Buying contacts online - I got 02Optix from my eye doctor, can i order Focus Monthly?

Question

I just came back from my eye doctor and i wanted a monhtly contacts instead of weekly. But, the only monthlies he had was Night and Day and those are like 60$ no way im paying that much. Well, i got 02Optix with him but am i able to order a different brand?

Answer 1

CL prescriptions are brand specific - meaning that you can only purchase the brand that was prescribed to you.  When anyone attempts to purchase contacts online, the company will contact the prescribing doctor's office in attempts to confirm the Rx.

Studies have found that replacing your contacts more often decreases the chances of dry eyes, ulcers, and infections like conjunctivitis (red eye).  so it might be better that your O.D. gave you o2 optix (which is a 2 week replacement lens, as recommended by the manufacturer)

If you think about it, the cost might not be that different after all....assuming that the o2 optix are $25/box, a 6 month supply will cost you $100 (4 boxes needed since there are 3 pairs in each box, each pair is to be worn for 2 week).  for the Night&Day CLs, a 6 month supply will cost you $120 (2 boxes needed since there are 3 pairs in each box, each pair is to be worn for 1 month)

Answer 2

Eh... I wouldn't do that.  Each manufacturer uses different materials to make their lenses.  Even the same manufacturer sometimes uses different materials based on the lens model.   These different materials are VERY different and your eyes may not take kindly to them.

For example, I can wear Biomedics 55's for 30+ hrs without irritation.  On the other hand, Biomedics XCs make my eyes burn like someone had dragged sandpaper across them.   Not a good idea to be shifting brands without at least trying a pair of them first.