Contact Lens Prescriptions and the Internet

I had a situation at work today which seems to occur more often..  The patient came in for an eye examination and simply wanted a copy of her contact lens prescription so she could by her contact lenses on the internet.  The internet site having considerable dollar savings compared to our prices.   While this is something that any consumer is entitled to, all internet purchases must have prior contact lens fitting by the eye care professional and only they can give you a valid contact lens prescription.  Just having an eye exam does not entitle you to a contact prescription.  You must go through a thorough contact fitting, which include cornea measurements, a visual exam using some type of magnification (I use a slit lamp or biomicroscope), and determination of the best type of contacts and care solutions.  Then, a lens needs to be placed on the eye, have visual acuities checked and fit evaluated, most likely using the biomicroscope again.  It also possible that the lens will need to be worn for a pre-determined time frame and re-evaluted again.  Only then can the contact lens prescription be final.

With the disposable lenses currently on the market, all contact lens manufacturers will supply the optical company with diagnostic lenses at no cost in order to determine the proper contact lens for the patient.  Even though you won't be charged for the diagnostic lenses, there will be a contact lens evaluation fee.  The fee usually varies on the type of lens.  

Unfortunately, if you need a custom design contact lens, such as a gas permeable lens, certain soft lenses, or hybrid lenses, it not possible to have diagnostic lenses.  Therefore, lenses would have to be purchased from the eye care practitioner in order to get your contact prescription.

The moral of the story......

No one, including the Eyeguy, can take the place of your eye care practitioner. Only they can determine the proper contact lens for you.  Internet companies are certainly a source for contact lenses now, even the custom lenses, however, they are only there for lens replacement and not to replace your current doctor or optician.

Look forward to some newer exciting things on my blog.  I hope to have them posted by the end of the week.