Eye Doctor Prescrition?!?!

optical1985 · #1 (**permalink**) 07-30-2008, 10:00 PM

Ok, so i have recently been obsessed with the whole idea of changing your eye color. I have yet to buy a pair of contacts though. I have been doing some reading, and as far as i can see buying contacts online with a prescription is basically illegal, but yet it still happens. I was just wondering is it like 100% necessary to go to an eye doctor to go get an exam? I have perfect vision, and know i would have to get the Plano 0.0 lenses. But as i read, i keep coming across this thing called a BASE CURVE? Usually in sizes 8.4 and 8.7, is this important for your eye or just for the ring of color on the contact?

Thanks a bunch, Eye-Newbie

Deepurple · #2 (**permalink**) 07-31-2008, 08:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by optical1985

Ok, so i have recently been obsessed with the whole idea of changing your eye color. I have yet to buy a pair of contacts though. I have been doing some reading, and as far as i can see buying contacts online with a prescription is basically illegal, but yet it still happens. I was just wondering is it like 100% necessary to go to an eye doctor to go get an exam? I have perfect vision, and know i would have to get the Plano 0.0 lenses. But as i read, i keep coming across this thing called a BASE CURVE? Usually in sizes 8.4 and 8.7, is this important for your eye or just for the ring of color on the contact?

Thanks a bunch, Eye-Newbie

Hi, optical1985,

You have some very good questions here. Let me see if I can get some things sorted out.

First of all, I think you mean that buying contact lenses on line WITHOUT a prescription is "basically illegal." It's totally illegal. Contact lenses, even plano ones without a corrective shape, are medical devices that must be fitted by an eye care professional. By law you MUST have a prescription to order contact lenses.

Simply put, the base curve is a measure of how "sharp" the curve is on a contact lens. If the base curve of a particular contact lens is 8.5, that means that if you took the curve that's formed by the back of the contact lens and made a full circle of it, the circle would have an 8.5 millimeter radius. This is a very important measurement. If you get it wrong, your contacts won't fit and they may be very uncomfortable.

So yes, it is "like 100% necessary" to see your eye doctor in order to get contact lenses.

So find a good eye doctor in your area, tell them you're interested in wearing color contacts, and he or she will take it from there. You may even discover that your vision isn't as "perfect" as you think.

I hope you find a good doctor, good contact lenses that are nice and comfy in a color that you really like. Let us know, okay?

optical1985 · #3 (**permalink**) 07-31-2008, 08:28 PM

Thanks a bunch deepurple for all your info, ha and yes i meant without a prescription!

I don't understand how they are illegal , yet Amazon has them, no prescription necessary. I also bet people go around it all the time, like using someone else's prescription within their household, as i was thinking, but you only get one set of eyes and i don;t wanna ruin mine, so i guess its off to the doctor for me.

Has their been any cases, of people who bought them and becasue of this base curve thingy they have ruined their eyes?

lucky_witch · #4 (**permalink**) 02-20-2009, 01:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by optical1985

Thanks a bunch deepurple for all your info, ha and yes i meant without a prescription!

I don't understand how they are illegal , yet Amazon has them, no prescription necessary. I also bet people go around it all the time, like using someone else's prescription within their household, as i was thinking, but you only get one set of eyes and i don;t wanna ruin mine, so i guess its off to the doctor for me.

Has their been any cases, of people who bought them and becasue of this base curve thingy they have ruined their eyes?

I agree with you. I prefer to set an appointment with an eye doctor so he could explain things to me.
Then if I could get the right information, that would be the time I could look around to find where I could have that set of contact lenses.
The important thing is you exactly know what you are looking for.

Deepurple · #5 (**permalink**) 11-02-2009, 03:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by optical1985

Thanks a bunch deepurple for all your info, ha and yes i meant without a prescription!

I don't understand how they are illegal , yet Amazon has them, no prescription necessary. I also bet people go around it all the time, like using someone else's prescription within their household, as i was thinking, but you only get one set of eyes and i don;t wanna ruin mine, so i guess its off to the doctor for me.

Has their been any cases, of people who bought them and becasue of this base curve thingy they have ruined their eyes?

I checked Amazon.com and sure enough, they're selling contact lenses. The ones they are selling are non-prescription, but I thought you still would need a prescription so you can get the right base curve and diameter. This would seem to be pretty obvious to me. Would you even buy a pair of shoes on line without specifying what size you want?
I contacted customer service about this, and when I hear from them I'll let you know. Thank you for bringing this to my attention.

