Hubble Contact Lens Subscription Service May Pose Serious Eye Risks: Report
Optometrists and other eye experts are warning consumers there may be hidden dangers in taking the cheap deals on contact lenses being offered by Hubble.
In a New York Times report published this week, optometrists and ophthalmologists warn that Hubble makes cheap contact lenses from outdated materials, switches consumers away from brands that may have been prescribed for a specific reason and does not properly ensure that prescriptions are correct. This could result in eye infections, vision loss and other vision problems, they warn.
Hubble is a contact lens prescription service, promoted mostly through social media sites like Facebook and Instagram. It promises daily lenses for $39 a month. The company started in 2016, and has been highly successful, threatening to topple other mainstream contact lens manufacturers.
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Learn MoreHowever, eye healthcare professionals told the New York Times that they have seen an increasing number of customers with contact lens complications, such as corneal ulcers, which they say are prevalent among Hubble customers.
One optometrist told the Times that more than half of her patients who got lenses from Hubble have experienced complications.
Hubble takes advantage of a Federal Trade Commission rule known as “passive verification”, according to critics. If a seller is unsuccessful in contacting an eye doctor to verify a prescription within eight business hours, they can go ahead a fulfill that prescription without a verification.
Critics say Hubble used this rule to move patients from their prescription brands to its own. However, the company has denied it uses this tactic. The company noted that the FTC does not require customers to list the brand of contact lenses they use on their prescription.
The American Optometric Association (AOA) warned consumers about its concerns over Hubble Contacts in 2017, and lawyers for the company reportedly threatened the association with a lawsuit, but it refused to retract its report.
In April 2017, the AOA sent letters (PDF) to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), and the Justice Department, all calling for investigations into Hubble Contact’s prescription verifications.
After an article in Quartz, a business news website in December 2017 claimed Hubble sold lenses using fake prescriptions from a made-up doctor, the AOA said its fears had been validated.
In May, the FTC announced a proposed rule which calls for prescribers to obtain a signed acknowledgment after releasing a contact lens prescription, and maintaining that acknowledgment in their records for at least three years. Public comment on the proposed rule is being accepted until July 29.
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29 Comments
AmayaAugust 5, 2022 at 7:40 pm
I started using Hubble contacts about two years ago. I never really questioned if they were good quality because I didn’t know enough about contact lenses. I missed my eye doctors appt in 2021 because a family matter came up. I felt bad about missing that appointment, but I scheduled another one earlier this year thinking it would be fine. When I went to the doctors office everything was going fin[Show More]I started using Hubble contacts about two years ago. I never really questioned if they were good quality because I didn’t know enough about contact lenses. I missed my eye doctors appt in 2021 because a family matter came up. I felt bad about missing that appointment, but I scheduled another one earlier this year thinking it would be fine. When I went to the doctors office everything was going fine until he said that he needed to use some sort of tool to look at the outer portion of my eye. All of a sudden the doctor got really quiet and he told me that I was suffering from extreme corneal neovascularization from over wearing contact lenses. He said that he only has to give that diagnosis a few times a year, and I had one of the worst cases he has ever seen, even among avid contact wearers. I am a 20 year old healthy college student with only minor myopia. I looked more into the condition that I was diagnosed with, and I realized that it is caused entirely by my eyes not being able to get enough oxygen. I can’t entirely blame Hubble because I know that sometimes I do wear my contact lens is for a little longer than I should, but I do know with 100% certainty that Hubble is at least partly to blame for my eye condition. I know this because I did a lot of research and most contact lenses are 5x, yes 5x more breathable then Hubbles. That means that 1 hr of Hubble contact wear is equivalent to 5 of another brand. I wore other brands of contact lenses for 7 years before trying Hubble, and my eyes were completely healthy. I now have a serious condition that needs to be closely monitored, can’t see as well not because of worsening myopia but because of a cloudy cornea from my condition, and cosmetically my eyes aren’t as pretty. They are red and dry, something I never experienced before. Hubble isn’t that much cheaper, especially with their recent price increases. Corneal neovascularization is a spectrum, it’s not some thing you just have or don’t have, so I can’t tell you for certainty that if you continue using Hubble contact lenses you will be diagnosed with it, but I can tell you with complete certainty that if you continue using Hubble contact lenses your eye health will suffer and only get worse with time since your eyes can’t breathe.
