Quick Summary

• 1-800 Contacts is our number one recommendation for buying contact lenses online
• Their price match guarantee ensures you get the best price on the internet
• Their free contact lens returns policy allows you to exchange any unopened lenses
• Free contact lens replacement for any torn lenses
• Their customer service is 24/7 and completely live, meaning you will always get a real person helping you
• If you don’t have a current contact lens prescription, or if this is your first time getting contacts, schedule a comprehensive eye exam and contact lens fitting with your doctor. Once you have a prescription, you can then order lenses online.

Why Trust Our Review?

As a top-rated website for vision health, Vision Center aims to provide unbiased and detailed reviews about vision products and services. For 1-800 Contacts, we did the following:

• Personally tried out 1-800 contacts to see their customer service
• Reviewed online feedback and reviews from hundreds of customers
• Developed a rating system for online contacts providers based on customer service,  prescription verification, product variety, pricing deals, and shipping

1-800 Contacts Review (My Personal Experience)

I’ve had astigmatism and myopia since I was 4. My prescription used to change constantly. This meant multiple exams every year. I spent countless hours of my childhood in my local optometrist’s chair. 

Luckily, around age 24, my vision started “settling.” Now, at age 31, my prescription has remained stable. I still get an annual eye exam to check my overall eye health and ensure my prescription is current. However, I order all my prescription eyewear online now. 

Consumers can now enjoy the convenience and reduced online shopping prices for their vision correction needs.

1-800 Contacts has been an industry leader in online contact sales since 1995. Here, I’ll share my experience with ordering from them and any information you need to place an order.

What I Liked and Disliked

Here are the pros and cons of buying contacts from 1-800 Contacts:

Pros of 1-800 Contacts

• Huge selection of all major contact lens brands. At 1-800 contacts, you can choose from various brands of contact lenses and get the perfect fit for your eyes. If you're looking for a certain contact lens brand, they may have it.
• Price match guarantee. People who wear contact lenses can guarantee to get the lowest price when they shop at 1-800 Contacts. They will match or beat any price you find online.
• Easy checkout process & fast shipping. 1-800 Contacts' comprehensive ordering system makes getting the contacts you need easy. Plus, they offer fast shipping, so you can get your lenses quickly.
• Great return policy. Their return policy covers defective, torn, and unused lenses due to prescription changes. This helps you save money.
• Fantastic customer service. When you can 1-800 Contacts, customer service reps answer phone calls and online chat messages. This ensures that all of your concerns are met.
• 25+ years of experience. Their long history and extensive experience represent their commitment to providing the best service and products. You can trust that you are getting a quality product from a reliable source.

Cons of 1-800 Contacts

• They can’t provide comprehensive contact lens fittings or eye exams. You can only receive a contact lens fitting and eye exam from an eye care professional.
• Not ideal for first-timers. Eye doctors help teach you about your contact lenses. Getting a trial pair from your eye doctor is recommended for people looking for their first prescription contacts.
• Unavailable lenses. Sometimes lenses are unavailable, meaning you have to wait for your order. However, this is less common with 1800 contacts because of their large warehouses.

Ordering Process and Delivery

If it's your first time getting contacts, we recommend visiting your eye doctor to learn how to care for them. Once you feel comfortable on your own, you can start ordering online.

The ordering process at 1-800 Contacts is straightforward. All you need is your current contact lens prescription and a credit card. Here’s what the process looks like:

1. Add your lenses to your cart
2. Create an account
3. Upload your prescription information
4. Fill out your shipping and billing information
5. Check your email

Shortly after you place your order, 1-800 Contacts will send you an email confirming your order. They will then verify your contact prescription is accurate and up to date. 

1-800 Contacts processing and shipping times are faster than most online retailers.

Delivery

Once your prescription is confirmed, they will process and ship your order. Shipping options are:

• Standard. Free Standard Shipping: 5-7 business days
• Ridiculously Fast. $14.99: 2-3 business days
• Teleported (Basically). $19.99: 1 business day

I placed my order on Thursday with standard shipping, and my contacts arrived Sunday. (With a free contact case included).

Costs

1-800 Contacts list prices can be higher than the competition. However, as a part of their “Gajillion Percent Promise,” they have a price match guarantee. You can use this by contacting their live customer support via online chat (on their website), email, or phone.

