progressive contact lenses

[slim4]

a contact lens (and glasses) wearer for years, i've just been diagnosed with presbyopia and have a new prescription for progressive lenses for my glasses. i've visited one optometrist who told me that because i have an astigmatism in one eye, i'll need custom lenses that could cost $2000 plus for a year's supply. apparently these custom lenses are changed quarterly so that figure is for 4 sets of lenses. this does not, by the way, cover costs for dr's visits - just the lenses themselves.

no doubt different optometrists charge different amounts for lenses but is this in the range or way off? i'd appreciate hearing about other people's experiences.

thank you!

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

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[slim4]

I saw an ophthalmologist first to check my eyes and confirm my suspicion that i needed progressive lenses. He gave me a prescription for glasses but since he doesn't deal with contacts, he sent me to the optometrist for that.

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

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[AnnaE]

Did the optometrist diagnose you? Just make sure you saw an ophthalmologist.

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

the mark "  -  " means I have read the previous posts and don't feel I need to respond.

JCH MD

[slim4]

not sure if it's just me but your comments are not appearing. all i see is your name and this:

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i can see comments from other members though. just thought you should know.

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

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[slim4]

well you confirmed my suspicion. now i just need to hunt for an honest doctor. :)

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

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[indi1664]

$2000!!!!!!.....kidding...also ask about proclear torics...i used for many years...high powers as well...

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

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[slim4]

thanks for the input. a second opinion it is.

[JodieJ]

And these $2000+ contacts were the only option you were given???  I'm not familiar with them--possibly they'd work great and be worth every penny (or they might not work for you at all.)  But there are certainly other less expensive options available.  There are many types of RGP multifocal contacts that correct astigmatism.  The Triton bifocal soft contact by Gelflex also corrects astigmatism.  And what about trying monovision?  (This would be what I'd try first.)  In your place, I'd see another optometrist for a second opinion about which contacts would work.