LouisJune 26, 2022 at 8:00 pm
I wore contacts from Hubble in 2017 2018 . Progressively I had developed really dry eyes. I remember one night I removed them I was hurting so much in my eyes. I thought the lenses were still on. I had for a long time a lot of dry eyes and hopefully the anti allergy drops ended up working but before I had to carry some cloths to put into my eyes. Now I have trouble reading with my left eue b[Show More]I wore contacts from Hubble in 2017 2018 . Progressively I had developed really dry eyes. I remember one night I removed them I was hurting so much in my eyes. I thought the lenses were still on. I had for a long time a lot of dry eyes and hopefully the anti allergy drops ended up working but before I had to carry some cloths to put into my eyes. Now I have trouble reading with my left eue because it’s blurry. I might have keraticonus
VictoriaMay 10, 2022 at 1:09 pm
Started a Hubble service in 2021. Starting developing eye problems 3 months into using Hubble’s lenses; developed blisters (hives) under both eye lids and, reoccurring pyogenic granulomas in left eye. Still battling problems, unable to wear contact lenses at all. Missed class action suit but will look for legal input. Hubble’s contact lenses are made by St. Shine Optical (approved by FDA.) What [Show More]Started a Hubble service in 2021. Starting developing eye problems 3 months into using Hubble’s lenses; developed blisters (hives) under both eye lids and, reoccurring pyogenic granulomas in left eye. Still battling problems, unable to wear contact lenses at all. Missed class action suit but will look for legal input. Hubble’s contact lenses are made by St. Shine Optical (approved by FDA.) What a horrible experience… May now need to pay for Lasix if eligible if unable to (ever) wear contact lenses again.
SavannahMarch 13, 2022 at 11:08 pm
I used hubble for a total of a year from mid 2019 to mid 2020 and have had my vision completely change and worsen and was diagnosed with an eye disease my eye doctor said most likely were from the cheap contacts not letting my retina have oxygen. I say class action...anyone else? Talking to a lawyer now about this..I can't even wear good contacts my doctor said. Pretty much ruined my life, profess[Show More]I used hubble for a total of a year from mid 2019 to mid 2020 and have had my vision completely change and worsen and was diagnosed with an eye disease my eye doctor said most likely were from the cheap contacts not letting my retina have oxygen. I say class action...anyone else? Talking to a lawyer now about this..I can't even wear good contacts my doctor said. Pretty much ruined my life, professionally and personally
RachelMarch 9, 2022 at 9:30 pm
I have and still am using Hubble contacts and last year I had a detached retina. My eye doctor told me it started out as a tear and then detached. When I started wearing Hubble contacts my right eye was a -6.25 I believe and now it is a -9.75. Could be due to not receiving enough oxygen to the retina.🥲
TemekaFebruary 5, 2022 at 6:12 pm
I ordered a year supply 2020.Hubble contacts has worsened my vision.
NicholeFebruary 2, 2022 at 2:53 pm
I have ordered hubble and it changed my eyes ic ould not see the same and stull dont pain, blurred vision, eyes swollen shut lots of pain couldn't drive and see correctly I had made appointment to my primary eye doctor and i had to be put on waiting list from last year and will be seen March of 2022
RachealNovember 23, 2021 at 3:44 am
I ordered a subscription from Hubble contacts and got the wrong prescription but the container it was in said the correct prescription so I put them in my eyes to instantly got pain in my right eye it made it dehydrate and shrunk in my eye also it split in half while in my eYe I canceled the subscription and couldn’t get a refund at all I had to involve my bank and finally my bank got my money and[Show More]I ordered a subscription from Hubble contacts and got the wrong prescription but the container it was in said the correct prescription so I put them in my eyes to instantly got pain in my right eye it made it dehydrate and shrunk in my eye also it split in half while in my eYe I canceled the subscription and couldn’t get a refund at all I had to involve my bank and finally my bank got my money and now my eye is still in so much pain and I can’t put anymore contacts in my eye without horrible pain causing serious headaches, what should I do about this they should not be allowed to do this to people
JasonNovember 18, 2021 at 11:22 pm
I used hubble contacts now I have damaged my right. I have a permanent blurry circle in it, ive lost partial vision due to these cheap poorly made contacts wish they would be sued out of existence.
AngieAugust 21, 2021 at 12:26 am
I want to join class action against hubble for messing my eyes up my eye Dr told me about this and that there garbage and caused a serious infection in my eye
VAugust 16, 2021 at 11:46 pm
I went to eye doctor with complaint of field of vision loss and was told that I have swelling to my left retina. Could these contacts be the culprit.
