Getting your contacts through online ordering is an effective method for replenishing your stock of lenses without having to physically visit a shop every time. Having your prescription for contact lenses in hand, the entire process becomes fairly simple - locating the lenses that you require, inputting your prescription data, specifying the quantity and completing the transaction.
If you are wondering how to order contacts online, here’s all you need to know.
1. Check Your Contact Lens Prescription
Before you order contact lenses online, make sure you have your current contact lens prescription available. A contact lens prescription contains specific information that helps ensure the lenses fit and correct your vision properly.
Depending on the type of lenses you wear, your prescription may include:
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Brand or lens type
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Power (PWR/SPH)
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Base curve (BC)
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Diameter (DIA)
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Cylinder (CYL) and Axis for astigmatism
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ADD power for multifocal lenses
It is important to use a contact lens prescription, rather than simply using the prescription from your glasses. Contact lenses sit directly on the eye, so their specifications can be different from those of eyeglasses.
Also check the expiration date before ordering. If your prescription is expired, contact your eye care professional to find out whether you need an updated eye exam.
2. Choose the Right Type of Contact Lenses
The next step is to find the type of lenses prescribed for you. Contact lenses are available in different replacement schedules and designs.
Daily Disposable Contact Lenses
Daily disposable lenses are designed to be worn once and discarded at the end of the day. They can be a convenient option for people who prefer a fresh pair each day.
Biweekly Contact Lenses
Biweekly lenses are generally replaced every two weeks according to the wearing and replacement schedule recommended by your eye care professional.
Monthly Contact Lenses
Monthly contact lenses are designed for replacement approximately every month when used according to their prescribed wearing and care instructions.
Toric Contact Lenses
Toric lenses are designed for people with astigmatism. They use specific measurements, including cylinder and axis, to provide the appropriate vision correction.
Multifocal Contact Lenses
Multifocal lenses can provide vision correction at multiple distances and may be prescribed for people who need help seeing both near and far.
Colored Contact Lenses
Colored lenses can change or enhance eye color. If they are intended to correct vision, they should match your prescribed lens specifications. Even non-corrective cosmetic contact lenses should be properly fitted and used responsibly.
3. Find Your Contact Lens Brand and Prescription
Once you know which lenses you need, search for the exact contact lens brand and type listed on your prescription.
For instance, if your prescription contains the name of specific lenses, go ahead and choose these specific lenses rather than going for other lenses that seem similar to them.
Once you locate your lenses, fill in the prescription data for each eye. You may require different prescriptions for your right and left eye; hence, it is essential to fill in the data for both eyes.
Do not change the lens brand and type yourself. If you want a different lens type, seek guidance from your eye specialist.
4. Select Your Quantity and Pack Size
After selecting your lenses, choose the number of boxes or packs you need.
The right quantity depends on:
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How often you wear your contacts
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Whether you wear daily, biweekly, or monthly lenses
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Whether your right and left eyes have different prescriptions
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How much of your current supply you have remaining
If your two eyes require different prescriptions, you may need to select separate boxes for each eye.
When comparing online contact lenses, check the number of lenses included in each box rather than assuming every package contains the same quantity.
5. Review Your Order Before Checkout
Before you buy contacts online, take a moment to review your order. A quick check can help prevent mistakes that may delay your order.
Check the following:
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Lens brand
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Lens type
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Right-eye prescription
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Left-eye prescription
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Quantity and pack size
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Shipping address
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Contact information
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Final order total
Pay particular attention to the prescription values. Entering one incorrect number or selecting the wrong eye can result in receiving lenses that do not match your prescription.
6. Complete Prescription Verification
When purchasing contacts that have been prescribed to you, the vendor will have to validate your prescription before proceeding with your order.
This is because prescription validation ensures that the lenses you are trying to order match your prescription. This could depend on the vendor or the rules and regulations they follow.
If your prescription information does not validate, the order may take some time before it is fulfilled.
It is always advisable to keep a copy of your contact lens prescription.
7. Choose Shipping and Payment
Once your prescription and order details are correct, you can move to checkout.
