If you've always wanted to change your eye color, color contact lenses can provide baby blues, gorgeous greens, heavenly hazels - even patterns and designs. All contact lenses that are correcting must have a valid prescription from an ophthalmologist or optometrist. Among the many types of contact lenses you can buy are: novelty, colored, crazy, Halloween, special effects, theatrical, costume, scary, glow in the dark, wild eyes, mirrored, black, white, and red.

The sales of contact lenses are regulated by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and the FTC (Federal Trade Commission.) Always buy lenses from a reputable company; you can buy discount contact lenses without a prescription, but the company is selling a prescription device as if it were an over-the-counter device, in violation of FTC regulations - that is, selling you lenses without getting a prescription from you.

Extended wear lenses are usually soft contact lenses made of flexible plastics that allow oxygen to pass through to the cornea. There are also a few RGP (rigid gas permeable) lenses that are designed and approved for overnight wear. Some doctors prescribe disposables as planned-replacement lenses, which are removed, disinfected, and reused again before being discarded.

It is important for your eyes to rest without lenses, for at least one night following each scheduled removal. You can mark rigid lenses to show which lens is for which eye; they don't rip or tear, which makes them easy to handle. Disposable lenses don't come with instructions for cleaning and disinfecting, but those labeled specifically for planned replacement do.

There are two general types of contact lenses - soft and rigid gas permeable. Rigid gas permeable contact lenses are more durable, resistant to the buildup of deposits and generally give a clearer, crisper vision. Keep in mind contact lenses are often more complicated than they appear to be.

Rigid lenses generally give you a more clear vision. If you live an active lifestyle you can get breatheable lenses that will allow you 30 hours of continuous wear. When buying contacts beware of attempts to substitute a brand that is not the same as the one you want.

Get a feel for how the retailer handles the customer service calls, so you'll be prepared if you have a problem after your order arrives. Wherever you buy, shop for quality and value and don't forget that you want to do what is best for your eye health. And always ask what rebates are available.

You can buy contact lenses from an eye doctor, over the Internet, from an optical store or a warehouse club, etc. When you place your order make sure your lenses are available and not out of stock, because you'll want them right away. Buy your contact lenses from a supplier with name familiarity and know is reliable.

Be careful not to wear lenses any longer than they're prescribed for, nor when sleeping unless you are otherwise directed. Daily-wear lenses are removed each day for cleaning and are a safer choice, provided they aren't worn during sleep. The FDA has approved extended-wear lenses for use up to seven days before they are to be removed for cleaning; but there are risks with use of extended-wear lenses even for one night.

If your eyes become red or irritated, remove the lenses immediately and consult with your eye care doctor. Replace your contacts as recommended by your eye care professional because they wear out as time goes by. And extended-wear rigid lenses can cause unexpected, undesirable, reshaping of the cornea.

If you're planning to buy contact lenses, you should buy the best quality possible, even at a higher price; you don't want to skimp on quality when it comes to your precious eyes. And ordering contact lenses online has never been simpler, with or without, a credit card. If you lead a very active lifestyle, contact lenses can provide you with almost natural vision.