Sales of contact lenses are regulated by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and the FTC (Federal Trade Commission.) Always buy from a reputable company; you can buy discount contact lenses without a prescription, but then the company is selling you a prescription device as if it were an over-the-counter device, in violation of FTC regulations - selling you lenses without having a valid prescription from you. The choice of which lens is right for you should be based only on an examination by your eye doctor or eye care professional, not over the phone.
There are many kinds of contact lenses available: novelty, colored, crazy, Halloween, special effects, theatrical, costume, scary, glow in the dark, wild eyes, mirrored, black, white, red and many others. Before you buy contact lenses from anyone other than your eye care professional, it pays to become a wise consumer first.
In some models, both lenses correct for near and distance vision and in others, one lens is for near vision, and the other is for distance. Extra thin soft lenses are on the market for very sensitive people. The length of continuous lens wear depends on the type and your doctor's evaluation of your tolerance for overnight wear.
If you plan to wear lenses for more than 18 hours a day for the purpose of eye color change, then buy colored soft lenses. It is important for your eyes to have a rest, without lenses, for at least one night following each scheduled removal. And bifocal correction is possible with both soft and rigid lenses.
Soft lenses are much easier to adjust and are much more comfortable than rigid lenses, because they conform to the eye and absorb and hold water. Newer soft lens materials include silicone-hydrogels so as to provide more oxygen to your eyes. Also there are also a few rigid gas-permeable lenses that are designed and approved for overnight wear. Rigid gas-permeable contact lenses are more durable, resistant to deposit buildup, and generally give clearer, crisper vision.
When you place your order for contact lenses, request the manufacturer's written patient information for your contact lenses; it will give you important risk and benefit information as well as instructions for use. Buy your contact lenses from a supplier that you're familiar with and know is reliable or has name familiarity. When you receive your order, if you think you've received incorrect contact lenses, check with your doctor or eye care professional right away; don't accept substitutions unless your eye care professional approves it.
Make sure you have a current, valid prescription when you order your contact lenses. Compare prices - get quotes from two, three or more online and offline suppliers. Before you buy online, check to see if there are any testimonials on the online supplier's website.
Carefully check to make sure the company gives you the exact brand and specifications you ordered, the name of the lens, the power, sphere, cylinder, if any, axis, if any, diameter base curve, and peripheral curves, if any. Wherever you buy, shop for quality and value and don't forget you want to do what is best for the health of your eye. Rebates may be available from the seller or from the manufacturer, for first-time contact lens wearers and for individuals who buy lenses and also get an eye exam.
Don't wear lenses any longer than they're prescribed for, nor when sleeping unless you are otherwise directed to. Under the binding down of a rigid contact lens during sleep, the flow of tears and oxygen to the cornea is reduced; lack of oxygen leaves the eye vulnerable to serious infection. One sight-threatening concern is the infection called Acanthamoeba keratitis, which is caused by improper care of the lenses; this difficult-to-treat parasitic infection's symptoms are similar to those of corneal ulcers.
Microorganisms may be present in distilled water, so always use commercial sterile saline solutions if you plan to use enzyme tablets in water for any disinfection. Daily-wear lenses are removed each day for cleaning and are a safer choice, provided they aren't worn during sleep. Be careful about extended-wear rigid lenses because they can cause unexpected, undesirable, reshaping of the cornea.
If you lead an active lifestyle, contact lenses can provide you with almost natural vision. No matter which lenses your doctor prescribes, be sure to ask for oral and written instructions and follow them carefully. It is becoming easier and easier to shop online and often the shipping is free.
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