You may be wondering, can you convert a contact prescription to glasses prescription? Not to worry! We'll answer your questions and help you decipher the myriad of terms and numbers associated with their prescriptions.
Armed with expertise, we're here to guide you through these intricate details, whether you wear brands like Bausch Lomb contacts or Johnson & Johnson contact lenses.
Let's begin!
Can You Convert a Contact Prescription to a Glass Prescription?
The answer is no, a contact lens prescription cannot be used to purchase eyeglasses, and vice versa.
To understand why the two prescription types are not interchangeable, it is essential to uncover the fundamental differences and similarities between contact and glasses prescriptions.
Let's break it down step by step.
Are Contact Prescriptions And Glasses Prescriptions the Same?
While the corrective attributes are the same, the prescriptions themselves are not. The journey of acquiring either daily contact lenses, transition contacts, or a glasses prescription begins with an eye exam. The measurements and details captured here vary depending on the soon-to-be wearer's choice of eyewear.
This is because there are fundamental differences in how contacts and glasses interact with our eyes. For instance, glasses, designed to sit approximately 12 millimeters away from the eyes, have a different spatial relationship with the eyes compared to a contact lens, which is designed to rest directly on the eye's surface.
This proximity difference influences the strength of the prescription required for optimal vision correction.
Contact lens prescriptions often venture further, providing additional specifics like the base curve, which determines the lens's fit on the eye, and the diameter, indicating the lens's size.
Lastly, the validity of these prescriptions is a crucial aspect to consider. While it might be tempting to use a glasses prescription to order contact lenses, especially in our digital age of online shopping, it's a path fraught with pitfalls.
A glasses prescription often lacks details such as the aforementioned base curve and diameter. Using one in place of the other can lead to suboptimal vision correction and potential eye health issues.
Contacts VS. Glasses Prescription
Below are a few key similarities and differences between contact prescriptions and glasses prescriptions to keep in mind.
Similarities:
Sphere (SPH): Measures lens power to correct nearsightedness or farsightedness. Our findings show that the values differ between contact and glasses prescriptions due to their distance from the eye.
Cylinder (CYL) & Axis: Cylinder indicates lens power for astigmatism correction. The axis defines the lens meridian without cylinder power. If there's a cylinder value, an axis value must accompany it.
Add Power: Represents added magnifying power in multifocal lenses to correct age-related farsightedness, known as presbyopia. It's typically a "plus" power, ranging from +0.75 to +3.00 D (diopters).
Differences:
Base Curve & Diameter: Specific to contact prescriptions, the base curve measures the lens's back curvature, and the diameter indicates its size.
How To Order Contact Lenses Online
Before you even begin browsing, it's important to have your recent and valid contact lens prescription at hand. This ensures that the dailies contact lenses, or any other type of contacts you order, align perfectly with your current vision needs.
With a myriad of contact lens brands available, from contacts Biofinity to Acuvue lens, making a choice can be overwhelming.
However, at Fresh Lens, we've simplified this for you by curating a selection of reputable brands known for their quality and comfort, including the popular Clariti One Day lenses. Plus, we offer an online eye exam, making it easier than ever to fulfill your prescription!
Depending on your wearing schedule (daily, bi-weekly, monthly), decide on the number of boxes or pairs you need. It's always a good idea to order a bit extra to account for any potential loss or damage to the lenses.
All that's left is for you to order your new pair of contacts and wait for them to arrive. With Fresh Lens, we ensure a smooth and efficient delivery process, so before you know it, your contacts will be on their way to your doorstep.
While browsing options, some may question, can I order a different brand of contact lenses than my doctor prescribed? It's crucial to ensure any brand switch aligns with your prescription's specifications.
Remember, before placing an order, it's essential to understand how to read your contact lens prescription. Based on our observations, this will help you select the correct lenses.
Here's how:
How To Read A Contact Lens Prescription
- OD & OS: "OD" refers to the right eye, while "OS" denotes the left eye.
- Power/Sphere: Indicates the lens power needed for vision correction, measured in diopters. Positive values correct farsightedness, and negative values address nearsightedness.
- Base Curve (BC): Our research indicates that this represents the contact lens' back curvature, crucial for a proper fit.
- CYL & Axis: Relevant for those with astigmatism. "CYL" indicates the lens power for astigmatism correction, and "Axis" defines the correction's orientation.
One common query is how long does a contacts prescription last, with most being valid for a year from the date of the eye exam.
Conclusion
Deciphering the world of eye prescriptions might seem daunting, but with the right knowledge and guidance, it becomes a breeze. Now that you are armed with the key differences between contact and glasses prescription, you can make a more informed decision.
Ready to embark on a clearer vision journey? Dive into our catalog of contact lenses and experience unparalleled clarity with Fresh Lens today!
If you want to learn more, why not check out these articles below:
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