Updated: January 13, 2026
To get contact lenses, start with an eye exam and a contact lens fitting with an eye care professional (an optometrist or ophthalmologist), then use the valid contact lens prescription they give you to order the exact lenses listed. A fitting matters because contacts are medical devices that must match your eye measurements, not just your vision prescription. Once you have your prescription on hand, ordering is usually quick as long as you choose a seller that verifies it and you match the brand and fit details exactly.
Most people can follow four simple steps:
1. book an exam and fitting
2. get your prescription after the fitting
3. keep a copy (paper or digital)
4. order from your eye doctor or a trusted retailer that verifies the prescription.
In the United States, contact lenses are regulated medical devices, so you should not order them without a current prescription.
When you order online, the seller may verify your prescription with your prescriber, and the FTC explains how this verification process works so you can shop around legally and safely. Before you check out, confirm the brand, power, base curve, and diameter match your prescription, and if a lens feels painful, very red, or suddenly blurry, stop wearing it and contact your eye care professional.
Disclaimer: This information is for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
References:
“Buying Contact Lenses.” U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/contact-lenses/buying-contact-lenses. Content current as of October 28, 2020
“The Contact Lens Rule: A Guide for Prescribers and Sellers.” Federal Trade Commission (FTC). https://www.ftc.gov/business-guidance/resources/contact-lens-rule-guide-prescribers-sellers. June 2020 (edited February 2023)
“About Contact Lenses.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). https://www.cdc.gov/contact-lenses/about/index.html. May 27, 2025
