Contact Lenses from Mexico: Are They Safe?

Buying contact lenses from Mexico seems like a good idea. After all, millions of Americans are now buying prescriptions from Canada to avoid the ever-inflating costs in the United States. So, why not buy contacts across the border from our neighbors to the South? Well, for starters, Mexico does not have full control over its market.

As a developing country, its regulations and regulators often miss the black markets - where eye care products, among other goods - are sold to foreigners. Thus, this means anybody can throw in a box something that looks like contacts. There is no guarantee that they are safe to put in your eye. If they aren't safe to put in your eye, what makes you think they will help improve your vision?

This doesn't mean you should avoid purchasing contacts from a Mexican vendor. It simply means that when you shop down South, in some place like Tijuana for example, you need to make absolutely sure what you are purchasing is not only right for your eyes but has actually been regulated by the government for purchase and use. This can be done by purchasing contact lenses from actual pharmacies and places of vision care as opposed to a street vendor or open-air market. This ensures you have a bit of security on the product should something go wrong. If you buy contacts from a street vendor, chances are you would never be able to track him down if something goes wrong. With a bit of caution, purchasing contacts down South should cause no problems to your health, eyesight, or even your pocketbook.