Glasses and contact lenses are often necessary items for inmates who have vision problems. Correctional facilities have policies regarding whether inmates can wear and possess glasses and contacts. The rules vary between federal prisons, state prisons, and jails.
Can inmates have prescription glasses in prison?
Most prisons allow inmates to have prescription eyeglasses with certain restrictions. Prisons maintain an approved vendor list, and inmates must order glasses through catalogues from these approved companies. Inmates are responsible for paying for their own glasses unless they are indigent. Prisons will provide essential glasses for free if the inmate cannot afford them.
Prisons limit the types of frames and lens options inmates can get for safety reasons. Allowed frames tend to be flexible plastic or wire styles without metal or glass. Prisons don’t allow mirrored lenses, tinted lenses, transition lenses, progressive lenses, or lenses with anti-reflective coating. Inmates can usually get clear, plastic single vision or bifocal lenses in their eyeglass prescription strength.
State and federal prisons frequently prohibit eyeglass cases and require inmates to wear glasses at all times they are out of their cell. Prison staff may conduct additional searches of inmates wearing glasses when entering and exiting areas. Inmates must follow all rules regarding the authorized use of eyeglasses.
Why prisons regulate eyeglasses
Prisons regulate eyeglasses to maintain safety and prevent makeshift weapons. Hard frames or lenses could pose risks. Inmates could potentially use pieces of broken lenses or frames to harm themselves or others.
Prisons want to prevent accidents with inmates losing their glasses or being unable to see clearly. Glasses are vulnerable to damage during sports, fights, slipping in showers, etc. Limits on eyeglass styles protect state departments of corrections from liability regarding injuries.
Prisons aim to prevent contraband and illicit activities with eyeglass policies. Complete pairs of glasses must enter and exit an inmate’s cell as prescribed. Inmates cannot stockpile components to make homemade weapons. Rules requiring glasses to be worn help staff monitor compliance.
Getting eye exams and prescriptions in prison
Prisons provide access to optometry services so inmates can get eye exams and new or updated prescriptions. Licensed optometrists or ophthalmologists periodically visit most state and federal prisons to conduct vision tests and screenings.
Inmates put in requests for eye exams through the facility’s medical department. Theoptician or optometrist will check the inmate’s current prescription and evaluate whether new glasses or a changed prescription are necessary.
If an inmate arrives at a facility with glasses but no documentation, staff will arrange a vision test to determine the correct prescription strength. Prisons keep prescriptions and eyeglass orders on file for future reference.
Replacing broken glasses in prison
Accidents happen, and glasses get broken in prison. Inmates have to go through the right channels to get their broken glasses fixed or replaced.
Inmates should notify the correctional facility’s medical department about broken glasses and request a replacement pair. The prison will verify whether the inmate is due for a replacement based on the policy timeframe.
If the broken glasses fell within the replacement period, the inmate must order new glasses through the prison’s approved vendor. The inmate will have to pay unless qualified for free glasses. Inmates must turn in the broken glasses when they receive the new pair.
If the inmate broke the glasses by violating rules, they may have to wait until the designated replacement timeframe and pay for the new pair. Prisons sometimes charge inmates restitution for willfully damaging state property.
Can inmates wear contact lenses in jail or prison?
Most jails and prisons restrict or prohibit contact lenses due to cost, healthcare, and safety issues. Managing contact lenses requires access to specific solutions and supplies that many facilities don’t accommodate.
The FDA recommends disinfecting and replacing contact lenses on a set schedule. Inmates wouldn’t necessarily have control over proper contact lens hygiene in prison conditions. Shared bathrooms and limited sanitation access could increase infection risks with contacts.
Some correctional facilities have concerns that inmates could potentially use lenses or lens cases to conceal contraband. Hard contact lenses may pose risks similar to glass eyeglasses if broken.
Exceptions for medical need
While recreational contact lens use is limited, some inmates can get prescribed lenses for medical treatments. An ophthalmologist may determine contacts are medically necessary for conditions like:
- Keratoconus – thinning cornea that cannot be fully corrected with glasses
- High prescription strength beyond what glasses can accommodate
- Nystagmus – involuntary eye movements that glasses would amplify
The prison doctor reviews these recommendations and determines whether to approve contact lenses on a case-by-case basis. If allowed, the inmate must adhere to all rules and requirements for proper care and use.
