults should make an appointment with their eye doctor to determine what choices are best. Follow-up care with your eye doctor can ensure proper fit and comfort.

Medicare Coverage for Contacts

Medicare typically does not cover eyeglasses or contact lenses. Medicare Part B does cover one pair of eyeglasses with standard frames or a set of contact lenses following an approved cataract surgery that implants an intraocular lens.4 Medicare only pays for contact lenses from a supplier enrolled in Medicare. Vision insurance can help cut costs, so it’s important to find the best insurance plans for seniors. Many Medicare Advantage plans also include vision benefits. Check out our vision insurance guide to learn more.