"How to Order Colored Contacts Online"

Now that you’ve decided to buy colored contacts online, what’s the process? Remember, contact lenses are considered medical devices and should be worn under the prescription and supervision of an eye care professional. But, if you stay within those health safety guidelines, there’s no reason why you can’t try different colors and styles.

Plus ordering your colored contacts online will save you money and get your contacts to you faster--shipped overnight right to your door in some cases. Click here for more information on shipping deals, rebates and special offers.

Step 1: Get a Prescription

First step is to have an eye exam and get a prescription from a qualified eye doctor who will measure the diameter and curve of your eye, and recommend the brands of contacts that fit your eyes best. If you need vision correction, your doctor will provide you with that information as well.

Your prescription will have the following information for OS (Left Eye) and OD (Right Eye):

PWR or SPH: The amount of vision correction needed. + = correction for farsightedness. - = correction for nearsightedness. Plano is 0.00 (no vision correction)
BC or Base Curve: Curvature of the back of the contact lens in millimeters. Should match the curvature of the eye. Low number = steep curve, High number = flat curve
DIA: Diameter of the lens in millimeters. Determines where the lens sits on your eye.
CYL: Cylinder. Measurement to correct for astigmatism. Needed for toric lenses
AXIS: Measurement to correct for astigmatism. Needed for toric lenses
Add: Add power measurement needed for bifocal lenses. Doesn’t apply for colored contacts
Color: Color of lens
Brand: Brand name of lenses

Step 2: Choose an Online Retailer

Choose a reputable online retailer, such as CoastalContacts.com, and browse the list of colored contacts until you find the ones you’re looking for.

Look at online retailers that sell brand names, have the contacts you want in stock, have a secure payment system and allow you to pay online or by phone or fax. They should also have a customer service department with a "real person" you can talk to with questions. Also check the return policy on unopened lenses or damaged products.

For step-by-step instructions on ordering from CoastalContacts.com, click here.

Step 3: Enter Your Prescription

After you find your lenses, enter your prescription information in the online form. All the base curves and available powers for that specific colored lens should be listed. Enter your eye doctor’s contact information or provide a copy of your prescription by fax or email.

Note: Canadian customers do not have to provide doctor’s information or a copy of the prescription.

Step 4: Verify Your Prescription

The online retailer will verify your prescription with your doctor and then send you an email letting you know when your order has shipped and when to expect delivery.

If you order with Coastal Contacts, your payment options are described on a paper invoice enclosed with the shipment. You can pay online, by phone, or by mail using a credit card or check.

For a step-by-step overview of ordering colored contacts from CoastalContacts.com, click here.

Browse all the latest brands and colors at CoastalContacts.com.

Please note: contact lenses, even if worn for cosmetic reasons, are medical devices that should be worn under the prescription, direction, and supervision of an eye care professional.