Can I Buy Contact Lenses Without a Prescription?

The simple answer to this question is absolutely not. But why is that the case? Keep reading to learn more.

A Contact Lens Prescription Isn’t Optional

In the United States, contact lenses are classified as medical devices, and you cannot order them without a prescription. Contact lens sellers are required by law to check and make sure that you have a valid prescription written by a licensed optometrist or ophthalmologist.

An expired contact lens prescription cannot be used to order contacts either, and these rules apply to both physical and online retailers.

What About a Glasses Prescription?

A glasses prescription is insufficient for buying contact lenses. This is because, even if your vision hasn’t changed, glasses sit a short distance in front of the eyes, while contact lenses sit directly on the surface of the eyes.

While this might seem like a very minor difference, when it comes to lenses, it actually affects a great deal, and you are likely to have a different prescription power for glasses and contacts, meaning that if you did use a glasses prescription for contact lenses, they would not be at the proper strength for what you need.

Contact lens prescriptions include additional elements that are not included in a prescription for eyeglasses. During a contact lens exam the eye doctor will take these measurements which are not taken for eyeglasses.

During a contact lens exam the eye doctor takes a measurement of your base curve which is the curvature of the back surface of the contact lens. The eye doctor measures this to ensure that the contact lens matches the shape of your cornea. Without a base curve measurement that matches your eyes your contact lenses may be too loose or too tight.

Another important measurement used for fitting contact lenses is determining the proper diameter of the lens. The eye doctor will match the lens to your eye so that the fit is not too tight or loose. In addition the diameter may be adjusted based on understanding the background of the patient's history. For example your eye doctor may recommend a wider diameter contact lens in order to reduce sensitivity and stop the lens from moving as much. These kinds of adjustments are often made for patients with corneal scarring, sensitivity, dry eye disease, or an athlete.

How Do I Get a Contact Lens Prescription?

Now that we’ve established that yes, you do need a contact lens prescription, the next question is how do you get one?

A contact lens prescription must be obtained from an optometrist or an ophthalmologist, following both an eye exam and a contact lens fitting.

The eye exam, as you might expect, determines whether you are, for example, farsighted or nearsighted, and just how much correction you need.

The contact lens exam and fitting process is just as important.

How Do I Get a Contact Lens Prescription?

The Importance of Contact Lens Exam and Fitting

A contact lens exam and fitting is a vital part of the process of getting contact lenses. During your first fitting appointment, you will be asked about your lifestyle and how you plan to wear your lenses in addition to discussing your eye health history. This is so they have as complete an understanding of both your eyes and your activity level to decide what sort of lenses to recommend.

During the course of the fitting, you will have a keratometry reading (to determine the base curve and diameter of the lenses you’ll need), as well as an assessment of the tear film. The latter is to ensure that your eyes produce enough moisture for you to safely and comfortably wear contact lenses.

Following this, you’ll be given trial lenses. You will use these to practice putting them in and taking them out safely, make sure they sit well on your eyes, and ensure that you can see well while they are on.

You will use these at home for a couple days before returning for a follow-up appointment, at which the optometrist will again check your eye health. They will then make any necessary adjustments to their determinations from the previous appointment, then provide you with your prescription.

All of this ensures you get the lenses that will provide you with the best possible results.

While these are the general guidelines of a contact lens exam, more advanced contact lenses such as contact lenses for myopia management and scleral lenses for keratoconus may require additional follow up appointments to assess how the patient is adapting to their contact lenses.

Summary

Contact lenses are medical devices, and, for your own safety, they must be bought only with a proper prescription, for reasons of both efficacy and safety. If you have any additional questions regarding the purchase of contact lenses, or wish to make an appointment for an eye exam or contact lens exam, you can contact Amplify EyeCare of Greater Long Beach at (562) 925-6591.

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Testimonials

I haven't actually used the optometrist side, so my review is limited to the vision therapy offered. This office was recommended by my occupational therapist for the treatment of my double vision following a stroke.

Claire A.

Love this location. I had a brain injury accident from day one one. All the team make you feel you still important and hope in the horizon after when the medical system fell you miserably. Dr. Ikeda very professional and very understanding about your issue. Two tombs up.

Jim K.

My husband and I were immediately impressed with Dr Ikeda. I was hit by a car while cycling which caused broken bones and three brain injuries. The brain injuries caused double vision. Dr. Ikeda examined my eyes and got me started on vision therapy with his occupational therapist who specializes in vision therapy. She (Chris) is absolutely great. I am impressed with the array of tools used to help recover my binocular vision. I am doing things I never thought were possible (balance boards etc). Chris pushes me and keeps me motivated. I really enjoy my sessions with her. The office staff is always friendly and they have a wonderful appointment reminder tool that makes it easy to keep my calendar up to date. I am happy the rehab center at Little Co. of Mary recommended them!!

Teresa S.

The Vision Therapy is handled in a separate office through a different door from the shared waiting room. Chris, the vision therapist, has a wide and varied assortment of tools, equipment and resources to best evaluate and treat most vision issues. After just a few visits, my double vision became easier to control, using exercises developed during the therapy process. It was time well-spent.

Joe M.

I have been coming here since I can remember. I love it here. The staff is so amazing and nice. They explain everything they gonna do and never make you feel rushed. Dr. Ikeda has always been my doctor and I would never want another one. He is the doctor for my whole family and is always asking how everyone is doing. I am also so crazy about picking out my frames and have to try so many and each person who helps me take the time and lets me try them all on. I would never want to go anywhere else! I definitely would recommend this office to anyone looking for a great eye doctor.

Kayla W.

This is not for the eye exam but for the frames selection portion. I brought my prescription from Kaiser here with my VSP insurance. The reception staff was very polite and professional. Manny helped me to pick out frames and explain my coverage. Very helpful and patient not like the individual at the other place I rated here on Yelp. I was running late and he still helped me and was not bothered at all. I am so glad I came here ..........very pleased.

Very professional staff and pleasant.