I have never heard of anyone damaging their eyes because of this base curve thingy. That doesn't mean it never happens, but why would you wear contacts that were the wrong size?

Hogwartz · #6 (**permalink**) 11-05-2009, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deepurple

I checked Amazon.com and sure enough, they're selling contact lenses. The ones they are selling are non-prescription, but I thought you still would need a prescription so you can get the right base curve and diameter. This would seem to be pretty obvious to me.

Hi Deepurple,

I saw this post and sent an email to Amazon asking them if they sell contact lenses without a prescription and this was the reply I got: "Thanks for writing to Amazon.com with your question.

Amazon.com does not sell products that require a physician's prescription for purchase or use, nor do we allow third-party merchants to offer these items on our website."

That's the official stance of Amazon.com . . .

Deepurple · #7 (**permalink**) 01-07-2010, 11:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hogwartz

Hi Deepurple,

I saw this post and sent an email to Amazon asking them if they sell contact lenses without a prescription and this was the reply I got: "Thanks for writing to Amazon.com with your question.

Amazon.com does not sell products that require a physician's prescription for purchase or use, nor do we allow third-party merchants to offer these items on our website."

That's the official stance of Amazon.com . . .

Thank you for doing the research, Hogwartz. I'm glad to get an actual quotation from Amazon rather than hearsay. Good work.

Knotlob · #8 (**permalink**) 01-07-2010, 12:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by optical1985

Ok, so i have recently been obsessed with the whole idea of changing your eye color. I have yet to buy a pair of contacts though. I have been doing some reading, and as far as i can see buying contacts online with a prescription is basically illegal, but yet it still happens. I was just wondering is it like 100% necessary to go to an eye doctor to go get an exam? I have perfect vision, and know i would have to get the Plano 0.0 lenses. But as i read, i keep coming across this thing called a BASE CURVE? Usually in sizes 8.4 and 8.7, is this important for your eye or just for the ring of color on the contact?

Thanks a bunch, Eye-Newbie

Hello Optical1985

Your coloured lenses will presumably be soft lenses and they are relatively tolerant of fit - you don't see many being offered in different Diameters or Base Curves.

However, you would really need to see your eye care specialist to ensure that the lenses are suitable for your eye and indeed that you do not have any underlying problems with your eyes, that you are unaware of and which, could make wearing these lenses ill advised.

The lenses need to float on a tear film, as the tear film plays a part on bringing oxygen to the eye. The modern silicone hydrogel lenses are much better and allow a lot of oxygen to pass directly into the cornea through the lens.

You should also see your eye care professional every year, as he or she should be able to spot/correct any problems developing as a result of your contact lens wear.

knotlob

FaceofBoe · #9 (**permalink**) 01-07-2010, 01:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Knotlob

Hello Optical1985

Your coloured lenses will presumably be soft lenses and they are relatively tolerant of fit - you don't see many being offered in different Diameters or Base Curves.

However, you would really need to see your eye care specialist to ensure that the lenses are suitable for your eye and indeed that you do not have any underlying problems with your eyes, that you are unaware of and which, could make wearing these lenses ill advised.

The lenses need to float on a tear film, as the tear film plays a part on bringing oxygen to the eye. The modern silicone hydrogel lenses are much better and allow a lot of oxygen to pass directly into the cornea through the lens.

You should also see your eye care professional every year, as he or she should be able to spot/correct any problems developing as a result of your contact lens wear.

knotlob

Yes! Listen to Knotlob, you must!

Hogwartz · #10 (**permalink**) 02-03-2010, 11:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deepurple

Thank you for doing the research, Hogwartz. I'm glad to get an actual quotation from Amazon rather than hearsay. Good work.

So since Amazon does not sell medical devices that require a prescription, those contacts Deepurple saw surely must have just been a figment of his/her imagination. Too much sun or something.

Knotlob · #11 (**permalink**) 02-03-2010, 02:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hogwartz

So since Amazon does not sell medical devices that require a prescription, those contacts Deepurple saw surely must have just been a figment of his/her imagination. Too much sun or something.

Hmm, sounds like there is some kind of confusion at Amazon. They are selling Non-Prescription Contact lenses, but not Prescription Contact lenses?

So do they classify Non Prescription Contact Lenses as being the Plano Soft Coloured Lens variety?

