Can you buy contact lenses without a prescription?

Simple answer: no. Learn why you should never wear contact lenses without a prescription and the risks you take when you wear illegally-sold lenses.

Published on September 8, 2025

Two reasons never to buy or wear contacts you haven't been prescribed

1. It’s illegal in the United States

Since contact lenses are regulated medical devices, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regulates their sale and requires sellers to make sure a buyer has a valid prescription. This law applies to all types of contacts, including cosmetic ones like Halloween lenses that do not necessarily correct vision. It might be tempting to search online for cheaper deals when you see ads offering "one-size-fits-all" contact lenses, but that could lead to discomfort, infection, injury, and even vision loss.

2. It can be dangerous to your eye health

At a contact lens fitting exam, your eye doctor checks your vision and your overall eye health. This is super important because they assess whether or not contact lenses are a safe choice for you and your lifestyle. Then, they prescribe a specific lens brand with the right shape, size and power to correct safely correct your vision. Even if you already have a prescription, your eyes can change over time, and an old prescription may not be accurate anymore. Having an up-to-date contact lens prescription helps makes sure your lenses will fit your eyes comfortably and will correct your unique vision issues. If they don’t fit right, you could end up with discomfort, blurry vision, or even injuries that could threaten your eye health and sight.

Decorative contact lenses need a prescription, too

Around Halloween, you can often find contact lenses that might go with a costume online or in stores that don’t seem to require a prescription. Beware. These cosmetic lenses typically do not meet the same safety standards as prescribed lenses and may not be FDA-approved for wear in the U.S. They may be poorly manufactured, unsterilized, or lack the proper fit, all of which can lead to eye harm. The allure of matching your look for a party is not worth the risk of long-term damage or infections.

How to get a contact lens prescription

Schedule a contact lens fitting

The first step is to make an appointment with an eye doctor. Make sure to tell them that you want a contact lens fitting, which lets them know they’ll need to spend a little more time with you to make sure your lenses fit. You may need to share your vision history ahead of time, and provide any insurance you may have.

Visit your eye doctor

They will give you a comprehensive eye exam to check your vision and overall eye health. At this time, the doctor will take special measurements of your eyes. This helps find the right fit for your contact lenses. They’ll check things like the size and curvature of your cornea.

Try on some lenses

After your measurements, the doctor may let you try on some trial contact lenses. This way, you can see how lenses feel before making a decision. They will also teach you how to put them on and take them off safely.

Receive your prescription

After you’ve chosen the right lenses, your eye doctor will give you a written prescription. If it’s your first time wearing contact lenses, they may want you to try the contact lenses for a few days or weeks and then come back to get your finalized prescription. This helps ensure the contact lenses are the right fit for you, and gives them the opportunity to address any concerns you may have.

How to Get Contacts

The risks of wearing contact lenses without a prescription

Contact lenses are quite safe as long as they’re prescribed by an eye doctor and you follow the wear and safety instructions they provide. Wearing contact lenses that aren’t prescribed, even for a short period of time, can be extremely dangerous to your eye health, causing anything from discomfort to vision loss. In short, it’s just not worth it.

Corneal abrasions

If a contact lens doesn't fit your eyes correctly, it can scratch the delicate surface of your cornea. This painful condition often results in redness, tearing, and heightened sensitivity to light. Treatment for corneal abrasions may require prescription eye drops or other medications to help heal the eye. Unfortunately, lasting damage from abrasions can lead to blurry vision or scarring, which may not be reversible.

Serious eye infections

Research indicates that using non-prescription contacts can heighten the risk of developing keratitis by up to 16 times.¹ What’s even more troubling is that these infections can develop very quickly, often without much warning. Symptoms may include redness, pain, or blurry vision, which can escalate rapidly if untreated. This is why you should never try to “push through” discomfort, even if it seems mild. Always remove lenses when they become less comfortable and talk to your doctor if you’re having to remove your lenses often or earlier than you’d like because of discomfort. If an infection does occur, it may require intensive treatment, including antibiotics. In the most severe cases, surgery like a corneal transplant might be necessary to prevent permanent damage.

Oxygen deprivation of the cornea

Fun fact: Your cornea does not get its oxygen from your blood supply like with other parts of your body. It absorbs most of its oxygen from the air via your tears. This is why contact lenses are designed to allow oxygen to reach the cornea while you wear them (and some allow more oxygen than others). Even so, when lenses are not fitted correctly—like if they’re too tight— they can restrict oxygen flow. This lack of oxygen, known as hypoxia, can lead to uncomfortable symptoms like redness and swelling. Over time, this oxygen deprivation can cause serious complications, including neovascularization, where abnormal blood vessels grow in the cornea to compensate for the lack of oxygen. This growth may obstruct your vision, making it difficult to see clearly. Once neovascularization occurs, it’s irreversible.

Schedule an appointment with your eye doctor

If you’re wearing lenses without a prescription, the first thing to do is stop. The first step towards getting a contact lens prescription is making an appointment with an eye doctor. If you’ve worn contact lenses that weren’t prescribed for you and are noticing any symptoms, get in touch with an eye doctor immediately. They are the best person to diagnose the issue and provide a treatment plan.

Find an Eye Care Professional

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

Can I buy contact lenses without a prescription?

No, in the U.S. it's illegal to buy contact lenses without a valid prescription. All contacts are medical devices, and it’s necessary to ensure a proper fit for your eye health.

How do I get a contact lens prescription?

To get a prescription, you need to schedule an exam with an eye doctor. They will measure your eyes and check your vision to provide a prescription tailored to your needs.

What are the risks of wearing non-prescription contact lenses?

Wearing non-prescription contact lenses can lead to significant risks, including painful corneal abrasions, serious infections, and long-term vision damage. Only wear lenses prescribed by a qualified professional.

How often should I have my eyes checked?

It’s best to get your eyes checked at least once a year. Regular visits help ensure you stay healthy and that your prescription is up to date.

What should I do if I experience discomfort with my contacts?

Wearing contact lenses should be comfortable. If you have any concerning or ongoing discomfort, redness, or changes in vision, it’s essential to see your eye care professional right away. They can evaluate your situation and recommend the best course of action.