Online shopping has made it easy for most of us to purchase things we need and want, including eyewear products like contact lenses. But did you know that you actually need a valid prescription to purchase contact lenses?
A valid prescription contains information, including the lens power needed to correct your vision; the size and curve of the contact lenses so they fit well and aren’t too loose nor too tight; the lens brand or material appropriate for your eyes; and even the expiration.
Learn more about contact lens prescriptions before you add a pair to your cart:
Contact lenses are a medical device
Contact lenses are mainly used to correct your vision, but these may also be used by people who have suffered from an injury, corneal transplant or for eye conditions like keratoconus. Keratoconus happens when the cornea or the clear front layer of your eye becomes thinner and bulges into a cone shape. Since contact lenses are a medical device, these are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to ensure that they are safe to use.
Eyeglass prescription is different from contact lenses prescription
Contact lenses are placed directly on your cornea, so contact lens prescriptions require more than just getting the eye grade. There are additional specifications like the diameter and base curve to make sure that contact lenses fit your cornea well.
The contact lenses are customized to your eyes, so no sharing!
No pair of eyes are the same. Our eye grade, eye conditions, and measurements are different from each other. That’s why it’s important to get your eyes checked by an eye doctor first, whether it’s for correcting your vision or just changing the colour of your eyes. More importantly, don't share lenses with other people to avoid eye irritation or infection.
Wearing contacts that aren’t prescribed by an eye doctor can cause eye damage
Poorly-fitted and less breathable contact lenses can cause discomfort or decreased vision. These can also scratch your cornea, which may put you at risk for eye infections, swelling or irritation. If these aren’t detected, treated or managed early, these can lead to eye scarring, or worse, even blindness.
Your contact lens prescription is only valid for a year
You may feel your vision hasn’t changed and your contacts are working just fine, but your vision can change in a year. So even if you’ve been wearing contact lenses for a long time, getting your eyes checked every year is still a must. It can help you have clear, healthy and comfortable vision. You get your prescription updated + you can be sure your contact lenses aren’t causing any problems. Sometimes, the undesirable effects of some contact lens materials don’t manifest until after prolonged use.
First time wearer? You should undergo proper fitting and dispensing
Your eye doctor doesn’t only ensure that the fit of your contact lenses is correct. They also show you how to wear, remove and care for your contact lenses. This way, it will be easier for you to adapt to wearing contact lenses. And unlike eyeglasses, contact lenses require regular, meticulous cleaning and storing to protect your eyes from risks of infection.
Not everyone can wear contact lenses
You may not be aware of it, but you may have sensitive corneas that would make it hard for you to adapt to wearing contact lenses. Or you may have had recurring eye infections, or may be suffering from conditions like allergic reactions, severe dry eyes or blepharitis. And if you do have any of these, it can be unsafe or uncomfortable for you to wear one.
You can spot whether the prescription record you have is valid or not
A valid prescription must have your contact lens power (grade), base curve, diameter and contact lens brand appropriate for your eye condition. It should also bear your full name and date when the prescription was given, as well as your doctor’s name, PRC license number, and signature.
Need a contact lens prescription? We can help you! Message us via the Chatbot, email us at [email protected] or text/call us at 0917-822-6390. If you’re shopping for contact lenses, check out our selection.
