I ditched my name-brand contacts for these cheaper lenses — I’ll never go back

Like many people, I’ve been wearing contacts for a very long time.

I’ve been going to Costco Optical since I was a kid, and it never really crossed my mind to buy my contacts online. That is, until I heard about Eiyan Lenses and started reading the reviews. It’s not often you see people speaking so enthusiastically (borderline poetically) about something like contact lenses.

One customer alleged that they had saved upwards of $400 from switching to Eiyan. Several proclaimed something along the lines of the lenses being “superior” to bigger, name brands. And others mentioned they were “blown away by how comfortable they were.” After realizing just how loyal these customers were to Eiyan Lenses, I figured it was worth giving the delivery service a shot.

The real hook, at least from what I understood, was the fair pricing. The brand’s founder spent years in the contact lens industry and noticed a disheartening trend: bigger companies were quietly raising the prices, and it was pushing some people to skip contacts altogether and switch to glasses.

He wanted to offer something better. So, he started Eiyan.

What are Eiyan Lenses?

Eiyan Lenses is a direct-to-consumer brand offering affordable, FDA-approved silicone hydrogel contact lenses — both dailies and monthlies are available. According to the brand, these lenses “offer the same comfort, quality and safety as the brand name at more than 40% reduced cost.”

Beyond bringing down the prices, Eiyan also offers a unique subscription service (which solves my personal nightmare of running out of contacts at the worst possible time). With this setup, you can save more and your lenses are delivered right to your door on a regular schedule.

For me, what really sets Eiyan apart is how the lenses are made. Eiyan uses silicone hydrogel with high oxygen permeability and 47% water content (technical details that translate to better breathability and comfort). They also offer level II UV protection, shielding against UVA rays and up to 95% of UVB rays.

Perhaps most notably, Eiyan Lenses are completely PFAS-free.

Why are Eiyan Lenses PFAS-free?

PFAS, short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are man-made chemicals often referred to as “forever chemicals.” They’re commonly used to make products more resistant to water and stains, from clothing and food packaging to cookware — and yes, even some contact lenses.

The concern is that PFAS don’t break down easily in the body, and over time, accumulation has been linked to potential adverse health effects, including certain cancers.

Eiyan Lenses are 100% PFAS-free, which helps reduce exposure to these chemicals and makes them a more health-conscious choice for daily wear. To maintain the highest safety standards, Eiyan also regularly monitors the material composition of its lenses with lab testing.

The results are also published online for added transparency.

My review of Eiyan Daily Contact Lenses

Eiyan

At Eiyan, the online ordering process is almost painfully simple.

You enter your prescription for both eyes, then complete RX verification — either by selecting your eye doctor or taking an online vision test. The test is conducted through Eiyan’s online partner, Visibly, and allows users to renew their prescription from home. Reviewers say it’s simple and saves time (a win in my book as someone who hates going to the Doctor).

One small thing to note: Eiyan may not offer as many prescription options as some larger brands, but if you have a standard prescription, you should be covered.

When it comes time to order, you have a couple of options. A one-time purchase or a subscription service. If you sign up for the subscription, you can get your first two boxes for 50% off. The discount is automatically applied at checkout.

After placing my order, my lenses arrived just a few days later, neatly packaged in a well-labeled box. This was a nice surprise, considering my previous experiences ordering contacts — it’s always taken at least a week for them to arrive, and I often have to go in to get samples to hold me over.

I’ve been wearing the same brand, ACUVUE OASYS, for years now, and a three-month supply usually costs me around $90. I’ve never really had any issues with them, so I was a bit skeptical about switching to a new brand, but I’m glad I did. And now, I don’t think I’ll ever go back. 

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Are Eiyan contacts good for dry eyes?

It’s honestly difficult to describe how the Eiyan lenses felt because I could barely feel them at all — and that’s kind of the point. You don’t want to notice your contacts.

With these lenses, my eyes felt moisturized and comfortable all day long, with no dryness to speak of. As many reviewers have noted, they also “fit perfectly.” I’ve had no trouble putting them in, and they’ve stayed securely in place throughout the day.

I’m not especially prone to dry eyes, but I’d argue these lenses still feel noticeably breathable, probably thanks to their high oxygen permeability, which allows more oxygen to reach the eye. The 47% water content should also help maintain a steady level of hydration for added comfort.

Are Eyian Lenses worth it?

The short answer — from me — is yes. Definitely.

The only noticeable differences between my old brand and Eiyan are the price point and the fact that Eiyan is PFAS-free (which isn’t explicitly highlighted with ACUVUE). This gives me a bit of extra peace of mind, from a health perspective. 

I’ve been wearing Eiyan for a couple of weeks now and have zero complaints. They’re comfortable and fit me well. Also, having the option to reorder contacts without the hassle of going to the eye doctor really does save time and energy. 

If you want one less thing to worry about in life, I’d strongly recommend giving Eiyan a try. 

How We Tested

• User experience: I considered the different prescription options, the ease of ordering through Eiyan’s website, the prescription verification process and how quickly the contacts shipped out. I also made note of how easy the website was to navigate, and checked the resources (an FAQ section) that answered common questions about the ordering process.
• Materials and safety standards: Before starting the testing process, I considered what sets Eiyan apart from other contact lenses — especially the fact that they’re PFAS-free (with lab results available), offer Level 1 UV protection and feature high oxygen permeability with 47% water content to support breathability and moisture.
• Comfort of wear: While wearing the Eiyan lenses myself, I noted how easy they were to put on, how my eyes felt throughout the day and whether I detected any dryness or added hydration. I also paid attention to how well they fit and how securely they stayed in place.
• Pricing and subscription: Eiyan Lenses was built on the idea of offering more affordable contacts, so I considered the pricing and how it matches up with the overall online ordering experience — including the unique subscription option, which allows you to save even more.

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Why Trust Post Wanted by the New York Post

This article was written by Miska Salemann, New York Post Commerce Writer/Reporter. As a health-forward member of Gen Z, Miska seeks out experts to weigh in on the benefits, safety and designs of both trending and tried-and-true fitness equipment, workout clothing, dietary supplements and more. Taking matters into her own hands, Miska intrepidly tests wellness products, ranging from Bryan Johnson’s Blueprint Longevity Mix to the viral Oura Ring to Jennifer Aniston’s favorite workout platform – often with her adorable toddler by her side. Before joining The Post, Miska covered lifestyle and consumer topics for the U.S. Sun and The Cannon Beach Gazette.

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