You may wonder if your eyeglass prescription can double for contact lenses. It seems like it would make things simpler, but the team at Stanislaus Vision knows that both glasses and contacts require their own specific evaluations to help with the perfect fit.
Your prescriptions for glasses and contacts are different and are not interchangeable.
Why Your Prescriptions Are Not the Same
The key difference comes down to where your corrective lenses sit. Your eyeglasses are positioned about 10–14 millimeters away from your eyes. Contact lenses, on the other hand, rest directly on the surface of your eyes.
This small distance changes the lens power needed to help you see clearly. An eye doctor can calculate this difference during a thorough eye exam to give you the sharpest vision possible with each option.
What Makes a Contact Lens Prescription Unique
A contact lens prescription includes specific information you won’t find on your glasses prescription. These details help the lenses fit your eyes correctly and feel comfortable all day. An exam for contacts typically includes a special fitting for this reason.
Key Measurements for Contacts
Your unique eye shape requires a precise fit. These measurements help find the right lens for you.
- Base curve (BC): This number matches the curve of the contact lens to the curve of your eye so that it sits securely.
- Diameter (DIA): This measurement describes the size of the lens from 1 edge to the other so that it covers the right area of your eye.
- Lens brand and material: Your prescription is specific to 1 brand and material. The type of contact lens material affects comfort and how much oxygen reaches your eyes.
Understand Your Prescription
All those numbers and letters on your prescription tell a story about your eyes. It’s helpful to know what some of the common terms mean.
- OD and OS: These are simply abbreviations for your right eye (oculus dexter) and left eye (oculus sinister).
- SPH (sphere): This shows the main lens power you need. A minus sign (-) corrects nearsightedness, and a plus sign (+) corrects farsightedness.
- CYL (cylinder) and axis: If you have astigmatism, these numbers show the extra power needed to fix it and the direction it’s located on your eye.
- ADD (addition): You’ll see this on bifocal or multifocal prescriptions. It provides the extra power needed for clear close-up vision, like reading.
Contacts or Glasses: What Fits Your Life?
You never have to choose just 1: Many people enjoy the flexibility of switching between glasses and contacts. The right option often depends on your lifestyle, comfort, and what you’re doing that day.
Just remember, you shouldn’t use your glasses prescription to order contacts yourself. An eye care professional can perform a contact lens fitting and teach you about proper contact lens care to help confirm the lenses are right for your vision and eye health.
When Contacts Might Be a Good Fit
You may find contacts work well for you in certain situations. Consider contact lenses if you:
- Have an active lifestyle or enjoy playing sports.
- Want a wide, natural field of view without frames in the way.
- Prefer your appearance without glasses.
Why You Might Prefer Glasses
For many people, eyeglasses offer simplicity and style. Consider eyeglasses if you:
- Want vision correction that is easy to put on and take off.
- Prefer a low-maintenance option without daily cleaning routines.
- Have eyes that tend to be sensitive or prone to dryness.
Stay on Top of Your Vision Needs
Having your eyes checked annually is a great way to stay on top of your vision needs. A yearly exam does more than just update your prescription: It’s also an important check-up on your overall eye health. Regular visits help detect any changes early, so you can keep seeing your world clearly.
Keep Your Vision Sharp
Whether you choose glasses, contacts, or both, having an accurate and up-to-date prescription is key. The team at Stanislaus Vision Associates is here to help you and your family maintain your overall eye health. Schedule your next eye exam with our team in Modesto, CA.
