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, it's a wise decision to proceed with caution when purchasing items through these methods. I have gathered some important hints and tips to guide you when making your next purchase.

You should always have a current, correct prescription when you order contact lenses. This is a must. Never buy or order contact lenses with an expired prescription. You must have had a check-up within the last 1 or 2 years; otherwise you may have problems with your eyes that you are not aware of. In these cases, your contact lenses may not correct your vision well.

Ordering lenses without a current and genuine prescription may cause serious complications to your eyesight. This also goes for the check-up. At your check-up, your eye doctor will re-evaluate the fit of your contact lenses and observe any changes in your cornea caused by your lenses. During regularly scheduled visits, your eye doctor looks for irregularities that, if left untreated, may lead to severe problems. Contact lenses that are not properly fitted by an eye doctor might not work well, or even worse, may harm your eyes.

The minimum elements of a genuine prescription usually include your name and the doctor's name along with the contact lens brand name and material. Lens measurements such as power, diameter and base curve are included. These are the minimum that should be in a prescription, but more detailed prescriptions will include directions for safe use, whether lenses are 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 comply with the Federal prescription device regulation. If the company does not check, then they have not received a genuine prescription for the contact lenses. A written prescription may also be required and presented; again, this is depending on the local state laws.

Now, purchasing contact lenses over the phone, by mail, or from the Internet does not necessarily mean you're breaking the law. But the company is selling you a prescription device as if it were an over-the-counter device. This is a violation of the Federal prescription device regulation. Some Internet sites will allow you to fill out a chart with the ordering information about your contact lenses, and ask you to fill in your doctor's name and phone number.

Choose a reliable and well-established store when buying contact lenses. Request the manufacturer's written patient information for your contact lenses, which will give you important risk/benefit information, as well as instructions for use. Beware of attempts to substitute a different brand than you presently have. There are differences in the water content and shape between different brands. 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). In cases where you received the incorrect lenses, check with your eye doctor.