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| Deciphering Contact Lens Prescription |  U.S. consumers have the right to a copy of their contact lens prescription. Those who wear contact lens in all 50 states now have the option of buying contact lenses from their eyecare practitioner (ECP) or shopping around at various optical chains, warehouse clubs, and Internet sites.
This law doesn't eliminate ECPs from the process of fitting and prescribing contacts. Contact lenses in US are a prescription item, just like medicines. Although you might have an eyeglass prescription, you will need a contact lens prescription that contains additional information.
If the lenses are not prescribed properly, you may not see well. And what is more important, a poorly fitting lens can mean discomfort, inflammation, swelling, abrasion, or another problem that could, in rare cases, result in permanent eye tissue damage.
All through the United States, you can be fitted for contact lenses by an optometrist or ophthalmologist. Though in some states, opticians also can be certified to fit contact lenses.
Contact lens prescriptions are valid for a minimum of one year, or the minimum required by state law, whichever is greater.
You may buy your replacement contacts from another source, but still you need to visit your eye doctor for regular eye exams and contact lens fittings.
On your prescription expiry, you won't be able to buy more lenses until you get an updated prescription. So you might have a checkup by your eyecare practitioner to be certain that contact lenses aren't adversely affecting your eyes.
If you're diagnosed with a lens-related problem, it's unlikely that you'll have to permanently discontinue wearing contacts. Or you might need a different size, material or design of lens.
Ophthalmologists use standard terms, abbreviations and measurements to write contact lens prescriptions. It may look like some kind of cipher, but it's really quite simple to understand.
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