Can You Buy Contact Lenses Without Prescription May 2026

Retailers must verify your prescription with your doctor before completing a sale.

The Fairness to Contact Lens Consumers Act and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Contact Lens Rule regulate these sales to ensure eye safety. Why a Prescription is Required can you buy contact lenses without prescription

Always keep a digital copy of your prescription. Under federal law, your eye doctor must give you a copy of your prescription at the end of your fitting, whether you ask for it or not. This allows you to shop around for the best prices at different retailers. Retailers must verify your prescription with your doctor

The FDA classifies all contact lenses as restricted medical devices. Under federal law, your eye doctor must give

Most prescriptions are valid for one to two years, depending on state law.

An exam checks for underlying conditions like dry eye or corneal irregularities.