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medically reviewedAuthor: Medical reviewer:
October 15, 2022
Writer
By Shannon Ullman
Writer
Shannon Ullman is a writer and editor whose work has appeared in Healthline, Medical News Today, Insider, and more.
Medical review by
Jeffrey Anshel, O.D.
Optometrist
Jeffrey R. Anshel, O.D. is an optometrist and published author who takes a holistic and nutritional approach to eye health.
Summary Image by mbg creative October 15, 2022 Our editors have independently chosen the products listed on this page. If you purchase something mentioned in this article, we may earn a small commission. Although are eyes are one of the most critical organs for longevity, they're often not getting the TLC they deserve. About 41 million people wear contact lesnes1 in the U.S., and a majority of users fail to properly clean their lenses and replace them. One of the biggest mishaps many users make is failing to replace their lenses in a regular cadence—but it's something the best online contact retailers can help with. While consulting a physician is always best, the ability to shop contacts online is a convenient (and sometimes more affordable) option to build your stash of contact lenses. It’s true that vision changes are to be expected as you age, but finding the right prescription can reduce eye strain, help you see more clearly, and impact your brain health, too. Keep reading to learn why eye health is so important, and to find our picks for the best online contacts. Best for same day delivery : 1-800 Contacts Best budget : Discount Contacts Best for using insurance : Contacts Direct Best for daily use : LensCrafters Best for color contacts : WebEyeCare Best for astigmatism : ContactLensKing.com Best overall : Lens.com Best for subscriptions : Walmart Contacts 
Quick List:
Why is eye health important?
We can all agree that clearer vision is important for quality of life, but did you know that your eyesight also impacts the way you think? According to board certified naturopathic doctor,Erica Steele, who specializes in naturopathic and holistic medicine, "80 to 85% of our perception, cognition, learning, and activities are related to our eyesight." So, taking control of your eye health could benefit a whole lot more than just your vision.
"Having the right contacts allows for your eyesight, perception, and your brain to function in a healthy manner,” Steele explains. "Straining and improper contact lens wearing can impact your eye health.” Whether you see an optometrist in real life, or you opt for one of these online contacts, it’s imperative that you receive a proper prescription.
Who should wear contact lenses?
If you struggle with your vision, you may be a good candidate for contact lenses. The right contacts can help combat common vision problems, such as farsightedness, nearsightedness, and uneven focus (also called astigmatism).
Again, just be sure to talk to your doctor before you start shopping for contacts online. While most reputable brands require a prescription and eye analysis, wearing the wrong contacts can result in more than just awful vision.
"The person could risk damage to their eye, infections, loss of eyesight, chemical reactions, and even blindness," explains Steele. "Technically, even costume or fashion contacts are said to require a prescription to ensure safe manufacturing practices. That way, if there is a recall or an issue with a particular contact lens, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) can quickly track down the manufacturer to ensure that people are not injured."
Another important thing to remember is that if this is your first time with contact lenses, online ordering is not a safe or practical route to go. You’ll need to have a full eye exam and your doctor will need to train you on how to insert and remove your contacts safely.
How we picked:
Cost
You shouldn't have to break the bank to get quality contacts. We selected affordable options without sacrificing quality or comfort.
Variety
Everyone's vision needs are different. That's why we looked for online contact companies that offer a variety of lenses to fit different eye health concerns.
Convenience
We know you're busy, and the last thing you want to do is waste time dealing with a complicated ordering process or slow shipping. We included companies that make ordering and receiving your contacts as easy as possible.
Safety
Your eyesight is precious, so we want to make sure you're taking care of it. We prioritized companies that use the highest quality materials and adhere to strict safety standards.
