Almost everything we buy nowadays we get them online. Therefore, it is not surprising that many folks are getting their coloured contact lenses from online stores. The reduced price combined with the convenience of online shopping is why many are patronising these stores. If you also patronise these stores, then you’re one of the smart 20 percent of contact lens users who choose this option.
However, are you sure that you are getting the best deal and the right coloured contacts? Apart from the ease and the price, you must consider other factors when you shop for your next lenses. That is why we have compiled this guide to help you order the best coloured contact lenses.
Get Your Eyes Checked
One thing that many do not know is that you need a prescription to use contact lenses. This is not only for those who need to correct a vision defect. Therefore, before you place your order, go get your eyes examined.
A regular eye examination is valid for one year and should provide you with the information you need to choose the best coloured lenses. If you have done a checkup in the past and it’s been over a year, you need to do another one before you get this medical device. You can visit https://preventblindness.org/ to find out why all contact lenses are classified as medical devices by the FDA. As such you need a prescription to purchase one.
Just like your eye examination, the prescription also lasts for one year. After that, you need to get your eye examined again to get a new prescription because your eye health can change after one year. In some states, you can use a two-year prescription; therefore, you need to find out if your state allows that. The prescription can be given to you by an ophthalmologist or optometrist, and then a contact lens fitter will license it.
Check the Prescription Information
The expiration date of the prescription is not the only thing you need to be concerned about. You also need to find out what information the prescription contains. The information will guide you on the type of coloured contact lenses you will purchase. The following information that you need to be aware of include:
– The vision correction power (for lenses that are for vision correction). This power is usually represented in numbers and has a minus or plus sign before it.
– Lens curvature
– Lens Diameter
– Lens brand name
Don’t Confuse Glasses Prescription with that of Contacts
A common mistake some folks make is that they think that the prescription they got for their eyeglasses can be used for their contact lenses. This is not true in any way as the prescriptions are totally different. Therefore, you need to get one for the contacts.
The reason the prescriptions are different is because of the distance of both medical devices from your eyes. The distance between your eyes and the glass lenses is usually twelve millimetres. On the other hand, contact lenses rest on your eyes’ surface with no distance whatsoever.
Get the Brand the Specialist Prescribed
We mentioned that the brand name will also be listed on the prescription. Therefore, ensure that you get that particular brand. Do not try to get an alternative probably because it is cheaper. You might end up causing problems for yourself.
In some cases, getting a different brand might have no consequence. Nevertheless, slight differences in shape and water content of different brands would have been accounted for during your eye examination. This is why it is always best to stick to what the specialists say, they know better. Beyond the brand name, also ensure that you stick to all other information in the prescription.
Shop Around
While you are expected to get the prescribed brand, no rule tells you from where to get the contacts. Therefore, always ensure that you shop around to see if you can get a better deal, maybe through discounts. You can visit Misaki Contacts for an example of a seller that offers discounts to customers. Some of these stores also allow you to use coupon codes as well.
Another way you can cut down costs is via your vision insurance. If you have such coverage, check if it includes contacts. You might just find out that you do not have to buy the contacts with money from your pocket since your insurance covers it.
Verify the Reputation of the Seller
Ensure you are certain that the seller is reputable before you place your order. Many stores might promise you the best but end up under-delivering. Therefore, you need to protect yourself by researching the reputation of the seller.
A wonderful way to do this is to check online customer reviews. We always recommend that you use third-party sites rather than the reviews on the seller’s sites. Check if customers filed complaints and if the ratings are negative.
Furthermore, do your best to confirm that the contact lenses they sell are FDA-approved. It has been discovered that some of the online stores sell unapproved lenses. Therefore, to ensure you do not damage your eyes, find out if their lenses are FDA-approved.
Conclusion
Ordering coloured contact lenses should not be a challenge provided you know what to do. In this article, we have provided you with a guide that will ensure you purchase the best contacts that suit your needs. Happy shopping.