Actually I just took a look at Amazon UK and they sell a whole range of the common 'prescription' contact lenses used for eyesight correction and they also do Coloured Contact Lenses.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=Contact+lenses&x=0&y=0

However, I took a look at their USA sight and I don't see any contact lenses there, just lens solutions, lens cases, lens removal tools, etc. etc. I guess the difference is due to the USA laws on sale of contact lenses requiring a prescription.

Anyway, I guess if you look around you can find someone willing to sell you plano coloured contact lenses without a prescription. The problem, as already highlighted previously, is that without a prescription - that means without a visit to an Eye Care Specialist, in addition to the physical check of your eye condition, you will have no one to explain the rudiments of how to handle, clean, sterilise contact lenses and how long you may wear these lenses. Also what to do if you experience irritation, redness of the eye, etc. etc. You would also probably be blissfully unaware of the need for annual checks on your eyes to see how the contact lenses fitted and if your eyes showed any signs of neovascularisation, or any other adverse effects, etc.

That's the danger of Joe Public thinking of coloured contact lenses as just another form of make-up.

knotlob

Sox05 · #12 (**permalink**) 02-03-2010, 03:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Knotlob

Hmm, sounds like there is some kind of confusion at Amazon. They are selling Non-Prescription Contact lenses, but not Prescription Contact lenses?

So do they classify Non Prescription Contact Lenses as being the Plano Soft Coloured Lens variety?

Actually I just took a look at Amazon UK and they sell a whole range of the common 'prescription' contact lenses used for eyesight correction and they also do Coloured Contact Lenses.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=Contact+lenses&x=0&y=0

However, I took a look at their USA sight and I don't see any contact lenses there, just lens solutions, lens cases, lens removal tools, etc. etc. I guess the difference is due to the USA laws on sale of contact lenses requiring a prescription.

Anyway, I guess if you look around you can find someone willing to sell you plano coloured contact lenses without a prescription. The problem, as already highlighted previously, is that without a prescription - that means without a visit to an Eye Care Specialist, in addition to the physical check of your eye condition, you will have no one to explain the rudiments of how to handle, clean, sterilise contact lenses and how long you may wear these lenses. Also what to do if you experience irritation, redness of the eye, etc. etc. You would also probably be blissfully unaware of the need for annual checks on your eyes to see how the contact lenses fitted and if your eyes showed any signs of neovascularisation, or any other adverse effects, etc.

That's the danger of Joe Public thinking of coloured contact lenses as just another form of make-up.

knotlob

Knotlob, I agree with you 100%, but I'd like to play devil's advocate for just a second here. Your reasons for not buying contacts on line from sites like Amazon may be valid for people who have never worn contact lenses before, but what about veterans? What about people who have worn contacts for years and know all about proper handling? You'd think they would know how to avoid infections and they might even get an annual eye exam to catch any early signs of neovascularization and such. Couldn't they safely order contacts from Amazon?

I don't think so either, but I'd like to hear your input on this question which is bound to come up sooner or later.

Knotlob · #13 (**permalink**) 02-03-2010, 03:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sox05

Knotlob, I agree with you 100%, but I'd like to play devil's advocate for just a second here. Your reasons for not buying contacts on line from sites like Amazon may be valid for people who have never worn contact lenses before, but what about veterans? What about people who have worn contacts for years and know all about proper handling? You'd think they would know how to avoid infections and they might even get an annual eye exam to catch any early signs of neovascularization and such. Couldn't they safely order contacts from Amazon?

I don't think so either, but I'd like to hear your input on this question which is bound to come up sooner or later.

Hello Sox05

You raise some very valid points. Provided you are having annual eye checks and are an experienced and sensible contact lens wearer, then a lot of the potential problems are avoided. This is more along the lines the European Contact Lens Mail Order companies seem to follow. You will already have a contact lens prescription and soft lenses are reasonably tolerant in fit, so you would have a reasonable chance of selecting a lens which suits. You may even understand that conventional hydrogel lenses cannot safely be worn as long as the newer silicone hydrogel lenses.

If you developed an allergy to the new coloured lens you presumably would have enough knowledge, common sense and experience to take yourself off to see the Eye Doc.

The problem is that while this may work fine, how can a Mail Order company distinguish between a Numpty who is stupid, hasn't ever seen an eye doctor or worn contact lenses previously and on the other hand, an experienced sensible contact lens wearer? It's a bit of a 'One size fits all' broad brush approach in the USA Legislation.

One UK site asked me for a prescription (which I had, but did not send) and a German site just said it was a condition of purchase that I was already an fully experienced contact lens wearer and was an expert, or words to that effect, in the risks entailed in wearing these lenses. Both sent the lenses.