Our picks for the best online contacts of 2022:
Pros:
- Free returns and exchanges
- App-based eye test
- Decent selection of brands
Cons:
- Could improve customer service
- Online vision exam isn't available in every state
Insurance accepted: Yes
Return policy: Free returns on unopened contacts
Subscription available: Yes
Prescription needed: Yes
Eye exam offered: Yes
Ease is the name of the game when it comes to these contacts. The site offers a huge selection of brands, so (no matter what you’re struggling with) you're sure to find the perfect lenses for your eyes. To start, simply download the corresponding app, and you’ll be prompted to take an online eye test. This process makes it easy to get a prescription without leaving your house—and if you're not satisfied with your purchase, you can take advantage of their free returns and exchanges policy.
This site accepts insurance, and is pretty much always having a sale (you can often get 20% off your first purchase). Once you’ve entered your prescription or taken the eye test, just pick out your contacts and place your order. Need a refill of an existing prescription? There’s even an option to text in your order, and it will be shipped out that night.
Brands available include: Acuve, Air Optix, Dailies, Biofinity, and more.
Pros:
- Low prices
- Tons of brands
- Free returns for a year
Cons:
- Doesn't accept insurance
Insurance accepted: No
Return policy: Free for up to a year
Subscription available: Yes
Prescription needed: Yes
Eye exam offered: Yes, in certain states
Contact lenses can add up, so it's important to find a company that offers low prices without skimping on quality. While this site doesn’t offer insurance either, it does offer low prices on high quality contacts. There’s an impressive selection of over 30 brands, and you get free shipping for all orders over $99. Plus, (per its name) the site often has discounts, including a deal for first-time shoppers.
Another major bonus is that the online eye exam is free. The vision test takes about 15 minutes, and an additional 24 hours for your prescription to come through via email. You’ll need a computer and a smartphone to take the test. Just note, the vision test is not available for patients under 18 years old or over 55 years old. If you (or the person you’re ordering for) fall in this category, you’ll need to see a doctor and either go the old fashioned route, or enter in your prescription online.
The process for refills is extremely easy, too, and you can also sign up for a subscription to receive your lenses automatically on an interval that works for you, with an additional discount.
Brands available include: Acuve, Air Optix, Bausch + Lomb, Precision1, Biofinity, and more.
Pros:
- Tons of variety
- User-friendly website
- Insurance accepted
Cons:
- Customer pays return postage
Insurance accepted: Yes
Return policy: 6 months, customer must pay postage
Subscription available: No
Prescription needed: Yes
Eye exam offered: Yes
If you want a simple, no-fuss place to take care of your eye health, Contacts Direct is it. The site accepts most major insurance providers and has a robust inventory of well-known brands. The user-friendly website makes ordering your supply a breeze, and you can typically count on a discount. Just be aware that if you need to return anything, you'll have to foot the bill for shipping.
To start your order, you’ll need to create an account. From there, either enter in your prescription or take the site’s online vision exam. First, it will ask you to fill out a few brief questions to determine if you are eligible for an online prescription (i.e. when your last eye exam was, what type of eyewear you typically use, and your current prescription). You’ll also need to take a picture of your eyes (which you can do right from your computer or phone) so the doctors can check for redness or irritation. The whole process, including the eye exam itself, will take about ten minutes, and you’ll receive your prescription within the next two days.
All that’s left to do is order those lenses and they’ll be at your door in just a few days. Standard 7 to 10 day shipping is free, or you can pay to expedite.
Brands available include: Acuve, Air Optix, Biotrue, Precision1, Dailies, and more.
Pros:
- Free shipping
- Large brand selection
Cons:
- Not the best customer service
Insurance accepted: Yes
Return policy: Free for up to 30 days
Subscription available: No
Prescription needed: Yes
Eye exam offered: Yes
LensCrafters offers an impressive variety of brands and free shipping. You can get major discounts when you purchase an annual supply, and the website makes it easy to find the perfect lenses for your eyes. Plus, the site accepts insurance.
For a vision exam, you’ll need to head to one of the company’s brick-and-mortar locations, so this is only a good option if you have an existing prescription you need to refill—in which case, ordering could not be easier. Simply choose your lenses, enter in your prescription and insurance information, and add them to your cart. Once you’ve made an account, reordering only takes a few minutes, or you can save by ordering an annual supply.
Brands available include: Air Optix, Dailies, Clariti, FreshLook, and more.