All you have to do is tell them where you found a better price. They will then confirm the competitor's pricing and reduce your cost to $1 less than the competition's. Remember to always ask for a price match guarantee. If you don’t ask for one, they won’t give it to you.

Another great feature of 1-800 Contacts is no hidden fees. The price listed on their website (or a competitor's website) is your exact price. You will only pay an additional fee if you choose to expedite your shipping. 

Returns

1-800 Contacts has a very generous return policy:

• They let you return any unopened lenses for store credit
• If a contact lens rips, they will send you a replacement order for free
• If your prescription changes, you can return or exchange your old lenses

Contact 1-800 Contacts via chat, email, or phone to start the return process. Their live customer support will be happy to help you through the process.

Online Selection

1-800 Contacts has one of the best selections of contact lenses online. They carry all major brands, including:

• Acuvue
• Air Optix
• Biofinity
• Biotrue
• Clariti
• DAILIES
• FreshLook
• Precision1
• Proclear
• SofLens
• Ultra
• & More

They offer daily, weekly, monthly, and extended wear options for various prescriptions.

What are Customers Saying?

We’ve reviewed hundreds of online customer reviews about 1-800 Contacts. The company currently has a 2.9 out of 5 stars rating on Trustpilot. This shows that many customers have a low rating for their experience. 

Here are some things we saw in those reviews:

• Customers find that you can reach a customer service representative easily
• If you need contacts ASAP, you can trust 1800 Contacts for a valid prescription
• Customers find that they need to wait long times for refunds and cancellations
• The quality of contacts from 1-800 contacts isn’t that great; they rip and break easily
• Customer service representatives can be pushy about their upselling practices
• 1-800 Contacts’ online eye exam is generally cheaper than in-person eye exams 

1-800 Contacts: A Quick Summary

1-800 Contacts is the oldest direct-to-consumer prescription eyewear mail service still in business. Back in the day, you could call them (guess what their phone number was) and place an order to be shipped to your house. 

Now, their sales take place online. They have an excellent selection, great customer service, and fast shipping times. These are the top categories I consider when shopping for contacts online. (But I’ll cover all possible considerations in this review).

Here’s what you need to place an order with 1-800 Contacts:

• A current contacts prescription from an eye doctor
• A credit/debit card

IMPORTANT: To order contact lenses from 1-800 Contacts or any other online retailer, you must have a professional contact lens fitting and exam from an eye doctor. They will provide you with a prescription, along with a brand recommendation. 

However, you don’t need to buy your contacts or glasses from the eye doctor. You can take the prescription with you and order contacts online.

You will upload this prescription at the time of purchase. 1-800 Contacts will then verify its authenticity.

Unfortunately, online retailers cannot provide a new prescription or contact lens fitting. That still needs to take place in person. However, once you have your prescription, you can save time and money by ordering your lenses online. 1-800 Contacts also provides online vision exams to renew your contact lens prescription.

What is the “Gajillion Percent Promise?”

1-800 Contacts’ main selling point is their Gajillion Percent Promise. There are six main components of this promise:

• Millions of contacts in stock. They own a few giant warehouses. This lets them keep millions of contact lenses in stock and ship them quickly. 
• Best-price guarantee. They will beat any competitor’s prices.
• No hidden fees. The price you see on the website is the price you pay.
• Free returns and exchanges. Any unopened contact lenses can be exchanged for free (including shipping).
• Torn lens replacement. If your contact lens rips, 1-800 Contacts will send you a replacement for free.
• Online prescription renewal. You can renew your prescription with their online vision exam if it expires. It costs $20, takes 10 minutes, and a licensed doctor will renew your prescription within 24 hours.

Subscription Service and Insurance Information

1-800 Contacts offers a subscription service for added convenience. You can set the delivery schedule, and they will deliver your lenses on schedule with free shipping every time.

You'll save 5% on your lenses, and you can delay, skip, or cancel your subscription anytime.

Insurance Information

1-800 Contacts accepts many types of vision insurance. They are considered in-network for:

• Anthem (EyeMed)
• Blue View Vision (EyeMed)
• Davis Vision
• Superior Vision
• Spectera
• United Healthcare Vision

You can use their benefit finder to check your vision insurance options. 1-800 Contacts helps you save money even if they are considered out-of-network. They claim customers save an average of $105 with out-of-network benefits. They will provide a claims form for reimbursement after checkout.