Annoying and extra expense for those who are long term knowledgeable contact lens wearers it is true.

knotlob

thecure · #14 (**permalink**) 02-03-2010, 04:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Knotlob

Hello Sox05

You raise some very valid points. Provided you are having annual eye checks and are an experienced and sensible contact lens wearer, then a lot of the potential problems are avoided. This is more along the lines the European Contact Lens Mail Order companies seem to follow. You will already have a contact lens prescription and soft lenses are reasonably tolerant in fit, so you would have a reasonable chance of selecting a lens which suits. You may even understand that conventional hydrogel lenses cannot safely be worn as long as the newer silicone hydrogel lenses.

If you developed an allergy to the new coloured lens you presumably would have enough knowledge, common sense and experience to take yourself off to see the Eye Doc.

The problem is that while this may work fine, how can a Mail Order company distinguish between a Numpty who is stupid, hasn't ever seen an eye doctor or worn contact lenses previously and on the other hand, an experienced sensible contact lens wearer? It's a bit of a 'One size fits all' broad brush approach in the USA Legislation.

One UK site asked me for a prescription (which I had, but did not send) and a German site just said it was a condition of purchase that I was already an fully experienced contact lens wearer and was an expert, or words to that effect, in the risks entailed in wearing these lenses. Both sent the lenses.

Annoying and extra expense for those who are long term knowledgeable contact lens wearers it is true.

knotlob

Good post Knotlob. I have to admit that though I'm an American who is no stranger to European figures of speech, I've never heard the term "Numpty" before. (Neither has Spell Check, for that matter.)

Anyway, thanks for sharing your knowledge of and experience with contact lenses. You make several valid points, one of which is that it's tough to determine a customer's knowledge and experience through the mail.

Knotlob · #15 (**permalink**) 02-03-2010, 05:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thecure

Good post Knotlob. I have to admit that though I'm an American who is no stranger to European figures of speech, I've never heard the term "Numpty" before. (Neither has Spell Check, for that matter.)

Anyway, thanks for sharing your knowledge of and experience with contact lenses. You make several valid points, one of which is that it's tough to determine a customer's knowledge and experience through the mail.

Hello thecure

I think Numpty is probably a UK only expression. But is means somebody a bit stupid, low IQ, etc. My Spell Check doesn't know what Numpty is either but doubtless it will appear in a later dictionary!

knotlob

Juniorgerbil · #16 (**permalink**) 02-04-2010, 12:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Knotlob

Hello thecure

I think Numpty is probably a UK only expression. But is means somebody a bit stupid, low IQ, etc. My Spell Check doesn't know what Numpty is either but doubtless it will appear in a later dictionary!

knotlob

Thanks for adding a touch of international class to Lens 101.

FaceofBoe · #17 (**permalink**) 02-11-2010, 11:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Knotlob

However, I took a look at their USA sight and I don't see any contact lenses there, just lens solutions, lens cases, lens removal tools, etc. etc. I guess the difference is due to the USA laws on sale of contact lenses requiring a prescription.

knotlob

So I guess that means that the US laws are too strict or the UK laws are too lax.

Hogwartz · #18 (**permalink**) 03-10-2010, 12:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Knotlob

Hello thecure

I think Numpty is probably a UK only expression. But is means somebody a bit stupid, low IQ, etc. My Spell Check doesn't know what Numpty is either but doubtless it will appear in a later dictionary!

knotlob

That's a new on one me. I've heard "daft" and even "naff" but never "numpty." I guess I need to get out more and have more British people call me names.

Deepurple · #19 (**permalink**) 03-17-2010, 11:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Knotlob

Hello Optical1985

Your coloured lenses will presumably be soft lenses and they are relatively tolerant of fit - you don't see many being offered in different Diameters or Base Curves.

knotlob

So, does that mean if I have a base curve of say 8.7, I can still wear soft contact lenses that only come in an 8.5? Is that a possibility?

thecure · #20 (**permalink**) 03-18-2010, 09:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Knotlob

Hello thecure

I think Numpty is probably a UK only expression. But is means somebody a bit stupid, low IQ, etc. My Spell Check doesn't know what Numpty is either but doubtless it will appear in a later dictionary!

We can only hope so, knotlob.

Knotlob · #21 (**permalink**) 03-18-2010, 03:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deepurple

So, does that mean if I have a base curve of say 8.7, I can still wear soft contact lenses that only come in an 8.5? Is that a possibility?

