Buying contacts online without an optometrist's examination

[Scouzer]

When I was 16 (4 yrs ago) I got an optometrist's examination and tried out contacts. They didn't work for me, but I didn't really try that hard.

However, I'd kind of like to get them now. I know they'll suit me given I was approved for them in the past; so I'd just order them on the internet.

Thoughts? My eyes have only become marginally worse...

I had an eye exam about a month ago, so I have an up-to-date prescription, but I did not discuss contacts.

I have an astigmatism if it matters

 

[HN]

you also need to know the curvature and size of your eyeball for the contacts to fit properly.

 

[Scouzer]

really? all the form asks for is power/cylinder/axis...which a standard RX has doesn't it? (i dont have the RX in front of me)

 

[ppdes]

Probably cheaper to only stock the most common base curvature and diameter. Here's an example where they actually give you a few choices for those:
http://www.1800contacts.com/lens/o2-optix-custom.htm

Although that's a spherical lens, so no cylinder/axis.

 

[Capt Caveman]

Any legit place will require a contact lens prescription and not an eyeglass one. They will also contact your eye doctor to confirm. The strength of a contact lens prescription will actually be lower than an eyeglass prescription b/c of the differences in distance between the eyeglasses and your eye compared to a contact being directly on your eye.

If you've never worn contacts before, I would recommend getting another appt for contacts for a contact lens prescription and a proper fitting(many types of lens, not all will fit/feel the same).

 

[Dunbar]

I used to have an online place that would sell me contacts w/o a prescription but they stopped 4-5 years ago. I don't think anyone does it anymore. You might try calling your optomotrist to see if they'll write you one given your recent exam. The cheapest exams seem to be available at Lenscrafters and Wal Mart.

 

[isekii]

Originally posted by: Dunbar
I used to have an online place that would sell me contacts w/o a prescription but they stopped 4-5 years ago. I don't think anyone does it anymore. You might try calling your optomotrist to see if they'll write you one given your recent exam. The cheapest exams seem to be available at Lenscrafters and Wal Mart.

how much are exams at walmart/lens crafters ?

I know costco charges $105 for contact lens eye exams.

 

[ppdes]

One thing to watch out for is that some places charge more for the exam if you have astigmatism. I called around checking prices, but only found that out after the fact. I still made out very well, however, because the place I went to included the follow up visits and the trial lenses in the price of the exam. I tried several lenses, each of which required a one week follow up, and only paid the one fee.

 

[destrekor]

different contacts manufacturers, and the different brand types (think acuvue, and their acuvue advance, oasis, toric, etc etc), all have different fits.
each pair of contacts I have had, have required a slightly different axis for my astigmatic eye.

 

[Dunbar]

Originally posted by: isekii
how much are exams at walmart/lens crafters ?

I know costco charges $105 for contact lens eye exams.

According to this thread around $50-70, but it wouldn't hurt to call around. My optomotrist charges more for contat lens exam ($70 vs $50) and as far as I can tell it's exactly the same exam. But he's a nice guy so I don't mind paying it. Make sure you walk out with prescription in hand so you can buy them over the internet.

 

[TwiceOver]

Last time I checked, for my type of contacts, it wasn't any cheaper online. And yes, you will need a contact RX

 

[LS20]

the exams are not expensive, but the fitting fees are poo, and sometimes insurance do not cover them

 

[theeedude]

I know Zennioptical you can order glasses without a prescription, just need to type your script info. There may be a place like that for contacts. Maybe in Mexico, though
I wouldn't do it unless you have a fairly recent set of contacts that you like, maybe last couple of years old, and your prescription/eyes haven't changed. It really does take a while to get proper contacts. I went through about 4 different options before I got these current ones that are reasonably comfortable. I wouldn't mind reordering online if I had an option without having to redo the exam. I only wear these for going out, so thankfully, this current set will last me another couple years at least.