A contact lens prescription is the written specification for the exact contact lens that has been prescribed after fitting. It typically includes the lens power, manufacturer or brand, base curve or other fitting designation, diameter when appropriate, prescriber information, issue date and expiration information.
Glasses sit in front of the eyes; contacts rest directly on the cornea. That difference means contact lens fit, geometry and material affect comfort, oxygen delivery, stability and vision. A person can have the same refractive error but need different lens parameters or even a different brand after fitting.
Under the FTC Contact Lens Rule, prescribers must provide patients with a copy of the contact lens prescription at the end of the fitting, even if the patient does not ask for it. The patient can then use that prescription with another seller.
If a customer does not provide a copy of the prescription, a seller can request verification from the prescriber. Under the federal rule, a prescription can be considered verified if the prescriber does not respond to a complete verification request within eight business hours. The seller still must follow the rule’s required process and cannot knowingly fill an inaccurate or expired prescription.
Contact lens brands are not freely interchangeable simply because the printed power is the same. Different materials, edge designs, base curves, diameters and stabilization systems can fit and perform differently. The FTC rule generally prohibits sellers from substituting a different, non-identical lens brand outside limited circumstances.
If your prescription has expired, your eyes feel different, your vision fluctuates or your lenses are less comfortable, schedule a new examination and fitting. The FDA advises against ordering lenses with an expired prescription or stockpiling lenses simply to avoid a recheck.
A contact lens prescription specifies the exact lens fitted for your eyes, including more than just optical power. Federal rules require the prescriber to provide a copy when fitting is complete, and sellers must have or verify a valid prescription before dispensing lenses.
Need help choosing eyewear or contact lenses? Contact Eye Gallery by Garen Oganni at its Beverly Hills location to ask about current products, optical services and appointment availability. For medical concerns, request evaluation by the appropriate licensed eye care professional.
Is my contact lens prescription the same as my glasses prescription?
No. Contact prescriptions include lens-specific fit and product information in addition to optical power.
Do I have a right to my contact lens prescription?
Yes. Under the FTC Contact Lens Rule, the prescriber must provide a copy when the fitting is complete, even if you do not request it.
Can a seller change my contact lens brand?
Generally not unless the substitution meets the narrow identical-lens exception described in the FTC rule. Contact lens brand is part of the prescription.
What happens if an online seller cannot reach my prescriber?
Federal rules allow passive verification after a complete request and an eight-business-hour response period, subject to the rule’s detailed requirements.
Can I order contacts with an expired prescription?
You should not. FDA guidance advises patients not to order lenses using an expired prescription and recommends re-evaluation for eye health and fit.
