How to Buy Contact Lenses Online in India — Step-by-Step Guide
Is It Safe to Buy Contact Lenses Online in India?
Yes — provided you buy from a licensed optical retailer, use a valid prescription, and enter your parameters correctly. The risks come from buying from unverified sellers (e.g. random Instagram shops or street markets), or ordering parameters that do not match your prescription.
Step 1 — Get a Valid Prescription
You need a contact lens prescription from a licensed optometrist or ophthalmologist, not just a glasses prescription. A contact lens prescription includes:
- SPH (sphere power) — left eye and right eye
- CYL and AXIS (if you have astigmatism)
- BC (base curve)
- DIA (diameter)
- Brand recommendation (optional but helpful)
Contact lens prescriptions typically expire after 1–2 years. Make sure yours is current.
Step 2 — Choose Your Lens Type
Decide whether you want daily or monthly lenses. If you are a first-time buyer, refer to our Daily vs Monthly guide for a full comparison. Common first-time choices in India are 1-Day ACUVUE Moist (daily) or Air Optix Plus HydraGlyde (monthly).
Step 3 — Enter Your Parameters Carefully
When ordering online, you will need to enter values for each eye separately. Double-check each field:
- Power (SPH): e.g. −2.50 for the right eye, −3.00 for the left.
- BC (base curve): must match your prescription. Common values: 8.4, 8.5, 8.6, 8.8.
- DIA (diameter): typically set by the brand — confirm it matches your prescription.
- Pack size: 30-pack (monthly supply per eye) or 6-pack.
If either eye is identical, you still enter the values for both — do not leave the second eye blank.
Step 4 — Check Authenticity
Buy only from authorised retailers. Counterfeit or improperly stored contact lenses are a real problem in India. Indicators of a trusted seller:
- Manufacturer-sealed packaging with lot number and expiry date
- Official brand names and logos on the box
- Cold-chain storage for sensitive products
- Clear return and exchange policy
Step 5 — Check Delivery and Return Policy
A good online optical retailer will offer:
- Delivery within 3–7 days to major Indian cities
- Sealed, undamaged packaging on arrival
- An exchange or return policy if the wrong item is sent
Step 6 — Place Your Order
Once you have confirmed your prescription parameters and chosen your lens, add the correct quantity for both eyes. For a 3-month supply of a monthly lens, you typically need 3 boxes per eye (a 6-pack or two 3-packs per eye).
Step 7 — Store Your Lenses Properly
When your order arrives, store lenses at room temperature away from direct sunlight. Check the expiry date on each sealed blister pack before use. Monthly lenses in sealed packaging remain viable for several years but should be checked for damage before opening.
One More Tip
If this is your first time buying a particular brand, ask your eye doctor for a trial lens fitting first. Most clinics can provide a trial pair at no charge. This confirms the lens sits correctly on your eye before you commit to a full box.
