Q: Can beauty supply stores or flea markets sell contacts?
A: No, contact lenses are medical devices that are regulated by the government. It is illegal for beauty supply stores or flea markets to sell contacts, even cosmetic lenses, and even if they aren't for vision correction. All contact lenses (including decorative ones) require a valid prescription, and only certified vendors can sell them. It can be very dangerous for your eyes to wear counterfeit lenses. You should contact your local police department.

Q: What are the best types of contact lenses?
A: The majority of contact lens wearers wear soft contacts: almost 95%. However, the safest, easiest to handle, best for preventing the deterioration of vision, best value, and often the most comfortable (when designed correctly) contacts are rigid gas permeable contact lenses (RGP). So why are they not as popular as soft lenses? These are custom lenses and the quality of the design depends on the skills of the eye doctor; they're much more complicated to fit than the one-size-fits-all soft contact. They can be designed for any prescription, for any amount of astigmatism, with bifocal or multifocal prescriptions, or for corneal molding which are only worn while you sleep. The RGP lens allows over fifty times more oxygen through to the eye than a typical soft lens, reducing the risk of irritation and infection. These lenses are also much more durable than soft contact lenses, typically lasting for years, which can save money in the long run.