Pros:
- Colored contact options
- Online vision test
Cons:
- No free returns
- Doesn't accept insurance
Insurance accepted: No
Return policy: 60 days, customer pays return postage and restocking fee
Subscription available: No
Prescription needed: Yes
Eye exam offered: No
With a ton of reputable brands to choose from, and color contact options, this site is a quick and easy way to order contacts (or glasses) online. Unfortunately, insurance is not accepted. But if you don’t mind paying out of pocket, the selection and ease of order could be worth it here.
Another bonus is that you can complete the site’s vision test to update your prescription. Just note, (as is typically the case) the vision test is not for people who have never worn contacts before. If you’ve had a previous prescription and are looking to refresh it, you’ll just need to answer a few questions to check eligibility first. Once you complete the test, a licensed prescription provider will send your prescription within the next two days.
On the downside, this is definitely one of the more expensive online vision tests ($35)—and it’s important to note that an online vision test is not a replacement for a comprehensive eye exam, which will check your eye health, too.
Brands available include: Acuve, Dailies, Biofinity, Clariti, and more.
Pros:
- Worldwide shipping
- Great customer service
Cons:
- Shipping isn't free
- Shipping times are vague
Insurance accepted: No
Return policy: Free for up to 30 days
Subscription available: No
Prescription needed: Yes
Eye exam offered: No
This site offers quality contacts, and even better customer service. There’s pretty much always a sale running on the site, and the company offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee—so if you're not happy with your purchase, you can send your lenses back with no questions asked. There are a ton of brands to choose from, and you can search by brand, manufacturer, or type of contacts (including colored contacts, daily disposables, and astigmatism / toric lenses).
Once you’ve picked out your contact lenses, you’ll just need to enter your prescription and add them to your cart to order. On the downside, there is no online vision test, and insurance is not accepted. If you’re looking for a site that’s easy to use, you have an existing prescription, and you don’t mind paying out of pocket, this could be a good place to start.
Brands available include: Acuve, Airoptics, Purevision, Proclear, and more.
Pros:
- Huge selection of brands
- Discounts for bulk purchases
Cons:
- No free shipping
- Insurance not accepted
Insurance accepted: No
Return policy: 30 days
Subscription available: No
Prescription needed: Yes
Eye exam offered: Yes
With 28 different brands to choose from, Lens.com is one of the best online contact companies for those who like to have options. Unfortunately, insurance is not accepted, but the site offers discounts for bulk purchases—so the more you buy, the cheaper it gets.
To order, you can share a copy of your prescription, or take advantage of the site’s vision test to renew your prescription from home. The vision test takes less than five minutes and will add an additional $10 to your purchase. After you complete the exam, a doctor will take up to 24 hours to review your results, and you’ll get a copy of your prescription. From there, simply pick out your contacts and add them to your cart to order.
Brands available include: Acuve, Air Optix, Ultra, Optima, Biofinity, and more.
Pros:
- Large brand selection
- Free shipping
- Low pricing
Cons:
- Doesn't accept insurance
Insurance accepted: No
Return policy: Free
Subscription available: Yes
Prescription needed: Yes
Eye exam offered: No
If you have an existing prescription and are looking for a quick and easy option with a massive selection of brands, Walmart Contacts is a solid choice. The online contacts platform offers free shipping and subscription options, so you never have to worry about running out. Just be aware that the site doesn't accept insurance, so you'll have to pay out of pocket.
To order, you can either have the company contact your eye doctor to verify your prescription, or you can email or fax a copy. The site does mention that having the physical copy to fax or email speeds up the process significantly. That said, there is no online eye exam, so if you need to update your prescription, this is probably not the best option. You can go into one of Walmart’s vision centers if you’d like, but it might defeat the purpose of ordering contacts online.
Brands available include: Acuve, Air Optix, Bausch + Lomb, Eureka!, Biofinity, and more.