In my experience I would think there is a fair possibility for most people that the 8.5 BC lens would fit, but there are people at the extremes of the Base Curve fit that may not find the lens suitable.

I personally have very flat corneas - outside the normal range, but haven't had any problems. At the end of the day, your eye care specialist would have to check the fit of any specific lens on your own eyes and see if the fit is acceptable.

knotlob

FaceofBoe · #22 (**permalink**) 03-19-2010, 10:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Knotlob

In my experience I would think there is a fair possibility for most people that the 8.5 BC lens would fit, but there are people at the extremes of the Base Curve fit that may not find the lens suitable.

I personally have very flat corneas - outside the normal range, but haven't had any problems. At the end of the day, your eye care specialist would have to check the fit of any specific lens on your own eyes and see if the fit is acceptable.

knotlob

So is 8.5 an "average" or "medium" size? Would it be safe to say that the majority of contact lens wearers use something close to an 8.5?

Knotlob · #23 (**permalink**) 03-19-2010, 01:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FaceofBoe

So is 8.5 an "average" or "medium" size? Would it be safe to say that the majority of contact lens wearers use something close to an 8.5?

I think it is a little complicated.

My optician measured my lens base curve with a keratometer in ther horizontal and vertical axis and averaged out the results. My base curve was 8.06mm. However, the average person has a cornea base curve in the range 7.4 - 8.0mm. 8.0mm is shallow so I am outside the normal range. 7.4mm is steep.

The actual contact lens fitted has a base curve a bit higher for optical reasons and I can happily wear soft lenses in the base curve range 8.4 - 8.6mm. I haven't tried other sizes because these sizes seem to be the normal ones available from the manufacturers. So to answer your question, I would guess 8.5mm Base Curve for a soft Contact Lens is about average.

knotlob

BigJim · #24 (**permalink**) 03-19-2010, 04:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Knotlob

I think it is a little complicated.

My optician measured my lens base curve with a keratometer in ther horizontal and vertical axis and averaged out the results. My base curve was 8.06mm. However, the average person has a cornea base curve in the range 7.4 - 8.0mm. 8.0mm is shallow so I am outside the normal range. 7.4mm is steep.

The actual contact lens fitted has a base curve a bit higher for optical reasons and I can happily wear soft lenses in the base curve range 8.4 - 8.6mm. I haven't tried other sizes because these sizes seem to be the normal ones available from the manufacturers. So to answer your question, I would guess 8.5mm Base Curve for a soft Contact Lens is about average.

knotlob

Thank you for your time, Knotlob. I'm glad FaceofBoe asked about the average base curve of contact lenses, because I was wondering about it myself.

Deepurple · #25 (**permalink**) 04-22-2010, 04:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Knotlob

In my experience I would think there is a fair possibility for most people that the 8.5 BC lens would fit, but there are people at the extremes of the Base Curve fit that may not find the lens suitable.

knotlob

So the short answer is "it depends." Hopefully this note will be long enough to post . . .

thecure · #26 (**permalink**) 05-19-2010, 03:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Knotlob

I think it is a little complicated.

My optician measured my lens base curve with a keratometer in ther horizontal and vertical axis and averaged out the results. My base curve was 8.06mm. However, the average person has a cornea base curve in the range 7.4 - 8.0mm. 8.0mm is shallow so I am outside the normal range. 7.4mm is steep.

The actual contact lens fitted has a base curve a bit higher for optical reasons and I can happily wear soft lenses in the base curve range 8.4 - 8.6mm. I haven't tried other sizes because these sizes seem to be the normal ones available from the manufacturers. So to answer your question, I would guess 8.5mm Base Curve for a soft Contact Lens is about average.

knotlob

Nice. I guess I never thought about average vase curve. How about the average diameter?

Knotlob · #27 (**permalink**) 05-19-2010, 03:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thecure

Nice. I guess I never thought about average vase curve. How about the average diameter?

I think most soft lenses have a diameter of around 14.0-14.2mm. There are of course some outside these sizes.

RGP lenses seem to vary a great deal more, but are normally about 9.0-9.5mm diameter.

I don't think soft lens diameter is as critical to fit as the base curve.

knotlob

Wheatgrass · #28 (**permalink**) 05-19-2010, 04:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by optical1985

Thanks a bunch deepurple for all your info, ha and yes i meant without a prescription!

I don't understand how they are illegal , yet Amazon has them, no prescription necessary. I also bet people go around it all the time, like using someone else's prescription within their household, as i was thinking, but you only get one set of eyes and i don;t wanna ruin mine, so i guess its off to the doctor for me.

