If you buy contact lenses, especially over the phone, by mail, or through the Internet, you have to know some important things to protect yourself and your money. While such purchases are often a convenient and economical way to get lenses, Internet, phone, or mail orders require consumers to exercise some caution. I have gathered some important hints and tips to guide you when making your next purchase.

When you buy contact lenses, first ask yourself if your contact lens prescription is current or updated. This is a must. Never order lenses with a prescription that has expired. You must have had a check-up within the last 1 or 2 years; otherwise you might have problems with your eyesight that you're not immediately aware of. In these cases, your contact lenses may not correct your vision well.

Ordering lenses without a current and authentic prescription may cause serious complications to your eyesight. This also goes for the check-up. The fit of your contact lenses will be reevaluated, and any changes in the cornea from the contact lenses will be observed and taken care of if necessary. Infections will also be avoided through regular check-ups, as they allow your doctor to look for any irregularities that can cause severe loss of vision. Furthermore, contact lenses that haven't been fitted properly by a doctor will not work well, or worse, might do more damage to your eyesight.

The minimum elements of a authentic prescription usually include your name and the doctor's name along with the contact lens brand name and material. Other lens information such as power, diameter, and base curves should also be included. These are the minimum that should be in a prescription, but more detailed prescriptions will include directions for safe use, indications for daily or extended wear, the number of refills allowed, and an expiration date. This depends on the state where your doctor practices, as state laws often define a prescription's requirements.

Internet stores sometimes make inquiries and check the prescription with your doctor. If they receive a verbal okay, they have already complied with the Federal prescription device regulations. If the stores do not check, then they have not received a authentic prescription for the contact lenses. Some state laws require that a written prescription be presented.

You won't get into any legal trouble if you buy contact lenses by mail, phone, or through the Internet without a authentic prescription. But the company is selling you a prescription device as if it were an over-the-counter device. This will be in violation of FDA regulations. Some Internet companies allow customers to fill out important details in a form, like information about your prescription, and ask you to fill in your doctor's name and phone number.

Order your contact lenses from a supplier you are familiar with and know is reliable. Get the manufacturer's written patient information for the lenses you buy, which is important for getting risk/benefit information and user instructions. Be wary of stores where they attempt to exchange a different brand from the one you are using right now. Different brands of contact lenses have different water content and shapes. Carefully check to make sure the company gives you the exact brand, lens name, power, sphere, cylinder and axis (if any), diameter, base curve, and peripheral curve (if any). If you think you have gotten an incorrect lens, contact your doctor immediately and get his approval first before using them.