Remember to check with your insurance provider if 1-800 Contacts is considered in-network or out-of-network for your specific plan.

What If Your Prescription Expires?

1-800 Contacts online vision exam service allows you to renew your current contact lens prescription. This is a convenient service in case your subscription expires.

Remember that online eye exams don’t replace a comprehensive eye exam. They don’t check for general or eye health issues. You should still schedule an annual eye exam with your eye doctor.

The process to renew your subscription is straightforward and easy. You only need a computer or cell phone and 10 feet of space.

After completing the exam, a board-certified ophthalmologist will review your test results. They will provide your updated prescription. 

Can You Buy Glasses on 1-800 Contacts? 

1-800 Contacts doesn’t offer glasses for sale. If you wear glasses, you can look up their partner company, Liingo Eyewear. They will have different glasses options for you. 

Liingo Eyewear also has a virtual try-on feature. This feature allows you to see if the glasses suit your face.

Is 1-800 Contacts Worth It?

While 1-800 Contacts promises fast and reliable contact lens deliveries, you may want to consider other options. The company has a handful of negative reviews, so you’ll want to use your best judgment when buying contacts from their site. 

In my experience, 1-800 contacts provided great customer service. They also offer a great selection of contacts, making getting the contacts you need easier. Their price match guarantee also helps you obtain contacts at a lower price.

Our Rating

After trying out 1-800 contacts, here’s our product rating based on different factors:

While I had a good experience with 1-800 Contacts’ customer service, other customers don’t have the best experience. Some find their customer service representatives pushy, especially when it comes to their upselling. 

You can easily verify or renew a contact lens prescription with 1-800 Contacts. However, this isn’t the best prescription you can get. Going to an eye doctor is still more advisable. 

1-800 Contacts has various products available on its website. They have one of the best selections out of different providers. People who prefer trying different brands will enjoy 1-800 contacts.  

You can score great deals on contacts with 1-800 Contacts’ price match guarantee. However, some customers report different prices at checkout than initially quoted. They also won’t offer a price match guarantee unless you ask. 

Shipping for 1-800 Contacts is generally okay. It’s quick and easy, and they provide different shipping options based on time.

Vision Center’s overall rating for 1-800 contacts is based on my experience and customer feedback. While I had a good experience with the company, many customers had issues with customer service and pricing. 

Read More: Types of Contact Lenses

What are Scleral Contact Lenses?

Scleral contact lenses are large-diameter gas-permeable (GP) contact lenses.

They cover the entire corneal surface and the white (sclera) of the eye.

This provides a perfectly smooth optical surface to correct vision problems caused by corneal irregularities. 

In scleral lenses, the space between the surface of the lens and the cornea acts as a fluid reservoir. This allows people with severe dry eyes to comfortably wear lenses.

Scleral lenses are suitable for people unable to wear regular contact lenses due to irregular corneas or other problems. They're custom-made and improve vision. They can sometimes work better than eyeglasses or traditional contact lenses.

Who Should Use Scleral Contact Lenses? 

You may be an ideal candidate for scleral contact lenses if you have one of the following conditions:

• Pathologically dry eyes (also known as dry eye disease)
• Sjogren's syndrome
• Stevens-Johnson syndrome
• Graft-versus-host disease
• Keratoconus

Scleral lenses also work well for people who have undergone corneal transplants.

How Long Can You Wear Scleral Contacts?

Scleral lenses usually need replacement every 3 years or so as long as you properly maintain them. 

Remember the following when wearing scleral contacts:

• Like all types of contact lenses, eye health experts encourage wearers to remove them after several hours of use .
• Never leave your contacts in while you sleep because doing so increases the risk of ulcers or infection. 
• Clean your lenses and keep them moist with contact solution when not in use.

Pros and Cons of Scleral Contact Lenses 

Scleral lenses offer many benefits, including:

• Breathability. These lenses allow a lot of air to reach the cornea. This makes them more comfortable to wear for longer periods.
• Cost-effectiveness. Scleral lenses are more expensive initially, but you don’t need to replace them as frequently.
• Less risk of bacterial infections. Scleral lenses don’t hold water, so there’s less of a risk of bacteria and harmful buildup on the lens.
• Custom-fitted. Lenses are designed to fit a person’s specific vision prescription and cornea, so they offer maximum vision correction.
• Wider range of options. Because they are custom-designed, people who cannot wear regular lenses can wear scleral lenses. Additionally, people with corneal tissue damage can wear scleral lenses because they don’t touch the cornea.

