How to shop for contact lenses

Contact lenses are medical devices. Not accessories, mood rings, or something you grab from a gas station vending machine next to the novelty lighters and off-brand candy. You’re putting these things on your eyeballs, so it pays to know exactly what you’re doing.

Fortunately, you don’t need a Ph.D. in lens science to shop smart. You just need a prescription and a fun blog that lowkey reads like your best friend is walking you through the process with a latte in one hand.

Here’s your step-by-step playbook for shopping for contact lenses:

1. Get a prescription.

2. Understand your needs and preferences.

3. Compare brands and options.

4. Choose a reputable seller.

5. Make a purchase.

6. Practice good hygiene and care.

Let’s unpack all six steps so your vision can sparkle.

1. Get a prescription

Start with a valid prescription. This document, written by your eye care professional, lists all the specifics — brand, base curve, diameter, power — aka the data that helps you see instead of squinting at your barista’s name tag for the next 3 months.

And yes, color contacts count. Even the ones that just change your vibe from quiet artist to ethereal villain with lavender eyes require a prescription.

Here’s how to get one, step by step:

1. Book a contact lens exam with your eye care pro.

2. Ask for your full Rx, including fit details and recommended brand.

3. Use trial lenses to test how they feel over a full day of you being you.

4. If you’ve been fitted before, try renewing through a fast online vision exam.

Online exams take about 15 minutes, don’t require pants, and work great for renewing. But if this is your first time, head in for an in-person appointment. Your eyes deserve a custom fit, not a one-size-fits-all lens.

Online Vision Exam at 1-800 Contacts

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2. Understand your needs and preferences

What works for your mom, best friend, cousin, or favorite influencer may feel like sandpaper to you. So, before choosing a lens brand, take a second to learn what your eyes actually need.

Let’s build your lens wish list.

• Wear time and schedule: Are you wearing contacts every day or just on Tuesdays and special occasions? Do you want convenient dailies, somewhere-in-the-middle weeklies or bi-weeklies, or budget-friendly monthlies?

• Prescription type: Toric lenses help with astigmatism, multifocals and bifocals can support distance and close-up vision, and regular spheres handle straightforward corrections.

• Material and moisture level: Silicone hydrogel tends to win fan awards, but some prefer higher water content or ultra-thin options.

• Sensitivity support: If your eyes get fussy with allergens, air conditioning, screen time, or blinking too often in public, there are lenses made just for that.

• Extras: Think UV protection and tints that make your eyes pop without giving Halloween costume energy.

3. Compare brands and options

If you’ve ever tried three different coconut milks and hated all of them for different reasons, you know that not all products are created equal. The same goes for contact lenses.

Brands talk a big game. Many promise ultimate hydration or eye-hugging comfort like they’re pitching luxury pajamas. Real talk? Some lenses feel like pillows. Others feel like lies.

Here’s how to do some low-effort, high-impact research:

• Google “[Brand A] vs. [Brand B] contacts comfort” and fall down a glorious rabbit hole of real-user reviews.

• Scan Reddit threads for hot takes, long-wear feedback, and brutally honest opinions.

• Prioritize mentions of breathability, end-of-day comfort, moisture retention, and visibility in real life (Can reviewers see clearly in the grocery store parking lot at dusk?)

• Avoid influencer-only sources or posts that read like paid love letters. You want honesty, not hashtag-sponsored nonsense.

Ask your eye care pro if you're curious about trying a new brand. They know what might work based on how your last lenses behaved — and whether you need hydration help or less lens movement when blinking dramatically.

4. Choose a reputable seller

You found the perfect lenses. Don’t ruin the moment by buying them from an unverified mystery site that also sells wigs, magnets, teeth whiteners, and jewelry-cleaning solution. Reputable sellers protect your eyes and your wallet.

Here’s what to know about where to shop.

Is it better to buy contacts online or in store?

So, how do online and in-store experiences compare when it comes to buying contacts that actually work for your life?

