Be a Smarter Eye Care Consumer

Should you buy eyeglasses and contact lenses online? Do eye exercises work? If you have problems with your new eyeglass frames, how do you solve them?

This section contains many savvy tips to help buyers choose the right vision correction options and eye care products.

Where Should You Buy Contact Lenses?
How does U.S. federal law affect contact lens wearers? What's the difference between buying contacts over the Internet and buying from an eyecare provider? Do you need a prescription, and where do you get one? How do you get the best value? Read our complete report.

NEW: Eye Drops Explained
Read tips on which eye drops to buy for dry eye, allergies, red eyes and itchiness.

Buying Eyeglasses Online
At first glance, ordering online may seem convenient, but there are problems, too. Read about the pros and cons of ordering eyeglasses on the Internet vs. those of buying from brick-and-mortar optical stores.

What To Look for in Children's Eyeglasses
Want longer-lasting eyeglasses for your kids? Look for these quality features in frames and lenses.

How To Buy Ski Goggles and Other Winter Sports Eyewear
Snowboarding, skiing, snowshoeing and other winter sports require high-performance goggles and sunglasses. Look for these features.

Do Eye Exercises Really Improve Vision?
This special report examines eye exercise programs such as the See Clearly Method. Do these techniques really free you from glasses? Judge for yourself.

Eye Care for Qualifying Seniors at No Cost
Are you neglecting your eye health because you can't afford an eye exam? The National Eye Care Project may be able to help you.

Solving Problems With New Eyeglasses
Learn how to protect yourself before you open your wallet at the optical store, and what to do if you're unhappy after the purchase.

30-Day Contact Lenses: A Smart Alternative to LASIK?
These two vision-correction options allow you to see perfectly when you wake up, and are virtually maintenance-free. Compare their safety records, effectiveness and costs.

[Page updated May 2009]