What to consider when buying contacts online
Safety is the number one factor when buying contacts online, and it's important to only buy from companies that require a prescription. Steel emphasizes this, explaining, "Companies that sell contacts without prescriptions, from an unlicensed vendor have potential risks such as fraud or counterfeit contact lenses that may contain chemical solutions that could damage, irritate, or infect the eye."
If you're still unsure where to look, Steele says a good rule of thumb is to go with a brand your [optometrist or] ophthalmologist recommends. "Many times, the ophthalmologist [doctor] will make a recommendation of an online retailer that they have worked with often," she elaborates. "Look up the specific brand of contact your ophthalmologist [doctor] recommended, type, and always use your prescription. I tend to recommend places where you can upload your prescription rather than write it in just to ensure there is no confusion."
Another huge consideration is that, while ordering contacts online is a helpful way to save time and money, this convenient hack does not replace your need to see a doctor for your regular eye exams. Even if the company you order from offers online vision tests, these tests will only be checking your prescription, not your eye health—which, as we’ve mentioned, is incredibly important for your overall well-being.
FAQ:
Is it safe to buy contacts online?
Yes, just make sure the company you're buying from requires a prescription, your prescription is up to date, and that you’re still keeping up with your regular eye exams.
What is the best quality of contact lenses?
It depends on your specific eye needs, but hydrogel lenses are typically the most popular.
How often should you replace your contact lenses?
It depends on the type of lens. Some last a day, while others can last up to a month. Refer to the manufacturer's recommendations and talk to your doctor if you're still unsure.
Do you need a prescription to order contacts online?
Yes, you need a valid prescription to order contacts online from any reputable company.
The takeaway
There are a lot of companies selling online contacts, and the sites we included on this list are the best options to consider. As always, consult with your physician before making a decision that will impact your health—as eye care is vital for our overall health and longevity! For more eye care needs, learn about how to pick out eyeglasses that are so good, you'll forget you're wearing them.
FAQs
Is 1800 contacts cheaper? ›
Like other direct-to-consumer companies, 1-800 Contacts may be less expensive than buying your contacts through an eye doctor or brick-and-mortar eyewear retailer. The company offers a generous return policy that includes defective or torn lenses and lenses you don't need because of changes in your prescription.
Can you get contacts over the counter? ›The FDA has mandated that contact lenses cannot be sold without a valid prescription. Even if you are only ordering contacts for cosmetic reasons, like wanting to change your eye color or the physical appearance of your eye, you still need a current prescription from an eye doctor.
Is it safe to order contacts online? ›Getting contacts online is extremely safe and easy. Go to our online shop and choose the best contact lens type for your needs.
Is it better to get daily or monthly contacts? ›For those who don't mind the occasional cleaning, monthly contacts can be extremely convenient for longer-term wear. Whether it's the type of prescription you need, the maintenance, or the convenience, daily contacts seem to be a much better choice for most people.
Does 1-800 Contacts call your doctor? ›Whenever you want to buy your lenses from a retailer such as 1-800 Contacts, your doctor will be contacted by the retailer. If your eye doctor does not respond to our request for verification within eight business hours, the prescription is considered verified, and you will receive your lenses.
Do you need prescription for 1-800 Contacts? ›Yes. We need a valid prescription for every order (it's the law). If you don't have a copy of your prescription, you can still order contact lenses from us. Just search for your eye doctor's info on our site when you order.
HOW IS lens com so cheap? ›Lens.com began trading in 1995, providing contact lenses at a lower price than some retailers. The company buys stock in bulk and independently sets its prices to offer people a range of lens choices.
Does Contact brand matter? ›Both measurements are important and can really affect how comfortable a contact feels. Different brands are made with different base curves and diameters, which is why your eye care provider selects one for you during an exam.
What is the highest prescription for daily contact lenses? ›Contact lenses can be prescribed for extreme degrees of myopia, even for those who need correction of more than -20 Dioptres. Some lenses can go over -30 Dioptres. For regular soft contact lenses, the highest level of corrective power is about -12 Dioptres.
