The Cost of Hybrid Contact Lenses
Last Updated on August 3, 2021 | Written by CPA Alec Pow
First Published on August 3, 2021 | Content Reviewed by 
CFA Alexander Popivker
Right about the early last decade, hybrid contact lenses started to appear on the market, under new manufacturing techniques and advanced junction technologies for the bonding of the RGP and soft materials.
These specialized contact lenses attempt to give people visual acuity while being made of a rigid center and a soft outer skirt.
In other words, while having a clear vision provided by the rigid center, you will be able to comfortably wear the lenses due to their soft outer skirt material.
How much do hybrid contact lenses cost?
Depending on the brand, the needed follow-up visits, the optometrist, and the exam fees, you will have to pay anywhere from $300 to $500 without insurance. It is very important to keep in mind that the lenses have to be changed every 6 to 12 months, so you should be prepared to invest somewhere between $600 and $1,000 per year.
If you are covered by an insurance plan, you will only be responsible for the deductible and co-pay.
According to the Review of Optometry, the practitioners will charge you $400 to $500 for a consultation. Another $300 will be added for case management and evaluation.
At Eye Dolatry, hybrids like Duette Multifocal or SynergEyes have six months of availability and cost anywhere from $200 to $300 per pair. However, the final cost is way higher, considering that they are adding a fitting fee to the cost and that several visits are required in order to ensure the perfect parameters.
You can pay $400 if you are under no insurance coverage at East Dallas Family Eye Care in Dallas, Texas. At this price, you will get an additional pair of lenses also, that you can use for emergency situations.
Details on the hybrid lenses
Most people with corneal astigmatism can benefit from these lenses, being able to choose from a wide range of Hybrids, including Multifocals.
Besides the regular corneal astigmatism, there are several conditions for which hearing hybrid lenses may be a good idea:
- If you suffer from presbyopia
- If you have an issue with the movement given by the soft toric lenses
- If you desire a clear vision given by a GP lens, but you’re worried about how it will feel
- if you’re interested in other lens options because you suffer from an irregular cornea
- if you’re wearing Multifocal soft lenses but you want a better vision
- if you suffer from keratoconus
- if you had corneal trauma and you’re suffering from corneal distortion
- if you had refractive surgery and the outcome is not satisfying
If you notice that you have any of these problems it is likely that you suffer from corneal irregularity or distortion. Doctors will recommend fitting a rigid contact lens because most of the time this problem cannot be corrected with eyeglasses.
You might also like our articles about the cost of Ocumetics Bionic Lens, Google Classes, or Cataract surgery.
Because a hard lens offers a better vision (masking corneal distortion and mimicking a smooth surface for the light to be focused) and wearing a soft lens will make your astigmatism or distortion shine through the lens and draping over the cornea, which means losing sight in comfort’s detriment, the best choice is to buy hybrids.
What are the extra costs?
Being contact lenses, you cannot purchase them without a prescription. An eye exam is mandatory and can cost up to $100.
If you’re going to order them and the minimum spending requirement is not covered in order to have them shipped for free, additional charges will be added.
Can I save any money?
As with other services, optometrists will have differing rates, so it doesn’t hurt to compare rates. Search for other optometrists in your area and you might find one offering these services for considerably cheaper rates.
Considering the lenses have to be changed every 6 to 12 months, it is fair to ask about any discounts before purchasing. If you’re lucky, it is possible to find a rebate available, so it is recommended to search a bit.
Keratoconus is a disease covered by most insurance plans. The contact lenses prescripted for Keratoconus are medically necessary, so you’ll be paying only for the fitting.
Make sure to check your plan before signing, as even the fitting fees can be completely or partially covered.
If you do not have an insurance plan yet or you just want to switch to a new one, it would be a great idea to get one.
Important things to consider
Hybrid lenses require some training and education for correct use. The insertion, removal, and care of the contact lens are very important. If a patient is not eager to learn these new techniques, hybrid lenses may not be the best choice.
Training lessons are required for the correct use of hybrids. They have a different insertion, removal, and even care plan. If you are not willing to learn new techniques, hybrids may not be a good choice.
Lenticular astigmatism cannot be corrected with hybrids.
There is a possibility to have the cornea flattened over time even if the lens fits perfectly.
- How Much Does it Cost to Replace a Wheel Bearing? - November 25, 2023
- How Much Does it Cost to Become a CPR Instructor? - November 24, 2023
- How Much Does a Midwife Cost? - November 23, 2023
Leave a Reply
Want to join the discussion?Feel free to contribute!