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Buying contact lenses on the Internet, by phone, or by
mail can be handy. But buyers should be careful.
o You need an up-to-date, correct
prescription. Your state laws decide when a prescription expires. It may
be one or two years. Some states leave it to your doctor to decide.
o The prescription should include:
o Your name
o Lens measurements
o The contact lens brand and material
o Your doctor's name
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o Some prescriptions also include:
o Whether lenses are for daily wear or
extended wear
o Whether a different kind of lens
material can be used
o The date your prescription expires
o The number of refills
o Internet sites and mail-order
companies must get your doctor's approval of the prescription. If they
don't, they are breaking
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federal law. That's why many ask for your doctor's name and phone number.
Some states need written prescriptions.
o Order your lenses from a company you
know you can trust.
o Ask for written information about
your contact lenses from the company. It should tell you how to use the
lenses.
o Don't Take A Chance on Using an Old
Prescription
o Ask your eye doctor how often you
should have check-ups. See the doctor regularly. The check-ups give your
doctor a chance to check the fit of your lenses and change your
prescription as your eyes change. Lenses that don't fit can hurt your
eyes.
o Always contact your doctor for
advice. A doctor can see early signs of damage that can lead to serious
problems, even blindness. You may not notice these signs in their early
stages.
Make Sure You Get What You Asked For
Watch out!
Some online or mail-order sellers may send you a different brand. Contact
lenses may look the same, but materials and shapes change by brand. Be
sure you get what you asked for. Make sure that the company gives you this
information:
o Brand name
o Lens name
o Power
o Sphere
o Cylinder, if any
o Axis, if any
o Diameter
o Base curve
o Peripheral curves, if any
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