How to get contact lenses

Getting a contact lens prescription can be stress-free when you know what to expect. We've put together some of the milestones so you can navigate the experience like a pro, starting with some actions you can take to get the ball rolling.
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Prepare for your contacts

Get a certificate for free* ACUVUE contact lenses

Provide some basic information and claim your free* trial pair

Find an eye doctor

Use our locator tool to find a doctor who can fit you with ACUVUE contact lenses

Get ready for your appointment

Find out what to expect and what questions you may want to ask your eye doctor

The appointments you'll need—now and later

Once you’ve found a doctor, there are three appointments you should expect to put on your calendar. Each is intended to make sure your lenses are comfortable, work well and keep your eyes healthy.
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Contact fitting

Your first contact lens fitting will likely take longer than a typical eye exam, so make sure you let your doctor's office know you're interested in contact lenses when you book your exam. At the appointment, your doctor will check your vision and eye health and measure the size and shape of your eye so that your contacts fit just right. Ask how to receive a free* trial pair of lenses, and your doctor's office will show you how to put on, take off, and care for your lenses. Don't hesitate to ask any questions you have!
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Follow-up visit

After about a week of getting used to your contacts, you'll return to your doctor's office to be sure they are a good fit, healthy for your eyes, and working as expected. If all is well and you're loving your lenses, you’ll get a prescription and can usually take home a supply that day. Make sure you discuss any questions or concerns you have.
An eye doctor using a phoropter to measure refractive errors

Annual exam

Regular exams help to ensure that your eye health, vision, and your lenses are at their best. Prescriptions can change, even if the change hasn't been obvious to you.

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

I've been told I have astigmatism. Can I still wear contact lenses?

There are indeed contact lenses made specifically to correct astigmatism. Talk to an eye doctor to find out if contacts can be a good fit for your vision problems, and if so, they may prescribe you some. For now, browse ACUVUE contacts for astigmatism to see what options we offer.

If I've had LASIK or another refractive surgery, can I still wear contact lenses?

It's not uncommon to ask a doctor if you can wear contacts after LASIK. LASIK surgery permanently alters the shape of your eye, but doesn't always provide completely clear vision. For instance, it doesn't prevent presbyopia (the normal aging of your eye that makes it hard to see up close) so you may still need vision correction at some point. If your doctor feels you need vision correction after LASIK surgery and that contact lenses are appropriate, ask them if ACUVUE contact lenses could be a good choice.

How old do I have to be to wear contact lenses?

Lots of teens (and even some pre-teens) wear contact lenses. It's more about responsibility and attitude than age since they require care and cleanliness. Seeing an eye doctor will help you figure out whether contact lenses are right for you. Daily disposable contacts can be a good option for new and younger contact lens wearers since they don't require cleaning or disinfection.

Should I see an optometrist or ophthalmologist for contacts?

Either an optometrist or ophthalmologist can fit contacts and provide prescriptions. It's more common for contact lenses to be prescribed by optometrists who provide primary care eye health and vision services, including eye exams and prescribing vision corrections. That said, contacts can also be prescribed by ophthalmologists, though they tend to specialize in treating eye disease and performing ocular surgeries.

Where to buy colored contacts?

First, you need to visit an eye doctor, who can provide you with a prescription for a brand that is right for your eyes. Only purchase colored contact lenses prescribed by your eye doctor, never substitute brands.

Are contacts cheaper than glasses?

Contacts aren't cheaper than glasses in the long term. Initial costs for contacts or glasses can be very different depending on the prescription and materials. One main difference is that contacts may need frequent replacement depending on the kind you get, while eyeglasses may last 2-3 years if your prescription doesn't change. If costs for vision correction are a significant concern, speak with your eye doctor at the beginning of your appointment.

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Still not sure about getting contacts?

We get it, trying something new can be scary. But there are lots of reasons contacts can help you be you.

Get started with ACUVUE contact lenses

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Provide some basic information and get a certificate for a free* trial pair

Find an eye doctor

Use our locator tool to find a doctor who can fit you with ACUVUE contact lenses

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Footnotes

Consult your eye care professional for more information.  Johnson & Johnson does not provide medical advice; this information is for educational purposes only.

*Free trial contact lenses available only from participating eye care professionals. Exam and fitting fees not included.

‖Reward amount dependent on ACUVUE product and quantity purchased and if you are a new wearer. Must get an eye exam and purchase from participating provider. Original receipt required. Valid thru 12/31/24.
Rewards paid in the form of an ACUVUE brand Prepaid Mastercard. Use your card everywhere Mastercard is accepted in the U.S. issued by The Bancorp Bank, Member FDIC, pursuant to license by Mastercard International Incorporated. Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated. Your use of the prepaid card is governed by the Cardholder Agreement, and some fees may apply. This is not a gift card. Please note that prepaid cards are subject to expiration, so pay close attention to the expiration date of the card.

Important information for contact lens wearers: ACUVUE Contact Lenses are available by prescription only for vision correction. An eye care professional will determine whether contact lenses are right for you. Although rare, serious eye problems can develop while wearing contact lenses. To help avoid these problems, follow the wear and replacement schedule and the lens care instructions provided by your eye doctor. Do not wear contact lenses if you have an eye infection, or experience eye discomfort, excessive tearing, vision changes, redness or other eye problems. If one of these conditions occurs, remove the lens and contact your eye doctor immediately. For more information on proper wear, care and safety, talk to your eye care professional, call 1-800-843-2020, or download the Patient Instruction Guides.

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