How to Order Contact Lenses Online
Ordering contact lenses online is convenient, often cheaper than buying from your local optician, and gives you access to a wider selection of brands and prices. Follow this step-by-step guide to ensure a safe and successful purchase.
Step 1: Get Your Prescription
Before ordering contact lenses online, you need a valid prescription from an eye care professional. Your prescription should include:
- Your contact lens prescription (different from glasses)
- Brand name or specification of recommended lenses
- PWR / Power / Sphere - optical power of lens for each eye (measured in diopters)
- BC / Base Curve - curvature of the lens that matches your eye (measured in mm)
- DIA / Diameter - total width of the lens (measured in mm)
- CYL / Cylinder and AXS / Axis (if you have astigmatism)
- ADD (if you need multifocal/bifocal lenses)
- Expiration date
Important: Contact lens prescriptions are different from glasses prescriptions and expire after 1-2 years depending on your country.
Step 2: Choose Your Retailer
When choosing where to buy your contact lenses, consider:
- Verify that the retailer is authorized to sell the brands they offer
- Compare prices across multiple retailers using Lensire
- Check shipping times and costs
- Look for customer reviews and ratings
- Ensure they accept your payment methods
- Check their return and exchange policy
Step 3: Place Your Order
When placing your order, follow these tips to ensure a smooth experience:
- Enter your prescription details exactly as written
- Double-check the brand and specifications before confirming
- Order enough supply for your replacement schedule
- Keep a copy of your prescription for your records
- Save your order confirmation
Step 4: Receiving Your Order
When your lenses arrive:
- Check that the boxes match your prescription
- Verify the brand and specifications
- Check the expiration dates
- Inspect the packaging for damage
- Contact the retailer immediately if there are any issues
Important Reminders
- Never share contact lenses with others
- Replace your lenses according to your schedule (daily, weekly, monthly)
- Always have regular check-ups with your eye care professional
- If you experience discomfort, remove your lenses immediately
- Order your next supply before you run out
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using an expired prescription - Always check the expiration date
- Ordering wrong brand - Stick to the brand your eye care professional recommended
- Ignoring shipping times - Order well in advance of running out
- Not comparing prices - Use Lensire to find the best deals
- Forgetting to check return policies - Ensure you can return or exchange if needed
Buying for the First Time?
If you've never worn contact lenses before, you'll need:
- A contact lens fitting appointment with an eye care professional
- Training on how to insert, remove, and care for your lenses
- A follow-up appointment to ensure the lenses fit properly
Your eye care professional can provide a prescription after fitting and recommend the best lens type for your needs and lifestyle.