Your eye care professional

Pros:

• Fully licensed and deeply trustworthy

• May have trial pairs, sample kits, or loyalty programs

• Sometimes offers manufacturer rebates (Yes, discounts still exist!)

• Can walk you through fit problems if something feels off

Cons:

• Smaller selection

• May cost more than online

• Might take longer to restock specific brands

Online retailers

Pros:

• Massive selection with filtering tools that don’t get impatient

• Lower prices, bulk savings, and occasional “we miss you” coupons

• Automated reorders so you don’t wake up blind at the worst time

• Delivery to your door

Cons:

• Prescription check required 

• Required to upload your Rx or wait while they verify

• Potential for scammers exist 

5. Make a purchase

You’ve compared and vetted your top contact lens choices, and it’s time to click that sweet, sweet order now button. Before you do, run through this mini checklist like the responsible legend you are.

Before purchasing, confirm:

• Every number matches your prescription — power, curve, diameter, brand.

• The site requests Rx verification (legit sellers always do).

• Shipping and return policies are easy to understand and don’t require a fax machine.

• Payment page shows a secure checkout (hello, little padlock icon).

Bonus points if the site lets you subscribe for automatic reorders, apply coupon codes, or save your info for future logins without needing a carrier pigeon.

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6. Practice good hygiene and care

Contacts can be as safe as your hygiene habits. A great fit and top-tier brand mean nothing if you pop lenses into unwashed hands or soak them in yesterday’s solution because you were tired.

A few lens hygiene commandments:

• Wash your hands before touching your lenses.

• Never reuse solution. Dump it out and start fresh — yes, every time.

• Don’t sleep in lenses unless they’re built for overnight wear (and even then, proceed with caution).

• Replace your lens case every month or so. Mold is not a vibe.

• Avoid water — no swimming, no rinsing, no soaking in the sink.

If your lenses start feeling dry, gritty, or scratchy or you suddenly can’t stop blinking, take them out. Something’s wrong, and your eyes won’t just snap out of it.

Is buying contact lenses online safe?

Shopping online for contacts is safe, as long as you’re doing it like the savvy human you clearly are. Most trusted retailers use prescription checks, offer secure checkout, and send exactly what your eye care provider recommended.

To shop safely online without the guesswork or the sketchy pop-up ads, look for:

• Prescription verification

• FDA-approved packaging and brands

• Transparent return policies that don’t require an incantation

• Clear contact info and human-powered customer service

Ready to see clearly with shiny new contact lenses?

Once you’ve locked in your prescription, figured out your ideal lens type, and found a seller who respects your eyeballs, you’re golden. So, grab your Rx and treat yourself to lenses that work with your life.

Shop your prescribed brand now and give your eyes the 5-star treatment they deserve.

Did you know you can order contacts online? 

Say goodbye to trips to the eye doctor and hello to convenience! With 1-800 Contacts, you can easily order your contact lenses online and have them delivered straight to your door. Plus, our online vision exam makes it simple to get the prescription you need without leaving home. And the best part? You’ll save money on your first order with 1-800 Contacts. It’s never been easier to get your contacts! 

FAQs

Still looking for the answer to your question, this section is for you!

How do I know which contacts are right for me?

Start with your prescription. It often lists a specific brand because your lenses are chosen to match your eye shape and needs. Still curious about switching? Ask your provider about options that help with conditions like astigmatism, boost hydration, improve oxygen flow, or enhance wearability for your routine.

Are cheap contacts safe to use?

Some lower-cost contacts pass every safety test and feel amazing. The trick is making sure you’re buying from a real, authorized retailer. Skip the low-price mystery sellers and stick to sites that verify prescriptions, show clear branding, and don’t give you scammer vibes.

What’s the difference between daily and monthly contacts?

With daily lenses, it’s a case of popping ‘em in and tossing ‘em out. Great for low-maintenance routines or anyone with seasonal allergies. You wear monthly lenses longer (with proper cleaning), which can be more cost-effective. Let your lifestyle and tolerance for remembering things guide your choice.