Whenever you get diagnosed with any sort of eye defect, whether it s myopia or hypermetropia, you are given a prescription by your doctor.  This prescription is necessary to order contacts.  Although you may already have a prescription for eye glasses, you will need a different one for lenses.  You need to be fitted for contacts.

Buying contact lenses online is no different than buying prescription drugs, therefore you need a prescription. So it is very important to keep checking your prescription and getting it updated because the conditions of the eye keep on changing and along with it change the requirements of an affected optical system.  Plus you will only be allowed to buy contacts if your prescription is less than a year old.  Although this doesn’t seem fair to consumers, it is to ensure your vision hasn’t worsened (or improved for that matter).  I will touch upon this more later.

Expiration of the Prescription

The prescription is often referred to as Rx.  The Rx that is used as basis to buy the contact lenses is not a document that you can use forever.  There are time limits to prescription as well, just like medicines. In the U.S the prescriptions are valid for only one year by law.

You cannot buy contacts with an expired prescription.  After the prescription has expired you need to get it updated. Your ophthalmologist will verify that the contacts that you are using are not affecting the eyes adversely. If the minute eye examination shows negative results, then there is a probability that the lens material, size or shape is not in sync with your eyes.

There is a misconception that online vendors will sell you contact lenses without a prescription.  You should avoid any store that is willing to sell you lenses without a prescription.  These stores are usually shady and could be selling knock-off lenses, because no lens manufacturer will ship contacts out to shops that don’t check for prescriptions.  If you are concerned that you may not be able to afford getting a checkup every year, consult with your doctor.  A lot of vision centers have special rates for those without insurance, and sometime hold walk-in specials for a reduced rate.