Despite the benefits of scleral lenses, they aren’t right for everyone. The drawbacks of scleral lenses include:

• Time consuming. Getting the right lens takes time and requires working with a doctor with special training.
• Expensive. Scleral lenses cost more than traditional contacts – up to four or five times as much.
• Maintenance. Lenses require maintenance, which can make wearing them inconvenient. There’s a risk of fogging, getting debris in the reservoir, and scratching the surface. Some people need to remove them midday to clean them.
• Adjustment period. If you’ve worn soft contacts, getting used to scleral lenses might require some time because they feel different.
• Lenses tend to slip off the center of the eye. This can happen several times daily. They usually move back into place within a few seconds. But this still tends to be bothersome.
• Debris can slip between the eye and the lens. This happens less with scleral lenses than it does with GP lenses.

Scleral Contacts vs. Normal Gas Permeable (GP) Contacts

Scleral and GP lenses are molded from a rigid material into a dome shape. These two types of lenses are notably different.

Gas-permeable contact lenses are rigid and made of durable plastic that allows oxygen to pass through the lens. They're smaller in diameter than soft contacts or scleral lenses, covering most of the cornea. 

Scleral lenses have two additional unique features:

1. They're large in diameter and feature a reservoir, which you fill with saline.
2. Instead of touching the cornea (like soft contacts), scleral lenses vault over the cornea, covering the sclera.

Scleral lenses also have a greater range of sizes and span the entire cornea surface. This is unlike GP lenses, which are smaller and only cover about three-quarters of the corneal surface.

Many people use scleral lenses when GP lenses aren’t comfortable. 

Types of Scleral Contact Lenses

The types of scleral contact lenses are categorized by size:

• Corneo-scleral and semi–scleral lenses 
• Mini scleral lenses
• Full scleral lenses

The size of the lens is determined by the degree of complexity of the issues.

People who need larger lenses include those with pathologically dry eyes or ocular surface disease. This is because they need a larger tear reservoir.

How Much Do Scleral Contacts Cost? 

The average cost of scleral contacts is about three to four times more than regular contact lenses. You can expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $4,000 per lens.

Scleral contact lenses cost significantly more than regular contacts because they are custom-fitted. Fitting them involves using a computerized map to measure the cornea's curvature. 

Several trial lenses of different curvatures and sizes are tried during the fitting process. Additional adjustments may also be needed, depending on the complexity of a person’s vision problems. 

Does Insurance Cover Scleral Contacts?

Insurance usually doesn’t cover the entire cost of scleral lenses. However, some vision insurance plans reduce the cost of the lenses and/or the cost of being fitted for scleral lenses.

Different insurance providers offer varying degrees of coverage, so it’s important to check with your provider about your situation. Some eye care professionals may also offer financing options for scleral contacts.

Summary

Scleral lenses are a type of lens that offers more protection for your ocular surface. They have different pros and cons, and you must weigh them before making a decision. Consult your eye doctor to determine whether scleral lenses suit your needs.

Myopia, or nearsightedness, is a prevalent vision problem. If you have myopia, you see nearby objects clearly, but distant things appear blurry.

This happens because your eye is slightly longer than normal or your cornea (the clear front part of your eye) is too curved. As a result, light entering the eye doesn't properly focus on the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye⁠.

What is Orthokeratology?

Orthokeratology, often called Ortho-K, is a safe, FDA-approved treatment that temporarily reshapes your cornea while you sleep. Here's the key idea:

It uses unique, rigid gas-permeable contact lenses that you wear only at night. These lenses apply gentle pressure to your cornea, subtly flattening its central area. Think of it as a very comfortable, customized retainer for your eyes.

Because your cornea is somewhat flexible, this reshaping changes the way light focuses in your eye and improves your distance vision. When you take your lenses out in the morning, you can see clearly throughout the day without glasses or daytime contacts.

How Can Ortho-K Manage Myopia?

Ortho-K is about more than just correcting your vision in the short-term. Exciting research suggests it can also slow down the progression of myopia, which is especially important for children and teenagers.

In some nearsighted children, light may not focus properly on the retina, which could trigger the eye to continue growing longer.