Has their been any cases, of people who bought them and becasue of this base curve thingy they have ruined their eyes?

I'm glad you've decided to see your eye doctor about being fitted for contact lenses. That's a good idea.

As far as wearing the wrong base curve. Have you ever heard of corneal reshaping therapy or CRT? It's when you deliberately wear contacts that are the wrong base curve, but these are rigid lenses that actually change the shape of your corneas until they're the right shape to correct your vision.
If you wear rigid contacts that are the wrong base curve, they can (temporarily) change the shape of your corneas and make your vision worse. Soft lenses just won't sit properly and your vision will be blurred.

Bottom line--make sure you get properly fitted for your contact lenses, take care of them, and see your doctor on a regular basis.

FaceofBoe · #29 (**permalink**) 06-10-2010, 04:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hogwartz

Hi Deepurple,

I saw this post and sent an email to Amazon asking them if they sell contact lenses without a prescription and this was the reply I got: "Thanks for writing to Amazon.com with your question.

Amazon.com does not sell products that require a physician's prescription for purchase or use, nor do we allow third-party merchants to offer these items on our website."

That's the official stance of Amazon.com . . .

Okay, that's what the fine print said on the site, but has anyone here ever tried to order contacts from Amazon without a prescription? How did it go?

ilovecoco · #30 (**permalink**) 01-20-2011, 12:27 PM

Does the prescription need to specify the exact brand and colour? or just your measurements e.g diam/base curve?

i know a lot of coloured wearers experiment with numerous brands and colours, and i'm just wondering if you have to get a prescription for each one?

Ynot · #31 (**permalink**) 01-20-2011, 12:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ilovecoco

Does the prescription need to specify the exact brand and colour? or just your measurements e.g diam/base curve?

i know a lot of coloured wearers experiment with numerous brands and colours, and i'm just wondering if you have to get a prescription for each one?

Contact lens prescriptions usually specify the brand, and probably the color as well. It just seems kind of strange to hand the pharmacist your prescription with detailed information about the base curve and diameter, but you still have to decide what color you want. Sea Green or Mint Green?

FaceofBoe · #32 (**permalink**) 01-21-2011, 05:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Knotlob

Hmm, sounds like there is some kind of confusion at Amazon. They are selling Non-Prescription Contact lenses, but not Prescription Contact lenses?

So do they classify Non Prescription Contact Lenses as being the Plano Soft Coloured Lens variety?

Actually I just took a look at Amazon UK and they sell a whole range of the common 'prescription' contact lenses used for eyesight correction and they also do Coloured Contact Lenses.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=Contact+lenses&x=0&y=0

However, I took a look at their USA sight and I don't see any contact lenses there, just lens solutions, lens cases, lens removal tools, etc. etc. I guess the difference is due to the USA laws on sale of contact lenses requiring a prescription.

Anyway, I guess if you look around you can find someone willing to sell you plano coloured contact lenses without a prescription. The problem, as already highlighted previously, is that without a prescription - that means without a visit to an Eye Care Specialist, in addition to the physical check of your eye condition, you will have no one to explain the rudiments of how to handle, clean, sterilise contact lenses and how long you may wear these lenses. Also what to do if you experience irritation, redness of the eye, etc. etc. You would also probably be blissfully unaware of the need for annual checks on your eyes to see how the contact lenses fitted and if your eyes showed any signs of neovascularisation, or any other adverse effects, etc.

That's the danger of Joe Public thinking of coloured contact lenses as just another form of make-up.

knotlob

See? I told you. Listen.

ilovecoco · #33 (**permalink**) 01-30-2011, 01:10 AM

So do peoples doctors actually give a prescription,for example, Solotica lenses, from Brazil which aren't FDA approved? if they don't, then how do people get them otherwise?

Metsman · #34 (**permalink**) 01-31-2011, 10:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ilovecoco

So do peoples doctors actually give a prescription,for example, Solotica lenses, from Brazil which aren't FDA approved? if they don't, then how do people get them otherwise?

Well, the FDA is the Food and Drug Administration in America. They don't have much to say about what lenses Brazil sends out, you know? That's why it's better to buy your lenses from the good old US of A.
Do American doctors prescribe Solotica lenses? I don't know. I suppose they do, otherwise we wouldn't hear about them here on this American website, would we?

Unless all those people are ordering them without a prescription. That would be a bad idea, though.