Yes. In the United States, 0.00 colored contacts still require a valid contact lens prescription.
The number 0.00 only means the lenses do not provide vision correction. It does not mean the lenses are prescription-free, because they still sit directly on the surface of the eye and must fit correctly.
This guide explains what 0.00 power means, why plano colored contacts require a prescription, and how online prescription verification works.
Important: This article provides general educational information and does not replace an eye examination, contact lens fitting, or advice from a licensed eye care professional.
What Does 0.00 Power Mean in Colored Contacts?
In contact lens terminology, 0.00 power means the lens has no corrective power. It is also commonly described as a plano contact lens.
A 0.00 colored contact lens is designed to change or enhance the appearance of the iris rather than correct nearsightedness or farsightedness.
However, it remains a contact lens. It still:
- Sits directly on the cornea.
- Needs to match the required lens measurements.
- Requires correct handling, cleaning, storage, and replacement.
- Can cause problems if it fits incorrectly or is used improperly.
Do Plano Colored Contacts Require a Prescription?
Yes. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration treats decorative and non-corrective contact lenses as prescription medical devices.
This requirement applies whether the lenses are:
- Clear or colored.
- Corrective or 0.00 power.
- Worn for everyday beauty, fashion, costume, or special-event purposes.
The FDA advises consumers to obtain an eye examination and purchase lenses from a seller that requires a valid prescription.
You can review the official FDA guidance on decorative contact lenses.
Why Is a Prescription Needed If the Lens Does Not Correct Vision?
A contact lens prescription contains more than corrective power. It helps identify the lens product and measurements prescribed for your eyes.
Depending on the prescription and product, relevant information can include:
- Lens brand or manufacturer.
- Right-eye and left-eye power.
- Base curve.
- Diameter.
- Prescription expiration date.
- Eye care professional’s contact details.
Two people can both have 0.00 power but still require different lens specifications. For this reason, 0.00 power should not be treated as a universal size or fit.
Can I Use My Glasses Prescription for Colored Contacts?
A glasses prescription and a contact lens prescription are not the same.
Glasses sit in front of the eyes, while contact lenses sit directly on them. A contact lens prescription therefore includes lens-specific details that may not appear on a glasses prescription.
Before ordering colored contacts, ask your eye care professional for a valid contact lens prescription rather than entering information from your glasses prescription.
How Colored Contact Lens Prescription Verification Works
Online sellers generally verify a prescription through one of two methods.
Option 1: Upload Your Valid Prescription
You submit a clear image or PDF of your current contact lens prescription. The seller reviews the document and connects it with your order.
Make sure the prescription is:
- Readable and complete.
- Issued for contact lenses.
- Still valid and not expired.
- Consistent with the product being ordered.
Option 2: Provide Your Eye Care Professional’s Information
You provide the prescribing professional’s name and contact information, along with the prescription details required for verification.
The seller sends a verification request to the prescriber. Under the FTC Contact Lens Rule, the prescriber normally has eight business hours to respond after receiving a properly completed request.
If the prescriber does not respond within that period, the prescription may be passively verified under the rule. Eight business hours are calculated during the prescriber’s qualifying business hours, not as eight consecutive clock hours.
Read the official FTC Contact Lens Rule guide for more information.
How to Complete Bubcolor Prescription Verification
Bubcolor customers can visit the Prescription Verification page and choose the available verification method.
Prepare the following information before submitting the form:
- Your first and last name.
- Your email address.
- Your Bubcolor order number.
- A clear copy of your prescription, or your eye doctor’s information.
- Your right-eye and left-eye prescription details.
Providing complete and accurate information helps prevent avoidable delays.
How Long Does Prescription Verification Take?
The timeline depends on the verification method and whether the information is complete.
- Uploaded prescription: The document must be reviewed and matched with the order.
- Eye doctor verification: Processing depends on when the prescriber receives and responds to the request.
- Missing information: An unreadable, expired, or incomplete prescription may delay processing.
Do not assume that “eight business hours” means an order will ship eight hours after purchase. Order review, processing, weekends, holidays, and shipping time are separate.
What Happens If Verification Cannot Be Completed?
If a valid prescription cannot be confirmed, the seller may need to place the order on hold, request additional information, cancel the order, or issue a refund according to its review process.
Check your email after ordering in case the verification team requests a clearer document or corrected information.
Common Prescription Verification Mistakes
- Uploading a glasses prescription instead of a contact lens prescription.
- Submitting an expired prescription.
- Uploading a cropped or blurry image.
- Leaving out the prescriber’s phone number.
- Entering prescription measurements that do not match the document.
- Ordering a different lens brand or specification without professional approval.
- Assuming that 0.00 power does not need verification.
What to Check Before Buying 0.00 Colored Contacts
- Schedule an eye examination and contact lens fitting.
- Obtain a valid contact lens prescription.
- Confirm the prescribed brand and lens measurements.
- Buy from a seller that requests and verifies your prescription.
- Read the product instructions before opening the package.
- Follow the recommended wearing and replacement schedule.
- Clean and store reusable lenses with the correct solution.
For handling instructions, read the Bubcolor Colored Contact Lens Wear & Care Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does 0.00 mean non-prescription?
No. It means the lens has no vision-correcting power. In the United States, plano colored contacts still require a valid contact lens prescription.
Can I order 0.00 lenses if I have perfect eyesight?
You still need an eye examination and valid contact lens prescription. Good unaided vision does not confirm that a particular lens fits your eyes correctly.
Can I use someone else’s prescription?
No. Contact lens prescriptions and fitted lens specifications are individual. Contact lenses should also never be shared.
Can I buy colored contacts from a beauty or costume store?
The FDA advises consumers not to buy contact lenses from sellers that do not require a prescription. Purchase only through a seller that follows the required prescription process.
Where can I ask more questions?
Visit the Bubcolor FAQ or submit your question through the customer service page.
Already have a valid prescription? Browse the current Bubcolor colored contact lens collections.