What are the easiest contacts to put in? ›Soft Contact Lenses Are The Most Comfortable
Soft contact lenses usually don't take very long to get use to, and for most people, in just a few days they can't feel them at all while wearing them, they also have the benefit of allowing a full days wear in just a few days.
How much is it for a contact lens exam at Walmart? ›
A comprehensive eye health and vision exam is $80. A contact lens exam is $115. If you need bifocal correction or want to wear contact lenses for the first time, the exam cost $145.
How long does it take to get contacts at Walmart? ›How long does it take for my lenses to arrive? 98% of all US orders arrive within the 7-10 day delivery time stated on our website. However, the vast majority of orders that are shipped from stock will arrive significantly sooner.
What is the fastest way to get contacts? ›Having your contact prescription ready is necessary for the quickest of orders. We stock 90% of the most common contact lens prescriptions. If you have a popular prescription, you can expect your lenses to ship the day after you order them.
Is it worth buying contacts online? ›While it may be cheaper and more convenient to buy contact lenses online than buying them from your eye doctor, the benefits don't necessarily outweigh the risks. Some very real risks include: Contamination: Contacts are a medical device regulated by the FDA.
Should I buy contacts from my eye doctor or online? ›Fact: Ordering contacts through your eye doctor is actually cheaper in many cases. As mentioned, your local eye doctor will actually tend to offer better rates than online providers. In addition, the higher rebates account for even better deals.
Are 1800 contacts trustworthy? ›1800 Contacts is reliable, quick, accountable and has an excellent customer service department. You can be confident that when ordering from them, you'll get the right contacts quickly, and should anything go wrong, it'll be quickly sorted.
What are the most cost effective contact lenses? ›Monthly lenses are going to be the most economical, simply because you have to purchase less of them (12 monthly lenses make a year supply, 24 biweekly lenses make a year supply, and ~360 lenses make a year supply).
What type of contacts are best? ›If you want the sharpest vision possible, gas permeable contact lenses (also called RGP or GP lenses) usually are the best choice. Because they have a hard, polished surface, they typically have better optical qualities than soft contact lenses.
What happens if you reuse daily contacts? ›Re-wearing a disposable lens can expose you to harmful bacteria and put you at risk of infection, even if you clean them.
Can I order contacts with an old prescription? ›Don't try to buy contact lenses online with an expired prescription, it's illegal to sell anyone contact lenses without a valid prescription. So, check your contact lens prescription right now. If they're close to or past the expiration date, contact your eye doctor and schedule an eye exam.
How long is an eyeglass prescription valid for? ›
So how long is an eyeglass prescription good for? Typically one to two years, but we recommend checking your prescription expiration date. That being said, if you are at higher risk of vision changes, your glasses prescription expiration date might be one year, rather than two, after your last exam.
Does EZ contacts really verify prescription? ›Yes: you will need to provide a valid prescription for the specific product you are ordering. The quickest verification method is to provide us your doctor/prescribers contact information. Optionally, you can also upload an image of your prescription or fax/email it after placing your order.
Can I use an expired eye prescription? ›No, you cannot use an expired eyeglass prescription to buy new glasses. The reason for this is simple: our eyes change as we age, and a prescription from several years ago may no longer guarantee clear vision. You may not realize how much your vision has deteriorated since your last eye exam.
What is better lens or glasses? ›Contacts conform to the curvature of the eye, provide a wider field of view, and cause fewer vision distortions and obstructions than eyeglasses. Contact lenses don't get in the way when playing sports and exercising. Contacts typically aren't affected by weather conditions and won't fog up in cold weather.
How fast can I get contacts from 1800contacts? ›You'll get your contacts even faster
By law, we have to verify your prescription to make sure the contacts we're sending out are correct. We can contact your eye doctor's office for you, but it can take up to one business day to hear back from them.
Company reputation. Although they're not a member of the Better Business Bureau, Lens.com has received a B rating from the organization. According to the BBB, in the last 3 years Lens.com has responded to and closed 177 complaints. (32 complaints have been closed in the last 12 months.)
