In cases such as these, wherein you have an urgent need to buy from an online store, here are some good tips to follow to guide you with the purchase:

1. Know the website owner. You are better off buying from a website that is maintained by a big, reputable company. This allows to you to file for refunds, replacements, and customer requests whenever necessary. In truth, buying contact lenses is not simple. Only a good online company will be able to help you out with it.

2. Always find out if the online store is sending out the manufacturer's information about the lenses. The information kit that comes with the lenses is going to help you a lot. It will show you the instructions in the proper use of the lens. Specifically request that the written stub or brochure about the one you'd like to buy is shipped with the package.

3. Do not settle for substitutes. Contact lenses come in different shapes and forms. You should make sure that the online store you are buying from does not attempt to give you a substitute for what you really need. Always stick with your prescription, if you have one.

4. Double-check your order. Make certain that what you ordered and what you are sent is the exact one you bought. The brand, the name of the lens, as well as its diameter and power has to be perfectly accurate.

5. Report any discrepancy accordingly. If anything went wrong, contact the online store right away. Tell them about the incident, the wrong order sent, or missing items. And if in case, you stumble upon a website that seems to be functioning illegally, inform with the FDA right away for them to investigate.

Buying a pair of contact lens, either online or offline, has to be conducted with proper care and attention. The FTC and the FDA regulate contact lenses. You have to get only the lenses that conform to their standards. Buy contact lenses from other sources only if you can't purchase it direct from your doctor, for any reason. Always refer to your prescription, if applicable, when buying.