La'VoriaDecember 18, 2020 at 6:01 am
It's been about 2 years since I last wore a pair of Hubble contacts but I stopped because I began getting bumps on both eyelids. Mostly small but really painful. On my left eyelid there's a bump/mass that's never went away or gone down. It is very visible. I have one right now on the same eyelid (they always come up where my hair follicles are) that has my entire I almost swollen shut. It is extre[Show More]It's been about 2 years since I last wore a pair of Hubble contacts but I stopped because I began getting bumps on both eyelids. Mostly small but really painful. On my left eyelid there's a bump/mass that's never went away or gone down. It is very visible. I have one right now on the same eyelid (they always come up where my hair follicles are) that has my entire I almost swollen shut. It is extremely uncomfortable and dry. Before ordering Hubble I wore glasses. I had worn contacts in the past but they always came from my optometrist. I don't think I even made it six months wearing Hubble contacts before it started. Again it's been two years and I've been dealing with this on the daily ever since.
TiffianyDecember 8, 2020 at 10:59 pm
Optometrist told me today that those contacts caused eye damage that has changed my prescription and shape of my eye, caused astigmatism, all from oxygen deprivation. They were worn a short period of time.
AltheaOctober 28, 2020 at 12:54 pm
Never buycontacts from Hubble. My eyes dry out and they have damaged my eye sight .they dont requure a real subscription ti obtain contact. Refund policy is non exsistance.
StephanieSeptember 29, 2020 at 2:30 am
I used Hubble for around 8 months between 2018 and 2019. In July 2019 I woke up with the worst pain of my life. I went to the dr, and they rushed to the ER because I had a horrible cornea ulcer. I remember screaming in pain, barely able to see, because of all the horrible crap coming out of my eye. They started examining me, and as I sat there, my vision quickly went from cloudy, to completely b[Show More]I used Hubble for around 8 months between 2018 and 2019. In July 2019 I woke up with the worst pain of my life. I went to the dr, and they rushed to the ER because I had a horrible cornea ulcer. I remember screaming in pain, barely able to see, because of all the horrible crap coming out of my eye. They started examining me, and as I sat there, my vision quickly went from cloudy, to completely blind in my right eye. It was like the lights turned off. It was utterly terrifying. Little did I know, that I would spend the next 7 months completely blind in my right eye. Long story short, they diagnosed me with a rare fungal eye infection called aspergillosis. I was 31 years old, healthy, and never even had stitches or a broken bone prior to this debacle!!. I spent 7 months living in a terrible nightmare. I have spent every waking hour focused on saving my eye. I spent months waking up every single hour to put specialized eye drops in my eye. I was exhausted, worn down, and at times I was so depressed that I wanted to just give up. These extremely strong eye drops became part of my life. They cost hundreds of dollars for one small vile, and they were NOT COVERED by insurance. Finally, with the grace of god, I was able to kill the infection. Then came the waiting period.. took months before the cornea specialists felt comfortable in giving me the full cornea transplant. I am so grateful for the surgery, and all of my doctors. Unfortunately still live in fear that something wrong is going to happen again. I don’t think all ophthalmologists understand that impacts these cheap lenses have. In the beginning they kept saying I left my lenses in too long. I tried to tell them that I have one-a-day contacts!?! Why would I do that!?! I was so sick at that time, that it was hard for me to fight. I was just tying to stay sane.. but I truly feel like these contacts had something to do with my infection. I’m not looking for anything, all I want is to hopefully help educate others... I first learned about Hubble from several ads on podcasts I listen to.. it’s kinda funny, cuz I went from hearing their ads all the time, to no longer hearing them.. Hmm...
RosieSeptember 8, 2020 at 4:58 pm
I am 22 years old and have been wearing contacts for 8 years with no change in vision. Since I was on my own with financial matters, I thought the Hubble brand would suffice for the time being. HOWEVER I DID NOT EXPECT MY EYE SIGHT TO CHANGE SO DRASTICALLY THAT I STARTED TO QUESTION MY HEALTH. I am a healthy active woman and the fact that my vision has been compromised is depressing in itself. So [Show More]I am 22 years old and have been wearing contacts for 8 years with no change in vision. Since I was on my own with financial matters, I thought the Hubble brand would suffice for the time being. HOWEVER I DID NOT EXPECT MY EYE SIGHT TO CHANGE SO DRASTICALLY THAT I STARTED TO QUESTION MY HEALTH. I am a healthy active woman and the fact that my vision has been compromised is depressing in itself. So when I called the brand and requested a refund for the 3 months I used them, 3 MONTHS they said no the contacts are nonrefundable. No shocker there since I am sure people like us in this comment section have had such negative issues. I do not know where to go from here in terms of refunds or law suit? I am sorry to anyone who has gone through this and I hope this prevents people from using them. Really sad that there are companies like this let alone, there are companies out there that have effected people's livelihoods.
