Contact Lenses

[cacobaka]

Does anyone know where I can get prescription contact lenses in Puerto Plata. I'm leaving for the DR and completely forgot to order mine here, and they will only arrive when i'm already there.

Also what is the process like. Can I just give my prescription and buy, or will I need to open a file at an optometrist, get fitted, etc?

Thanks!

 

[Matilda]

If they are daily disposables I think you can get them in La Sirena in POP. You will just need your prescription and be prepared to pay at least twice as much as you pay in the US.

Matilda

 

[SantiagoDR]

As Matilda stated, except, you can even buy the two-weeks type here.

As long as you know the BC (Base Curve), DIA (Diameter) you can normally purchase from any place that sells them.

You might not find the particular brand that you normally use, but as long as the BC and DIA are basically the same they will work.

Some brands may have a slightly difference BC and/or DIA then the brand you use.
Such as a BC of 8.6 instead of 8.7

Just stay as close as possible to the BC and/or DIA of the brand you use.
There is nothing mysterious about getting the correct sizes.

The POWER should always be the same as your current prescriptions.

These items (BC, DIA and POWER) are marked on the contact lens boxes.

No actual "prescription" has been required whenever I bought them here......
I just walked in and told them what I wanted.


NOTE:

POWER, be sure you know if it is a "+" or a "-". most people use a "-" POWER, but I use a "+".


Don

 

[cacobaka]

Thank you! I looked on the box and found my BC and DIA( would have never even though of this, only thought prescription was needed).

I'll check out La Sirena, and if they don't have them is there anywhere else in POP I should check out?

 

[belgiank]

As an optometrist I can say SantiagoDR is essentially right, but also completely wrong. Yes the BC and DIA are essential, and of course the D(iopters) are vital.

70% of the contact lens wearers will be fine using these 3 parameters.

Unfortunately all major manufacturers use different production techniques, and materials. Some use a spin-cast production, either on the front or backside of the lens. Others use a combined technique of spin-casting and carving, etc...

The 3 major manufacturers also use different materials. I would hesitate to say if one is better than the other, but I can say that people react differently to those materials.

So, if at all possible, stick to the brand and the exact model you are wearing now. If you are a sensible contactlens wearer you should have glasses as well. If you do not find the exact same lenses here, I would propose to wear your glasses, and order your lenses online. They should be here within a week.

You only have one set of eyes, and if you get a serious infection once with lenses, chances are big you will never wear lenses again.

 

[belgiank]

Posted twice, thanks to some message from an Editor?

Gives me the chance to add I have seen several larger opticians in POP, advertising the big brands (J&j Acuvue, Bausch&Lomb, and Allergan(hydron))

 

[SantiagoDR]

As an optometrist I can say SantiagoDR is essentially right, but also completely wrong. Yes the BC and DIA are essential, and of course the D(iopters) are vital.

I have used at least 4 different brands, Acuvue, Day&Night, Bausch&Lomb, Precision UV (All of which had been prescribed by an optometrist). I was always given the choice of which brand I wanted. For instance, the Acuvue has a tighter fit on my eyes then the Precision UV, because the curve on the Acuvue is 8.6 and the Precision UV is 8.7 Different bands do have different levels of water retentions, etc. The Night&Day for instance are for extended 24 hour use (As prescribed). If you do not find the exact brand it may be best not use them for an extended amount of wearing time. I have had no problems with any brands I have used. In the end it's your decision, not someone here on the board.

The choice of which brand to use was never limited by my optometrist, but a personal choice by me.

The OP appears to be looking at a limited period of use while on vacation and if he can find the same brand that of course would be better(Exact Fit). That exact fit may not really be the "exact fit" due to the BRAND the Optometrist prescribed for you or you chose to buy.

Infections usually occur because the user does not take sanitary precautions when handling their lens, cleaning them and/or touching their eyes. (Not because of the BRAND name they use). The different BRANDS have been approved by the U.S. authorities for their intended use and care.

The choice is up to the OP to make, not someone else on an Internet forum.

BelgianK, Optometrist? I thought you were a Dog Trainer here? My Bad!


The Optomertrist usually "Pushes" the brand he carries in his office!!!!!!

 

[The Exterminator]

The question was where in Puerto Plata....

The best place to buy in Puerto Plata is Optica Oviedo.... If they don't have your lenses available they order it for you.

Never had issues there. I always buy my -6 lenses there....and that for more then 8 years

T.E.

 

[DavidZ]

FWIW, I buy mine from one of the online discounters and have them sent through EPS. They weigh less than a pound so the shipping from Miami to here is around 200 pesos, and they arrive about a week after i order them.

 

[caribeman]

Picking up an old thread - since I goofed and posted a new one. What does the contact exam cost here? What did the AccuVue cost you?