What happened to coastal contact lenses? ›In 2021, Coastal merged with another eyewear retailer, ContactsDirect. ContactsDirect and Coastal are owned by the same Italy-based parent company, Luxottica Eyewear.
Does lens com require a prescription? ›You do not need a copy of your contact lens prescription in order to place an order with us. You need only to provide us with your eye doctor's name and contact info, and we'll handle the prescription verification for you.
HOW IS lens com so cheap? ›Lens.com began trading in 1995, providing contact lenses at a lower price than some retailers. The company buys stock in bulk and independently sets its prices to offer people a range of lens choices.
Is Walgreens a good place to buy contacts? ›Best For Cheap Contacts
Walgreens offers easy ordering, fast home delivery and plenty of options for savings. As a new customer, you can save 30% off your first order, and you'll often find promotional codes and coupons for 20% off or more.
Does 1800 contacts verify prescription? ›
By law, we have to verify your prescription to make sure the contacts we're sending out are correct. We can contact your eye doctor's office for you, but it can take up to one business day to hear back from them.
Can you order contacts online with prescription? ›To purchase contact lenses online, individuals just need their prescription information. Several online retailers offer name-brand and generic prescription contacts. A person's prescription will specify the brand and type of lens suitable for their needs.
Can I trust lens com? ›Company reputation. Although they're not a member of the Better Business Bureau, Lens.com has received a B rating from the organization. According to the BBB, in the last 3 years Lens.com has responded to and closed 177 complaints. (32 complaints have been closed in the last 12 months.)
What happened to coastal contact lenses? ›In 2021, Coastal merged with another eyewear retailer, ContactsDirect. ContactsDirect and Coastal are owned by the same Italy-based parent company, Luxottica Eyewear.
Does lens com require a prescription? ›You do not need a copy of your contact lens prescription in order to place an order with us. You need only to provide us with your eye doctor's name and contact info, and we'll handle the prescription verification for you.
Can you order contacts online for cheaper? ›More often than not, you'll be paying full retail price for your lenses. Instead, you'll want to buy contact lenses online to get the best deals. There are many online stores that offer every contact lens brand you can think of, often at discounted prices or with rebates.
Does Costco make contact lenses? ›Yes, Costco Optical now offers a variety of contact lenses online exclusively for Costco members! To order contact lenses online, simply visit contacts.costco.com.
Do contact lenses expire? ›All contacts have an expiration date. Some are designed to last for one year, while others are meant to be worn for only two weeks or as little as one day. As contacts are worn, germs, proteins, and other residues accumulate on the surface of your contacts. These deposits can irritate the eyes over time.
How long is an eyeglass prescription valid for? ›So how long is an eyeglass prescription good for? Typically one to two years, but we recommend checking your prescription expiration date. That being said, if you are at higher risk of vision changes, your glasses prescription expiration date might be one year, rather than two, after your last exam.
Does Walmart verify contact prescriptions? ›If you don't upload one or fax one when you order your contacts, WalmartContacts.com will call your eye doctor and verify your prescription for you. My eye insurance will cover my exam and one pair of glasses or up to a certain amount in contacts.
Can I use an expired eye prescription? ›
No, you cannot use an expired eyeglass prescription to buy new glasses. The reason for this is simple: our eyes change as we age, and a prescription from several years ago may no longer guarantee clear vision. You may not realize how much your vision has deteriorated since your last eye exam.
How long does it take to get contacts from 1 800 contacts? ›What shipping options do you offer? All of them: Standard (5-7 business days) Ridiculously fast (2-3 business days)
How many boxes of contacts do I need for a year? ›Keep in mind that while the per-box cost for yearly contact lenses might be higher than that of other types, you only need one box to lasts an entire year. That being said, it's a good idea to opt for a box with a spare pair, just in case.
Are eye contacts better than glasses? ›They produce a more “natural” field of vision.
Because they sit on the surface of your eyes and move with them, contact lenses provide seamless vision correction. Their benefits extend to your peripheral vision and they won't have the same types of visual disruptions that glasses do, such as reflections or fogginess.