You may see contact lenses for sale in stores or online and wonder if you can just pick up a box. With so many options available, it’s easy to think that contacts lenses are just another simple cosmetic purchase. However, it’s important to understand how the process of buying contact lenses relates to protecting your eye health.
This guide explains why a prescription is a key step for any type of contact lens. Yes, you do need a prescription from a qualified eye care professional to purchase any corrective contact lenses, including colored or cosmetic ones.
Why You Need a Prescription for Contacts
Contact lenses are not a one-size-fits-all product, and an incorrectly fitted lens can cause discomfort or even damage your eye. A prescription makes sure your lenses fit correctly and are the right type for your vision needs. This is the first step toward clear and comfortable wear.
A Proper Fit Protects Your Eyes
A contact lens sits directly on your cornea, so the fit is incredibly important for your eye’s health. During a contact lens fitting, an eye doctor takes several measurements of your eye to find the right lens. These measurements can include:
- The curve of your cornea
- The size of your iris & pupil
- Your tear film health
An Eye Exam Checks More Than Vision
An exam for contact lenses also includes a comprehensive check of your overall eye health. This helps your eye doctor spot potential issues before they become more serious.
The Difference Between Glasses & Contact Lens Prescriptions
A prescription for glasses is not the same as one for contact lenses, so you can’t use them interchangeably. Even if you have an up-to-date glasses prescription, you need a separate evaluation and fitting for your contacts.
What Your Contact Lens Prescription Includes
A contact lens prescription involves details that go beyond just lens power. These details vary based on the type of contact lenses prescribed and include the lens brand, base curve—which matches the curvature of your eye—and the diameter. These precise measurements help make sure that the lens sits properly and comfortably on your eye.
Why a Separate Fitting Is Part of the Process
Contact lens fittings help your eye doctor determine how your lenses move and rest on your eye in real time. You may even try a few different trial lenses to find the pair that offers the best comfort and clear vision.
Your Rights to Your Prescription
Federal law provides you with certain rights when it comes to your vision prescriptions. Knowing these rights helps you make informed choices about where and how you purchase your contact lenses. This gives you control over your eye care decisions.
You Get a Copy of Your Prescription
After your eye exam and contact lens fitting are complete, your eye doctor must give you a copy of your prescription. This should happen automatically—you don’t even have to ask for it. You are not required to buy your lenses from the prescriber’s office.
You Can Shop for Lenses Anywhere
With your valid prescription in hand, you are free to buy your contact lenses from any seller you choose, and you can even order contacts online through our portal. This allows you to look for different prices and options from a local store or an online retailer.
How Long a Prescription Lasts
A contact lens prescription is typically valid for at least one year, though a shorter period may be set for a specific medical reason. You cannot use an expired prescription to buy more lenses. This is why regular eye exams are necessary to renew your prescription and check on your eye health.
Online Vision Tests & Sellers
You may come across websites that offer online vision tests or sell contacts without asking you to upload a prescription. It’s helpful to understand how these services work. They differ quite a bit from a comprehensive, in-person eye exam.
Online Tests vs. In-Person Eye Exams
Some online services may be able to renew an existing prescription for certain people, but this is a vision test, not a complete eye health exam. It checks how well you see but does not evaluate the health of your eyes. It also does not assess the fit of your contact lenses.
How Sellers Verify Your Prescription
When you order from a seller without providing your prescription, they must verify your prescription with your eye doctor. If your eye doctor doesn’t respond within eight business hours, the seller can fill the order automatically. This is why it’s often easier to provide the information yourself.
Cosmetic & Colored Lenses
Even if you have clear vision and just want to change your eye color for fun, you should still get a prescription. Cosmetic lenses and colored lenses carry the same risks as corrective lenses if they aren’t properly fitted by an eye care professional.
Risks of Lenses Without a Prescription
Contact lenses from an unverified source might not be sterile or may not fit correctly. Poorly fitted lenses can lead to serious issues. Some of these potential problems include:
- Scratches on the cornea, which can lead to a corneal ulcer
- Eye discomfort & pain
- Infections
- Changes in vision
Your eyes and vision can change over time, so regular eye exams do more than just update your prescription. A yearly visit to your eye doctor in Hercules can help you maintain clear vision and healthy eyes for years to come.
At Total Vision Hercules, we’re here to provide a clear and comfortable contact lens experience for you. Schedule your comprehensive eye exam and contact lens fitting.
