Debunking the Myths about buying contact lenses online (2024)

FAQs

Why not buy contact lenses online? ›

If you buy contacts online from a non-reputable dealer, there is no ensuring that the company is FDA regulated. This can mean the contact lenses can be counterfeits or not FDA approved. This can increase the risk of eye infections that can lead to blindness.

27 letter to Amazon outing possible offenders, the AOA emphasized that contact lenses—whether corrective or plano—are U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-regulated medical devices that not only require a prescription from a licensed practitioner for purchase, but also fall under Amazon's own policy for "Medical ...

Purchasing cosmetic contact lenses online, in costume stores or kiosks without a prescription is not only illegal; many of these lenses do not meet safety standards and can potentially damage your eyes.

Answer: Wearing the wrong prescription is very unlikely to cause any temporary or permanent damage to the eyes. It can, however, cause symptoms which are called asthenopia and include blurry vision, headache, nausea, eye pain, brow ache and others. These symptoms should resolve when you get your correct prescription.

The Power of Rebates

The truth is that, while the top-line price on some online sites may appear to save you money, the bottom-line often costs you more money than if you had ordered from your eye doctor's office.

Is 1-800 Contacts cheaper than Walmart? 1-800 Contacts tops our list for best overall online contact retailer but that doesn't mean they're always the cheapest. You may find lower prices at Walmart.

Once 1-800 verifies your prescription, it will ship your lenses for free. If 1-800 can't verify your prescription, or if it is expired, you can take an ExpressExam for $20 or contact your eye doctor for an in-person appointment. Is 1-800 Contacts legit? Yes, 1-800 Contacts is a BBB-accredited business.

All contact lenses are “medical devices” according to federal law. A buyer of any kind of contact lens must have a prescription from an eye doctor. This includes contacts that are only worn to change the color or look of the eyes.

Why the limitation? Sadly, the complexity of toric lenses makes it difficult and expensive to manufacture colored toric contacts. Prescriptions for astigmatism have many more correction combinations than non-toric prescriptions.

Non-prescription colored contact lenses generally do not fit correctly. Most, if not all, prevent healthy tear exchange and eye movement. As a result, wearing them can lead to dry eye condition or other problems. The ill effects of Halloween contacts can be short-term or permanent.

Why can't i buy colored contacts? ›

This is because colored contacts can harm or irritate your eyes if they don't fit correctly. Plus, contacts are considered medical devices, which means a prescription is required to purchase and use them.

Illegal Colored Contact Lenses Are Not Safe

It's illegal to sell these lenses in the United States. They aren't FDA-approved and can cause serious damage to your eyes within hours. Your eye has a unique shape, so these one-size lenses won't fit your eye correctly.

This prescription is for the left eye, and -1.50 means that your nearsightedness is measured at 1 and 1/2 diopters. It's considered a mild amount of nearsightedness. SPH indicates the adjustment for spherical power, with a prismatic correction of 0.5 Base Up.

For the nearsighted, the American Optometric Association (AOA) has determined the following levels of severity: If your number is between -0.25 and -2.00, you have mild nearsightedness. If your number is between -2.25 and -5.00, you have moderate nearsightedness.

We'll ship your lenses as soon as your prescription info is confirmed. Free shipping is included—or you can choose 3-day shipping for $25.