Buying Contact Lenses Online or by Mail

Buying contact lenses on the Internet, by phone, or by mail can be handy. But buyers should beware.

• You need an up to date, correct prescription. Your state laws set the rules for when a prescription expires. Some give one year, others two.
• The prescription should include:
  • your name
  • your doctor's name
  • the contact lens brand and material
  • lens measurements -- Some prescriptions include whether lenses are for day-by-day or extended wear, the number of refills, and the date it expires.
• Internet sites and mail-order sellers must get your doctor's approval of the prescription. If they don't, they are breaking federal law. That's why many ask for your doctor's name and phone number. Some states require written prescriptions.
• Order your lenses from a seller you know you can trust.
• Ask for the manufacturer's written information for your contact lenses. It will tell you how to use the product. And it will advise you about the risks and benefits.

Don't Take a Chance on Using an Old Prescription

• Ask your eye doctor how often you should have a check-up. See the doctor as scheduled. The checkups give your doctor a chance to check the fit of your lenses and change your prescription as your eyes change. Badly fitting lenses can hurt your eyes.
• Always contact your doctor for medical advice. A doctor can see early signs of damage that can lead to serious problems, even blindness. You may not notice these signs in their early stages.

Make Sure You Get What You Asked For

Watch out! Some online or mail-order sellers may send you a different brand. Contact lenses may look the same, but materials and shapes change by brand. Be sure you get what you asked for. Make sure that the company gives you this information:

• brand name
• lens name
• power
• sphere
• cylinder, if any
• axis, if any
• diameter, base curve, and peripheral curves, if any

To Learn More:

Visit www.fda.gov/cdrh/consumer/buycontactqa.html
Or call 301-827-3990 to reach the FDA Consumer Affairs Staff in Radiological Health.
Always contact your doctor for medical advice.

U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Office of Women's Health
October 2003

Proper Care Gives Safer Wear

• Follow, and save, the directions that come with your lenses. If you didn't get a patient information booklet about your lenses, request it from your eye-care practitioner.
• Use only the types of lens-care enzyme cleaners and saline solutions your practitioner okays.
• Be exact in following the directions that come with each lens-care product. If you have questions, ask your practitioner or pharmacist.
• Wash and rinse your hands before handling lenses. Fragrance-free soap is best.
• Clean, rinse and disinfect reusable lenses each time they're removed, even if this is several times a day.
• Clean, rinse and disinfect again if storage lasts longer than allowed by your disinfecting solution.
• Clean, rinse and air-dry the lens case each time you remove the lenses. Then put in fresh solution. Replace the case every six months.
• Get your practitioner's okay before taking medicines or using topical eye products, even those you buy without a prescription.
• Remove your lenses and call your practitioner right away if you have vision changes, redness of the eye, eye discomfort or pain, or excessive tearing.
• Visit your practitioner every six months (more often if needed) to catch possible problems early.

Watch Out:

• Never use saliva to wet your lenses.
• Never use tap water, distilled water, or saline solution made at home with salt tablets for any part of your lens care. Use only commercial sterile saline solution.
• Never mix different brands of cleaner or solution.
• Never change your lens-care regimen or products without your practitioner's okay.
• Never let cosmetic lotions, creams or sprays touch your lenses.
• Never wear lenses when swimming or in a hot tub.
• Never wear daily-wear lenses during sleep, not even a nap.
• Never wear your lenses longer than prescribed by your eye-care practitioner.