Limitations

Because contacts expire and lose quality over time, most optometrist's offices and contact retailers only keep contacts in stock that sell frequently. They purchase contacts for their stock to suit the majority of what they sell, so the available selection may not extend beyond their most popular contacts.

Online

Due to the high number of contacts the company sells, 1800contacts.com is able to offer a wide variety of higher-powered lenses. Though the company carries several lenses ranging from +8.00 to -13.00 diopters, some vision problems can require lenses with even higher powers.

Brands

Some brands are available in higher powers than others. While Acuvue is commercially available in +8.00 to -12.00 prescriptions, other brands, such as Biomedics, only markets +5.00 through -11.00.

Cost

Because contacts outside of typical retailer stock must be made to order, they are more expensive. Vision insurance may cover a portion of the cost of lenses.

Expert Insight

Optometrists and ophthalmologists are able to order contacts for a patient that has a severe eye prescription. Dr. Burt Dubow at allaboutvision.com states that contacts can be ordered with correction up to -30.00 diopters.

Source:

AllAboutVision.com: Q&A on Contact Lenses

Bauch and Lomb: Contact Lenses

More Information:

1800contacts.com