prescription for contacts?!

Getting contacts works just like getting glasses. You have to see an eye doctor for an exam, and get a prescription. It's not the same exam as the one you have for glasses, so you can't use the prescription you already have. There are tons of places you can go pick up contacts, but you can't actually purchase them unless they have your prescription on file, or verify it with your eye doctor. It's the same with ordering them online, you have to provide your doctor's information and they verify the prescription before they ship them.

Legally, you have to get a contact prescription. However there are ways of getting contacts without prescription. If you have never gotten contacts before there would be a higher risk of eye damage if you went this alternate way since you don't know your base curve.

Its not just teh perscription its the fit as well. The doctor has to measure your eyes adn get teh right fit. Also your eyes need regular checkups if you wear contacts.