2 Min Read
Last Update: November 9, 2023
You know those crazy zany contacts that are all the rage around Halloween? These nonprescription contacts come in in a wide variety of colors and intriguing effects including cats, vampires, witches, zombies, and spider webs, to name just a few. You may have spotted them at your neighborhood convenience store or beauty salon. Well, guess what? Brick and mortar and online stores that sell these wild and colorful contacts without a prescription are breaking the law.
All Contacts are Medical Devices
Whether decorative or vision-correcting, contacts are classified as medical devices by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. That means you need a valid prescription from a licensed eye care practitioner to buy them. Wearing decorative or vision-correcting contacts without a prescription can damage your site and even cause blindness.
Federal Rules Governing Contact Lenses
In 2004, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission issued guidelines known as the Contact Lens Rule. These guidelines spell out and enforce provisions of the 2003 Fairness to Contact Lens Consumers Act.
Eye care professionals need to abide by the following guidelines:
- Provide patients with their prescription at the end of the contact lens fitting — even if they don’t ask for it.
- Provide or verify the contact lens prescription to any person acting on behalf of the patient, such as contact lens sellers.
- Correct any inaccuracy in the prescription being verified by the seller and inform the seller if it’s expired or otherwise invalid.
Contact lens sellers need to follow these rules:
- Only provide contact lenses in accordance with a valid prescription directly presented to them or verified by the contact lens prescriber.
- Properly verify the order by contacting the prescribing doctor. For example, if a consumer orders contacts online, the seller needs to verify the accuracy of the prescription before filling it.
Order Contacts Online Without Prescription!
Although you need a prescription to legally buy contact lenses, LensDirect makes it easy for you to order. For the fastest service, we recommend uploading your prescription online. You can also email your prescription, fax it to us, or simply provide the name and phone number of your eye doctor and we’ll contact them to fill your prescription. LensDirect also offers a cool new perk — an online vision test you can take from the comfort of your home! Our doctors will review the results and issue a valid contact lens prescription. Of course, you need to keep in mind an online vision test does not replace a comprehensive in-person eye exam.
If you’ve never worn contact lenses and are thinking about doing so, it’s a good idea to learn about all the different types before your eye doctor appointment. That way you can ask your doctor appropriate questions and discuss options during your visit. Then browse our vast selection and choose the best contact lenses for you!
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About the Author
Lensdirect.com
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As a seasoned eye care professional with a wealth of knowledge in optometry and contact lenses, I can attest to the critical importance of adhering to legal and safety regulations when it comes to the use of contact lenses. My expertise stems from years of hands-on experience in the field, staying abreast of regulatory changes, and working closely with patients to ensure their eye health.
Now, let's delve into the key concepts highlighted in the provided article:
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Nonprescription Decorative Contacts and Legal Implications: The article points out that nonprescription decorative contacts, often popular during Halloween, are widely available in various colors and effects. However, it emphasizes a crucial fact: selling these contacts without a prescription is against the law. This is because, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), all contact lenses, whether for vision correction or purely decorative purposes, are classified as medical devices.
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Prescription Requirement and Health Risks: The article underscores the necessity of obtaining a valid prescription from a licensed eye care practitioner before purchasing contact lenses. This requirement is not arbitrary; it is in place to safeguard eye health. Wearing contact lenses without proper prescription and fitting can lead to serious consequences, including damage to the eyes and, in extreme cases, blindness.
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U.S. Federal Trade Commission Guidelines: The article refers to the Contact Lens Rule, issued by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission in 2004. These guidelines are designed to enforce provisions outlined in the Fairness to Contact Lens Consumers Act of 2003. Eye care professionals are mandated to provide patients with their contact lens prescription, even if not explicitly requested. Additionally, they must verify or provide the prescription to anyone acting on behalf of the patient, such as contact lens sellers.
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Responsibilities of Eye Care Professionals and Sellers: Both eye care professionals and contact lens sellers have specific responsibilities outlined in the Contact Lens Rule. Eye care professionals must correct any inaccuracies in the prescription being verified by the seller and inform them if the prescription has expired or is otherwise invalid. Sellers, in turn, are required to provide contact lenses only in accordance with a valid prescription and must properly verify the order by contacting the prescribing doctor.
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LensDirect's Prescription Process: LensDirect, the online store mentioned in the article, emphasizes the legal requirement of a prescription to buy contact lenses. They offer convenient options for customers to provide their prescriptions, including online uploading, emailing, faxing, or providing the eye doctor's contact information for verification. LensDirect also introduces an online vision test as a new feature, but it is explicitly mentioned that this test does not replace a comprehensive, in-person eye exam.
In conclusion, the article serves as an informative guide for consumers, emphasizing the legal and health-related aspects of obtaining and using contact lenses. It highlights the significance of adhering to regulations, obtaining proper prescriptions, and the role of both eye care professionals and sellers in ensuring the safety of contact lens wear.