aprilAugust 17, 2020 at 6:06 am
THIS HAS BEEN WITHOUT SAYING THE WORSE EXPERIENCE I HAVE EVER DEALT WITH AND THE COMPANY WORSE WHICH NEEDS TO BE SHUT DOWN I AM IN CONSTANT SEVERE PAIN AND LOSS OF MY SIGHT IN THE MEAN TIME IM IN THE EYE DOCTORS OPTHMALOGIST TWICE A WEEK WHICH ON 4 ANTIBOTICS AND NOW STEROIDS. I CANT BE IN SUNLIGHT CAUSES MUCH WORSE PAIN. THE PAIN AND SUFFERING IS UNDESCRIBLE , I CANT DRIVE TO WORK, THE LIGHT IS [Show More]THIS HAS BEEN WITHOUT SAYING THE WORSE EXPERIENCE I HAVE EVER DEALT WITH AND THE COMPANY WORSE WHICH NEEDS TO BE SHUT DOWN I AM IN CONSTANT SEVERE PAIN AND LOSS OF MY SIGHT IN THE MEAN TIME IM IN THE EYE DOCTORS OPTHMALOGIST TWICE A WEEK WHICH ON 4 ANTIBOTICS AND NOW STEROIDS. I CANT BE IN SUNLIGHT CAUSES MUCH WORSE PAIN. THE PAIN AND SUFFERING IS UNDESCRIBLE , I CANT DRIVE TO WORK, THE LIGHT IS LIKE AFIRE STICK POKING ME IN THE EYE REPEATEDLY SO THEREFORE THIS COMPANY NEEDS TO PAY PAIN AND SUFFERING MY SIGHTS IS PERCIOUS AND NOW I CAN LOSE IT DUE TO THE CONTACT STUCK TO MY EYE NOT ONE BUT 2 CONTACTS GLUED TOGETHER PER MY DR NOTES IT WAS THE CONTACT CAUSED DAMAGE INCLUDING ULCER IN MY EYE I WILL BE CONTINUING A LAWSUIT AGAINST THIS COMPANY MY HEALTH IS VERY SERI OU USL
amberAugust 11, 2020 at 12:05 pm
I've worn contacts since 96. For the last 2 weeks I've dealt with hubble contacts. My eyes were swollen and I could barely see. I had ulcers on my corneas and on Friday I find out if I have permanent eye damage. This company is damaging and misleading. When I tried to contact to cancel the told me it was because I gave them the wrong prescription. I absolutely lost my mind. Thankfully they cancele[Show More]I've worn contacts since 96. For the last 2 weeks I've dealt with hubble contacts. My eyes were swollen and I could barely see. I had ulcers on my corneas and on Friday I find out if I have permanent eye damage. This company is damaging and misleading. When I tried to contact to cancel the told me it was because I gave them the wrong prescription. I absolutely lost my mind. Thankfully they canceled but they are out there causing permanent damage.
StevenJuly 20, 2020 at 12:57 pm
Hubble contacts have destroyed my vision and change the shape of my eye. I've been out of work for 2 weeks now, trying to cure eye ulcers.
NatalieJuly 11, 2020 at 9:32 pm
I have wore Hubble Contacts since September of 2019. I have wore contacts since 1997 never had one problem with my eyes. Since September of 2019 I have been to the ER once for an eye infection two weeks after putting on Hubble contacts. Since that I have had numerous infections in both of my eyes when I say numerous I mean in the sense of 3 more urgent care visits 2 regular eye doctor visits, a[Show More]I have wore Hubble Contacts since September of 2019. I have wore contacts since 1997 never had one problem with my eyes. Since September of 2019 I have been to the ER once for an eye infection two weeks after putting on Hubble contacts. Since that I have had numerous infections in both of my eyes when I say numerous I mean in the sense of 3 more urgent care visits 2 regular eye doctor visits, and most recently as of 7/9/2020 an eye specialist visit all visits were because of infection in both eyes due to HUBBLE CONTACTS. 7 infections in under a year and now I'm in danger of losing my eyesight. That is a problem for me. I felt like I had weird moving sand in my eye socket under my eyes. I WANT TO BE REIMBURSED NOT ONLY FOR MY CONTACTS THAT THEY KEPT SENDING ME BUT DOCTORS VISIT COSTS AND PRESCRIPTION COST...
