Buying contact lenses online can save you a significant amount of money compared to purchasing them from a physical store. Over the past decade, online contact lens sales have grown by more than 200%. The primary reason people turn to online retailers is cost—online stores often have lower overhead costs, allowing them to offer more competitive prices. However, navigating the world of online contact lens shopping can be tricky. It’s important to understand how to buy contact lenses online safely, avoid scams, and ensure you’re purchasing the right lenses for your needs.
This guide will walk you through the essential steps to buying contact lenses online, ensuring you make an informed decision, prioritize safety, and get the best value for your purchase.
1. Get Your Eyes Examined by an Eye Doctor
Before you consider buying contact lenses online, getting an eye exam is crucial. Even if you have perfect vision, you should still consult with an eye care professional before purchasing contact lenses, whether for vision correction or cosmetic purposes (such as colored lenses).
An optometrist or ophthalmologist will check for underlying eye conditions, measure your eye’s shape and size (such as your cornea curvature), and determine if contact lenses are suitable for you. If you’re already using glasses or contacts, the doctor will update your prescription, which is required when buying contact lenses online.
Why You Need a Prescription: Many reputable online stores will ask for a valid prescription, usually no older than 1 year, to ensure you are purchasing the correct lenses for your eyes. In many countries, including the U.S., this is a legal requirement. Avoid stores that don’t ask for a prescription, as buying lenses without proper guidance can lead to discomfort or even harm your eyes.
2. Soft vs. Hard Contact Lenses: Which is Right for You?
When shopping for contact lenses online, one of the first choices you’ll need to make is whether you want soft lenses or rigid gas permeable (hard) lenses.
Soft Contact Lenses:
Soft lenses are the most common type of contact lenses and are generally more comfortable. They are flexible and conform to the shape of your eye, making them suitable for people with a wide range of vision needs, including those with astigmatism or nearsightedness. They are also easier to adapt to, making them an excellent choice for first-time users.
Hard Contact Lenses:
Hard lenses are more durable and can offer sharper vision. They are also better for people with specific eye conditions like keratoconus or severe astigmatism. While hard lenses may take longer to get used to, they tend to last longer and offer clearer, crisper vision. However, they require proper care and maintenance, and not all online stores will offer them.
Tip: If you’re new to contacts, consider trying both soft and hard lenses before making a final decision. Many online stores allow you to exchange or return the lenses if they don’t work for you, so experiment and find what suits your eyes best.
3. Avoid Fancy or Decorative Lenses
While it’s tempting to buy colorful or decorative contact lenses online for a special occasion or just for fun, it’s important to exercise caution. These types of lenses often do not meet the same standards as prescription lenses, and they may cause serious eye issues.
Why You Should Be Cautious:
- Health Risks: Many cosmetic lenses, especially those bought from unregulated online stores, may not fit properly, leading to irritation, infection, or even permanent damage to your eyes.
- Lack of Return Policies: Many online retailers don’t allow returns for decorative lenses, making it difficult to resolve issues if the lenses don’t fit or cause discomfort.
If you choose to buy decorative lenses, make sure they come from a licensed retailer that follows safety guidelines. Also, always get a prescription—even for non-corrective lenses—from a qualified eye care professional.
4. Consider Custom-Made Contact Lenses for Vision Correction
Many online stores offer template contact lenses that work for the majority of users with common vision problems like nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. However, if you have more specific or complicated vision needs, you may want to invest in custom-made contact lenses.
Benefits of Custom Contact Lenses:
- Perfect Fit: Custom lenses are designed based on the exact measurements of your eyes, ensuring a better fit and reducing the likelihood of discomfort.
- Higher Quality: These lenses are typically made with advanced materials that may offer better comfort and clearer vision.
- Long-Term Investment: Although custom lenses are more expensive than regular ones, they tend to last longer and provide superior vision correction.
Custom contact lenses are generally non-returnable (unless defective), so it’s important to work with an experienced optometrist or optician who can accurately measure your eyes and provide a detailed prescription.
5. Make Sure the Store Asks for a Prescription
One of the key signs of a trustworthy online contact lens retailer is that they will require a valid prescription. Even if the store is based abroad, they should still request your prescription to ensure that the lenses they provide will be safe and effective for your eyes.
Why Avoid Stores that Skip the Prescription:
- Lower Quality Lenses: Unregulated stores might offer lenses that don’t meet safety standards or use inferior materials to cut costs.
- Fit Issues: Without a proper prescription, there’s a higher risk that the lenses won’t fit well, leading to discomfort, blurry vision, or irritation.
- Legal Risks: In some countries, selling contact lenses without a prescription is illegal, and buying from these stores could expose you to legal risks.
6. Buy in Bulk for Savings
If you’ve found a reliable online store and have your prescription, consider buying contact lenses in bulk. Purchasing a year’s supply of lenses at once can save you up to 25% off compared to buying them in smaller quantities.
When buying in bulk:
- Ensure you’re getting lenses with an expiration date far enough in the future.
- Stock up on your preferred brand and prescription to avoid running out of lenses in the middle of the year.
- Check for discounts or loyalty programs offered by the store.
7. Look for Trusted Online Stores
Not all online stores are created equal. When searching for an online retailer, choose one with a reputation for trustworthiness, reliable customer service, and transparent pricing.
What to Look for in a Reputable Online Contact Lens Store:
- Secure website (look for HTTPS encryption)
- Prescription verification system
- Customer reviews and ratings
- Return and refund policies
- Free eye exams or partnerships with optometrists (many stores offer these services to ensure your prescription is up-to-date)
Recommended Online Retailers:
- 1-800 Contacts
- Lens.com
- ContactsDirect
- Clearly (for customers in Canada and the US)
These well-established retailers are known for their customer service and reliable shipping practices. Always read user reviews and testimonials before making your purchase to ensure that the store has a solid reputation.
Final Thoughts: Stay Safe and Informed
Shopping for contact lenses online can be convenient and cost-effective, but it’s important to make informed decisions. Always get your eyes examined, choose a reputable online store, and never compromise on quality or safety. By following the tips in this guide, you can confidently purchase the right lenses for your eyes and enjoy clear, comfortable vision.
Remember, the key to safe and successful contact lens shopping is proper research and working with trusted professionals. Take the time to choose the right lenses, and always prioritize your eye health.