Non-prescription contact lenses are rare, but they do exist. Novelty and cosmetic lenses, such as Halloween, Wild Eyes®, Crazy Eyes®, decorative lenses, and other non-corrective contact lenses, fill this category simply because they don’t satisfy a medical or health need. Because of the many recent eye damage cases surrounding the [careless] use of even this kind of contact lens (also a non-prescription color contact lens, since novelty lenses all boast color), the selling and wearing of any non-prescription contact lens is not recommended and harshly criticized by professional organizations, such as the American FDA. Since 2003, the Congress of the United States has passed regulations to make non-prescription contact lenses illegal. That is why most contact lenses today, even non-corrective lenses, now require a prescription; those vendors who do not require a valid prescription are to be avoided at all costs. All contact lenses without a prescription are currently being avoided like the plague and are now virtually becoming extinct.

For many people looking for contact lenses, no prescription is a both a relief and a concern. Saving money and time is a desirable prospect for those who have both limited income and demanding schedules, but those who know better are aware of the legal and health issues involved and cringe at the thought that contact lenses can still be obtained without a prescription, meaning that there are people who still consider taking risks instead of dedicating that extra time and money necessary to ensure safe and legal means of maintaining a healthy status with new contact lenses. “No prescription needed,” these days, seems to translate at “health isn’t as important as saving or making money, and so why give a damn about healthy vision?” This is scary, of course, but unfortunately true for many who still seek the quick and easy way to get a pair of contact lenses. “Without prescription” has therefore become a major red light indicating possible danger ahead with contact lenses, or especially colored contact lenses. Non-prescription acquisition is causing many professional eye care specialists to speak up for safety and care needed when purchasing any contact lens. Non-prescription reflects a prevailing irresponsible attitude; with any color contact lens, non-prescription policies are still being encouraged, especially with non-American vendors who side step or are, perhaps, unaware of the legal or health implications involved in selling and using “no prescription” contact lenses. Hopefully, within time, more effective laws and further education will remove all non-prescription contact lenses and policies from the playing field altogether.

Non-prescription contact lenses are, indeed, quick and easier to get, but “quick and easy, “not to mention “cheaper” or even “free” are not always the best way to go to taking care of and maintaining visual health. Taking time and paying that money for the process of having an eye exam and obtaining a valid prescription is definitely worth it. Healthy eyes are so important!