Ortho-K lenses gently reshape the eye overnight and alter how light enters it. This might interrupt those signals that encourage growth, potentially slowing the progression of nearsightedness in your child.

Is Ortho-K Right for Me (or My Child)?

The best way to determine whether you're a good candidate for Ortho-K is to talk to an eye doctor who specializes in this treatment.

They'll carefully examine your eyes and discuss your individual situation, potential benefits, and risks to help you decide if it's the right choice for your vision needs.

Remember, Ortho-K needs to be continued regularly to maintain both vision correction and the myopia-slowing effect.

What’s the Orthokeratology Process Like?

The Ortho-K process is an appealing choice for many people seeking clear vision without daytime glasses or contacts. Here's a step-by-step look at how it all works:

1. Eye Exam and Mapping

It starts with a thorough eye exam. In addition to checking your general eye health and vision, your eye doctor will map the unique shape of your cornea using a special device called a corneal topographer. This corneal map helps them create a truly personalized treatment plan.

2. Custom Lens Design

Using the information from your corneal map, your doctor designs Ortho-K lenses just for you. Think of them as tailor-made, gentle "retainers" for your eyes.

3. Overnight Wear

You'll wear these special lenses while you sleep. The lenses are made of a highly breathable material to keep your eyes healthy and comfortable.

4. Corneal Reshaping

As you sleep, the lenses subtly reshape the front part of your eye (the cornea) to temporarily correct your vision. Once you remove the lenses in the morning, your vision will be clearer for the rest of the day.

What are the Benefits of Ortho-K?

Ortho-K offers a wide range of benefits, making it a great choice for both children and adults:

• Freedom from daytime vision correction. No more glasses or daytime contact lenses. You enjoy clear vision throughout the day.
• Non-invasive and reversible. If you decide Ortho-K isn't for you or your needs change, simply stop wearing the lenses⁠—your cornea will gradually return to its original shape.
• Great for active lifestyles. Perfect for people with busy routines, athletes, or anyone who struggles with traditional vision correction in dusty or wet environments.
• Potential for myopia control in children. Studies suggest it can slow the progression of nearsightedness in kids and teens, potentially helping to protect their eyesight in the long run.
• Comfortable and easy to use. The lenses are designed for safe, comfy overnight wear, and the routine becomes second nature after a short while.

To maintain clear vision and eye health, consistent use of Ortho-K lenses is necessary. It's a commitment, but for many people, the benefits of the treatment far outweigh any adjustments to their routine.

Is Orthokeratology Safe and Effective? 

Ortho-K is a safe option for vision correction and myopia control for many people. Most people enjoy clear vision throughout the day without glasses or contacts after wearing the lenses overnight.

Research also suggests Ortho-K can significantly reduce the severity of a child's nearsightedness over time, which could help protect their long-term vision.

While the benefits are great, it's essential to be aware of these potential risks to make an informed decision:

• Infection. The most significant risk with Ortho-K is microbial keratitis, a serious cornea infection. This risk is significantly reduced with proper lens care and cleaning. However, it's crucial to follow your eye doctor's instructions and report any unusual symptoms immediately.
• Corneal issues. The temporary reshaping of the cornea can sometimes cause mild swelling or temporary changes in the very outermost layer of your cornea. These issues are usually minor and often resolved with a little rest from the lenses.
• Lens-related discomfort. Some people may feel slight irritation or dryness when first acclimating to wearing Ortho-K lenses. This usually improves as the eyes adjust.

How Can You Minimize Risks in Ortho-K?

Find an eye doctor specializing in Ortho-K with experience treating adults and children (if you're considering it for your child). Once you begin the procedure, follow your eye doctor's cleaning, care, and replacement instructions for your Ortho-K lenses.

Keeping your scheduled follow-up appointments is also a great way to minimize risks, as it allows your doctor to monitor your eye health and ensure everything is on track.

Orthokeratology vs. Other Vision Correction Options

Here’s a table to help you quickly compare Orthokeratology to other vision correction options:

Ortho-K provides an effective way to improve your vision and potentially slow the progression of myopia. Like any form of vision correction, it carries some risks, but these risks are significantly reduced when you prioritize lens care, hygiene, and regular eye exams.

If you're intrigued by the idea of Ortho-K, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with an experienced Ortho-K specialist. They can help you weigh the potential benefits and risks and determine if Ortho-K is the right choice for you or your child.