586-792-3891
Clear vision shouldn’t come with decades of recurring expenses, but for contact lens wearers across Metro Detroit, it often does. When you compare the lifetime cost of contacts with the one-time investment in LASIK or SMILE Pro at Lake Lazer Eye Center, the financial difference is far bigger than most people expect.
Here, we break down the cost of contact lenses over a lifetime of use … and the figures may shock you.
The True Lifetime Cost of Contact Lenses
Contact lenses feel inexpensive because you buy them in small, frequent purchases. But when you add up lenses, solutions, cases and backup glasses over the years, the total becomes surprisingly high.
Here’s what the average contact lens wearer spends:
- Contact lenses: $250–$700 per year
- Contact lens solution: $100–$200 per year
- Lens cases, rewetting drops and supplies: $50–$150 per year
- Annual eye exams and contact lens fittings: $150–$300 per year
That at all adds up to an annual spend of $550–$1,350 – an expense that never goes away. Now look at the long-term totals:
- 10 years: $5,500–$13,500
- 20 years: $11,000–$27,000
- 40 years: $22,000–$54,000
These numbers don’t include inflationary price increases, specialty lenses for dry eye or emergency visits for irritation or infections — all common issues for long-term contact lens wearers. For many Detroit-area patients, contacts end up costing more than a new car over a lifetime!
One More Thing: The True Health Costs of Contacts
Wearing contact lenses every day may not just hurt your wallet; long-term use also carries real health risks. Contacts sit directly on the eye, reducing oxygen flow and creating a warm, moist environment where bacteria can thrive. This increases the chances of corneal irritation, inflammation and potentially serious infections.
Over time, many people also develop contact lens intolerance (CLI), a condition where the eyes become too dry or sensitive to comfortably wear lenses at all. These risks are especially common for patients who overwear their lenses, sleep in them or struggle to keep up with proper cleaning routines.
The One-Time Investment of SoftTouch LASIK or SMILE Pro
At Lake Lazer Eye Center, SoftTouch LASIK and SMILE Pro are one-time procedures designed to give you long-lasting visual freedom. While exact pricing varies, most patients pay significantly less than what they would end up spending on contacts.
Unlike contacts, LASIK and SMILE Pro don’t require:
- Monthly lens purchases
- Cleaning solutions
- Replacement cases
- Backup glasses
- Annual contact lens fittings
Once your vision is corrected, the ongoing expenses disappear along with the daily hassle. For many patients, LASIK or SMILE Pro pays for itself in 2-3 years, then continues saving money every year after.
Why Detroit Patients Choose Lake Lazer Eye Center
Lake Lazer Eye Center is known throughout the Detroit metro area for advanced laser vision correction, including SMILE Pro, the most advanced, proven form of laser eye surgery. Patients choose our practice for our technology, experience and personalized care.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long does LASIK last?
Most patients enjoy stable vision for many years. Natural age-related changes can still occur later in life, but LASIK results themselves are designed to be permanent.
What makes SMILE Pro different from LASIK?
SMILE Pro uses a smaller opening and a single-step laser approach, making it minimally invasive with fast recovery and less dryness for many patients. Your choice between LASIK and SMILE Pro will depend on your vision goals and your unique eyes, and what Dr. Khambati recommends for your eyes.
Are contact lenses risky to wear long-term?
Yes. Long-term contact lens use increases the chance of irritation, inflammation and infection, especially when lenses are overworn or not cleaned properly. LASIK reduces these risks and eliminates the risk of contact lens intolerance, which can develop after long-term lens wear.
Can I switch from contacts to SMILE Pro if I have dry eyes?
Many people with contact-related dryness are excellent SMILE Pro candidates because the procedure preserves more corneal nerves, which can support better comfort. Your Lake Lazer surgeon will discuss these options with you.
How soon can I return to work after LASIK or SMILE Pro?
Most patients resume normal activities within about 24 hours, though Dr. Khambati will provide personalized guidance based on your healing.
Is financing available for SoftTouch LASIK or SMILE Pro?
Yes. Many patients choose flexible monthly payment plans, often costing less per month than their ongoing contact lens expenses.
With locations in Clinton Township, Southfield and Milford, Lake Lazer Eye Center offers Metro Detroit-area patients advanced technology, convenient scheduling options and affordable payment plans for SoftTouch LASIK, SMILE Pro, Advanced Cataract Surgery, Glaucoma Care and more. Father-daughter team of Drs. Shabbir and Alisha Khambati have helped thousands of people from all over the world escape the restrictions of glasses and contacts through vision correction procedures. Detroit patients who are not candidates for vision correction can get our assistance with a contact lens evaluation or a selection of designer and specialty eyewear.
