The Internet can be used to make so many aspects of life easier and more convenient.  Many people order medications, do their shopping, plan their vacations and even seek employment over the Internet.  More and more there are websites that advertise the sale of contact lenses through their site. Many people are taking advantage of the convenience and occasionally lower prices of the Internet and choosing to order their lenses online.  Both the FDA and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regulate the sale of contact lenses.  It is possible to purchase contact lenses from stores, over the phone, by mail or the Internet as long as you have a valid prescription.  It is imperative to be a smart consumer when considering the purchase of contact lenses via the Internet.  A valid prescription is one that includes the patient’s name, examination date, date prescription was written, expiration date of prescription, contact information of the doctor, and the power, curve and diameter of the prescribed contact lens. 

While purchasing contacts over the Internet can be convenient and economical, it is important to be cautious.  There are several ways to protect yourself and make getting your contacts online a safe and successful experience.

Make sure that your valid prescription is current.  Current is FDA defined as within the last year unless your doctor puts an expiration date of two years on the prescription itself.  If you have not had an eye exam in the last year to two years you may have new issues going on with your eyes that would cause your contacts to not be as effective or to even be uncomfortable.

Many sites ask for your doctor’s contact information but do not require a written prescription.  Before ordering your contacts make sure that your doctor has spoken with the company and given them the prescribing information and approval to make the contact lenses.

If you have a valid prescription that is about to expire do not take the opportunity to stock up on your contact lenses.  It can be too close to the expiration date and your prescription may have changed.

Anyone who wears contact lenses is at increased risk for corneal infections.  This is another reason to have regular exams and explicit instructions for how to wear and take care of your contacts at least every 2 years but for sure every year.

Order your contact lenses from a reputable supplier that you are familiar with or that your doctor recommends.

Request the written patient information for your contact lenses that comes from the manufacturer.  If your distributor does not or will not provide this information you should order your contact lenses from somewhere else.

Do not allow brand substitutions.  Among different brands of contacts the shape and water content vary.  The brand that is best for you should be determined by examination only. Your doctor should be the one to approve any brand substitutions.

Remember that contact lenses are medical devices that require a valid medical prescription.  If you receive contacts without a prescription, you are receiving a product that requires a prescription as if it is an over the counter product.  This is a violation of the Federal prescription device regulation.  At this time you will not break any laws by ordering contact lenses online without a prescription but there is legislation in the works that could make it against the law in the future. Many times the company will tell you that they have checked with your doctor and received approval but it is your responsibility to make certain that this communication really did take place.

The Contact lens Council (CLC) is a new organization that is dedicated to ensuring the safe use and distribution of contact lenses.  The CLC is a non-profit organization that offers free services such as current information on contact lenses to customers.  The CLC has recently issued a warning against purchasing contact lenses without a valid prescription.  Ordering your contact lenses online can be convenient and even less expensive but the risk of harm to the eyes including corneal infection can make the choice to pursue this without a valid prescription the wrong choice.

If you find that there is a website(s) that you think is selling contact lenses illegally you should report it to the FDA. 

 

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