Buying Contacts Online

If you are interested in buying contact lenses, you may be giving some thought to buying contact lenses online.  Many people in this day and age actually are turning to the Internet and World Wide Web to purchase contact lenses.  Indeed, the Internet is proving to an economical and convenient avenue through which a consumer can make the purchase of contact lenses.

In this article, we work to provide you with a general overview of what you will want to know before you venture onto the Net to buy contact lenses.  Of course, if you have specific questions about your vision, about eye care or about contact lenses, you need to set up an appointment with an eye doctor.  An eye doctor, an eye care specialist, will be able to provide you with all of the information you need in regard to contact lenses.

The Federal Trade Commission and the Food and Drug Administration

The FDA and the Federal Trade Commission regulate contact lens sales.  It is possible to buy your contact lenses from stores, the Internet, over the phone or by mail.  In order to ensure that you are making a sound decision in your purchase, you should take some precautions to make sure your purchase is safe and effective.

You Need a Valid Prescription

In order to purchase contact lenses, you must have a current and valid prescription from your eye care specialist.  It is recommended that you have a new prescription every one to two years to make sure that your contact lenses are correcting your vision properly.  Depending on what state you are in will determine just how long your prescription will be valid.  Most states require a one or two year period for renewal.  You may need a new prescription much sooner should you notice that your eyes have changed dramatically before your regular renewal period. 

Understanding the Basics of the Law Governing Buying Contacts on the Net

Purchasing your contacts without a copy of your prescription is not illegal although the company that is selling you the product is violating FTC regulations by selling you contact lenses without having a valid prescription, which should raise some doubt as to their product and quality.

Use an Established Vendor or Supplier

In order to avoid serious problems when buying your contact lenses, you should go to a supplier that you are familiar with and know is reliable.  You will want to receive the manufacturers written documentation on their product to show you the risks and benefits as well as the instructions for use.

Be Careful When Substituting Brands

Substituting a different brand than you presently have is not a good idea, so stick with the brand that was recommended by your doctor.  There are many differences in the shape and water content amongst various brands and the correct choice should be left up to your eye doctor, not you.

Double Check Your Order When It Arrives

Double check the contact lenses that you receive to make sure that they are the brand that you ordered and that the lens is the same one.  Additional information such as power, sphere, cylinder, axis, diameter, base curve and peripheral curves should be the same as you were prescribed.  If you have received the wrong lenses, do not accept a substitute, see your eye care specialist or contact the manufacturer that you ordered them from.

Remember the Risks of Buying Online -- Protect Yourself

Buying anything online or on the Internet involves some risk, and contact lenses are no exception.  This does not mean that it is a bad idea but you have to know where to buy and from whom to buy from.  The advantage of course is that you can order your contact lenses 24/7 and it makes it easy to compare pricing.  The disadvantage to a brick and mortar store is that if you need your contacts immediately you will need to wait for them to arrive in the mail.

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