Review the available shipping options and estimated delivery time. The fastest shipping option is not always necessary if you are ordering well before your current supply runs out.
Before making payment, check:
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Shipping address
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Billing information
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Shipping method
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Product quantity
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Discounts or promotions, if applicable
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Final order total
For customers shopping through ContactLensDirect, this is also a good point to review the complete order before confirming your purchase.
8. Track Your Contact Lens Order
After placing your order, you should receive an order confirmation. Depending on the retailer and shipping method, you may also receive tracking information once the order has been shipped.
Keep the confirmation email until your order arrives.
If your contact lens delivery is taking longer than expected, check the order status and tracking information first. If there is still a problem, contact the retailer for assistance.
How Long Does It Take to Order Contacts Online?
The ordering process itself can take only a few minutes when you already have your prescription and know which lenses you need. However, the time it takes to receive your lenses can vary.
Factors that may affect delivery include:
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Prescription verification
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Product availability
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Order processing time
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Shipping method
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Weekends and holidays
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Shipping delays
If you rely on contact lenses every day, avoid waiting until you are completely out of lenses before placing your next order.
Can You Order Contact Lenses Online Without a Prescription?
In the U.S., contact lenses are prescription medical devices, so you generally need a valid prescription to purchase prescription contact lenses.
There is an important difference between having a prescription and having a physical copy of it. Depending on the ordering process, a retailer may be able to verify your prescription using the information you provide or through your eye care provider.
If your prescription has expired, check with your eye care professional about getting an updated prescription before ordering.
Tips for Ordering Contact Lenses Online
Knowing how to buy contact lenses online is only part of the process. These simple habits can make ordering easier:
Double-Check Your Prescription
Before submitting your order, compare every prescription value with your current contact lens prescription.
Order From a Legitimate Retailer
Use a reputable retailer when purchasing contact lenses online. Check that the website provides clear product information, customer service details, and a secure checkout process.
Make Sure the Brand Matches
Do not assume that two lenses with similar specifications are interchangeable. Your prescribed brand and lens type matter.
Check Your Lenses When They Arrive
When your order arrives, check the packaging and product details. Make sure the brand, lens type, prescription, and quantity match your order.
Do not use lenses if the packaging is damaged or the lens appears defective.
Order Before You Run Out
Keep track of how many lenses you have left and allow enough time for processing and delivery. Ordering ahead can help you avoid running out of your regular lenses.
The steps that one needs to follow in order to purchase contacts online is quite easy when one has his/her prescription ready and knows what kind of lenses they want. All one needs to do is first ensure that their prescription is accurate, choose the exact lens type and then fill in the details for both eyes along with the quantity of contacts needed.
Once the order is submitted and verified, one will be able to track their lenses and get the lenses delivered straight to their doorstep. This process becomes easy when one takes some extra time while placing the order.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I order contact lenses online with my prescription?
Yes. With a valid contact lens prescription, you should be able to order your lenses online using the prescription information, depending on any verification process required.
Do I need a prescription to buy contacts online?
Yes, prescription contact lenses require a valid prescription in the U.S. Retailers may verify prescription information before processing an order.
Can I use my glasses prescription to order contacts?
No. A glasses prescription should not be used as a substitute for a contact lens prescription. Contact lenses require specific measurements and lens information.
How do I know which contact lenses to order?
Look at your existing contact lens prescription and note the brand name, type, power, and all other details. If you do not know what kind of lenses you need, consult your eye doctor.
How many boxes of contacts should I order?
It is impossible to determine the quantity without knowing how often you wear your contacts, the number of lenses in each pack, your prescription, and when you change them.
Can I order contacts online for both eyes?
Yes. You can order lenses for both eyes, but each eye should be entered with the correct prescription. If the prescriptions are different, select the appropriate values for each eye.
How long does online contact lens delivery take?
Delivery times vary depending on prescription verification, product availability, processing time, shipping method, weekends, and holidays. Check the retailer's estimated delivery time before placing your order.
What should I do if my contact lens prescription has expired?
Do not rely on an expired prescription when ordering new lenses. Contact your eye care professional to determine whether you need an updated eye exam and prescription.