Differences in jail versus prison eyeglass policies
Jails and prisons have some differences in their eyeglass and contact lens policies for inmates.
Jail contact lens and eyeglass policies
Jails often prohibit both eyeglasses and all contact lenses due to short stays and limited resources. Some jails forbid prescription eyewear altogether. Others only allow essential glasses for medical reasons but no contacts.
If glasses are permitted, jails restrict options similarly to prisons. Jails cite rapid turnover and inmates awaiting trial as challenges to providing routine optometry services.
Prison contact lens and eyeglass policies
Prisons are more likely than jails to allow eyeglasses, given their long-term care responsibilities. Rules still limit styles to safer options without metal or glass components. Prisons arrange optometrist visits for exams and updated prescriptions.
The extended incarceration periods make healthcare and hygiene concerns more pressing for contacts. Prisons generally prohibit contact lenses unless medically vital and approved by the facility doctor.
Inmate eyeglass policies by state
Eyeglass and contact lens policies can vary between different state prison systems. Here are some examples of specific state policies:
Florida prison eyeglass policy
The Florida Department of Corrections provides inmates with prescription eyeglasses if needed for medical reasons per the facility’s optometrist. Inmates can only get glasses within establishment guidelines.
Available frames must be base metal or plastic with no glass lenses. Florida prisons do not allow tinted lenses or sunglasses. Inmates must pay for eyeglasses themselves if financially able.
Ohio prison eyeglass policy
Ohio state prisons permit inmates to be evaluated and fitted for prescription eyeglasses onsite. Approved styles include metal frames with plastic lenses, wire frames, and plastic frames without ornamentation.
Specialized contacts may be allowed on a case-by-case basis with the prison doctor’s pre-authorization. Unauthorized eyewear items including bags/cases and sunglasses are considered contraband.
Texas prison eyeglass policy
The Texas Department of Criminal Justice provides optical services at no cost to inmates. Optometry visits are available at least every two years for prescription checks and eye health exams.
Texas prisons only allow non-metal frame glasses with plastic lenses and no tinting. Inmates must pay for replacements if they lose or intentionally break two pairs within six months. Contact lenses are restricted.
Inmate eyeglass policies by federal prison security levels
Federal prisons in the United States operate at different security levels. The rules around inmate eyeglasses and contacts can vary slightly by the facility’s security designation.
Minimum security federal prison eyeglass policy
Minimum security facilities have the most relaxed policies. Inmates can get prescription eyeglasses through approved vendors and catalogs. Options include plastic and thin wire frames with clear plastic lenses.
Contacts may be permitted on a limited basis with approval for a verified medical necessity. On-site optometry clinics allow regular eye health checks.
Low security federal prison eyeglass policy
Policies are still reasonably flexible but tighten up some from minimum security. Frames are restricted to wire or plastic without metal. Lomb style plastic lenses are required.
Contact lens use requires detailed documentation on the medical need. Inmates may also face regular screenings to keep the authorization.
Medium security federal prison eyeglass policy
Obtaining glasses and contacts becomes more restrictive at medium security facilities. Frame options are limited to reduce risks, and few exceptions exist regarding contacts.
Optometry clinics may operate less frequently. Damaged or broken eyewear can be harder to replace quickly.
Conclusion
Prisons and jails regulate eyeglasses and contact lenses primarily for safety and budget reasons. Rules require plastic frames and lenses without glass or metal. Correctional facilities make case-by-case determinations on allowing contacts only for verified medical needs.
Inmates can obtain prescription glasses throughapproved vendors that meet the facility’s guidelines. Prisons provide optometry clinics but require inmates to pay for eyewear costs unless indigent. Overall, the limits aim to maintain security and prevent injury risks involving eyewear.
| Facility Type | Eyeglass Policy | Contact Lens Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Local Jail | Restrictive, often no glasses allowed except for medical need | Most prohibit contacts entirely |
| State Prison | Allow plastic/wire frame glasses with certain lens restrictions | Highly limited, only for severe medical conditions |
| Federal Prison Minimum Security | More flexible on frame and lens options | May allow restricted contact use for medical necessity |
| Federal Prison High Security | Very tight restrictions on glasses for safety | Contacts prohibited except for rare exceptions |