JaymeJune 9, 2020 at 10:35 pm
The hole time i wore them my eyes were so dry i could not blink with out loosing one of them out of my eye .my eyes stayed so red rite after putting them in and burned.
PamApril 20, 2020 at 4:33 pm
I experienced eye damage from using Hubble contacts too. My doctor diagnosed me with corneal neovascularization which means the eyes weren’t receiving much oxygen and caused numerous blood vessels to form. I fear this company will get more business due to the health crisis as more people don’t have financial means to pay for contact lenses. I want to help others with my story and hopefully prev[Show More]I experienced eye damage from using Hubble contacts too. My doctor diagnosed me with corneal neovascularization which means the eyes weren’t receiving much oxygen and caused numerous blood vessels to form. I fear this company will get more business due to the health crisis as more people don’t have financial means to pay for contact lenses. I want to help others with my story and hopefully prevent them from the same eye damage.
DeborahMarch 2, 2020 at 6:49 pm
IT is impossible t o cancel my subscription with Hubble. They will only stretch the time before next delivery. I told them Dr advised to Stop wearing contacts because my eyes were not getting sufficient oxygen. My prescription has expired but my bank keeps getting charged. Very impolite and impersonal customer service. My right eye is swollen shut and may be permanent. BAD BUSINESS! When incomi[Show More]IT is impossible t o cancel my subscription with Hubble. They will only stretch the time before next delivery. I told them Dr advised to Stop wearing contacts because my eyes were not getting sufficient oxygen. My prescription has expired but my bank keeps getting charged. Very impolite and impersonal customer service. My right eye is swollen shut and may be permanent. BAD BUSINESS! When incoming money comes before ones safety ..
KristiFebruary 29, 2020 at 9:52 pm
For one, I was going to do the 10 day trial on the Hubble contacts and the day I got them they charged my account $39. I had not even gotten them for a day much less tried them. When I called to cancel my prescription it sent me to Waldo and they said I had to call Hubble my email even sent me to Waldo. Waldo gave me a number to call and it was a automotive system that I got no where with. I wen[Show More]For one, I was going to do the 10 day trial on the Hubble contacts and the day I got them they charged my account $39. I had not even gotten them for a day much less tried them. When I called to cancel my prescription it sent me to Waldo and they said I had to call Hubble my email even sent me to Waldo. Waldo gave me a number to call and it was a automotive system that I got no where with. I went ahead and tried the contacts and my left eye got all messed up and got infected. I have not been able to where a contract in it now for about three weeks and don't know if I will again. Where do I go from here? I want my money back and to make sure they do not take anymore of it.
VilaJanuary 31, 2020 at 3:38 am
I put Hubble contact lens on the first time and after only less than an hour I got a major migraines and puffy eyes. I didn’t think it caused by Hubble contact lens so I took some counter meds but vision got so blurry and the migraines got worse I had to pull over and adjust my vision sat in the car for a while and then I decided to take them off but the migraines remains n worsen... I don’t know[Show More]I put Hubble contact lens on the first time and after only less than an hour I got a major migraines and puffy eyes. I didn’t think it caused by Hubble contact lens so I took some counter meds but vision got so blurry and the migraines got worse I had to pull over and adjust my vision sat in the car for a while and then I decided to take them off but the migraines remains n worsen... I don’t know what to do I am now home doing some research on the brand and I’m so scare that my health and vision may be at risk.
DaisyJanuary 7, 2020 at 5:19 pm
I let them know that my eyes began buring as soon as i put in a fresh pair of contacts. I was previously wearing glasses so my eyes were well rested and hydrated. They burned so bad i threw them away immediately but hubble will not issue a refund.
AlDecember 21, 2019 at 4:44 am
It left my eyes infected swollen red cannot see cannot work it left me in a mess
JenniferDecember 18, 2019 at 6:20 pm
I'm shocked to hear this info abt hubbie. My eye dr diagnosed a 2nd eye infection in less than 1year. Hubble contacts being the allegory cause. I trusted the brand. I do not know where to go from here...feels as if I have sand in eyes. Glasses only for 2weeks, antibiotic drops followed with comfort drops. Is their a class action already in place?
HarmonySeptember 2, 2019 at 6:21 pm
I would like to follow a claim for a class action lawsuit against hubble contacts. For causing blindness and vision loss and they aren't refunding me.