Making the switch to contact lenses comes with an interesting question. Can you use the same prescription you use for eyeglasses when ordering your new contact lenses?
The short answer? No! While both aim to correct your vision, contact lens and eyeglass prescriptions aren’t the same. Glasses rest slightly away from your face, while contact lenses sit directly on your cornea (the clear dome at the front of your eyes). This difference might not seem like much, but it does require different measurements to provide clear vision and comfort.
Reading an Eyeglass Prescription
Think of an eyeglass prescription as a roadmap for sharp, clear vision. It’s carefully crafted to correct refractive errors like nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism. Here’s what you’ll typically find on your eyeglass prescription:
- Sphere (SPH): Indicates the lens power needed to correct your vision.
- Cylinder (CYL) & Axis: Address astigmatism by adjusting for the curvature of your eye.
- Add (ADD): Indicates that your lenses are multifocals.
Eyeglass lenses are engineered to deliver just the adjustments to your vision based on the distance between the lens and your eye. But what happens when your lenses need to sit on your cornea directly, as with contact lenses? That’s where the differences between contact lens and eyeglass prescriptions come in.
What Makes Contact Lens Prescriptions Different
Even though both prescriptions share the same goal of clear vision, the way a pair of glasses and a set of contact lenses achieve that end is different. Glasses rest about 14mm from your eyes, while contact lenses sit right on your cornea. 14mm may seem minor, but it has an impact on how your prescription is calculated.
Here are some additional measurements you’ll find on a contact lens prescription:
- Base Curve (BC): Measures the curvature of the lens, so that it fits comfortably on your eye.
- Diameter (DIA): Helps your lenses fit securely without shifting when you blink.
- Material and Brand: Your lifestyle and eye health will dictate the most suitable type of lens material and brand for you.
- Lens Power Adjustment: Values for contact lens prescriptions may be slightly different than glasses, thanks to their placement directly on the eye.
Because contact lenses require precise measurements, you need a professional fitting. Skipping this process could result in discomfort, poor vision correction, or even damage to your eyes.
Choosing Between Contact Lenses & Eyeglasses
Eyeglasses and contact lenses prescriptions each provide unique benefits tailored to your lifestyle, personal preferences, and eye health.
The Fitting Process
For glasses, fitting focuses on selecting a frame that complements your style and confirming that your lenses correct your vision. Contact lenses, on the other hand, require a much more detailed approach.
A proper contact lens fitting requires measuring the shape and size of your eye, as well as your cornea’s curvature, to provide a secure and comfortable fit.
Lifestyle & Comfort Factors
The choice between glasses and contacts often depends on the lifestyle you’re looking for. Glasses are low-maintenance and can serve as a fashion statement. Contacts are great for an active lifestyle, offering unobstructed vision and the freedom to move without any adjustments.
From running a marathon to running errands in the rain, contacts can make everyday tasks just a bit easier.
Eye Health Considerations
Maintaining glasses is pretty straightforward and low-effort, while contact lenses require more care.
Proper hygiene is essential for preventing eye health issues, so cleaning your lenses, replacing them on schedule, and avoiding sleeping in them are all important. When you first get your contacts, we can guide you through these best practices so you can enjoy a hassle-free experience.
What to Expect From Contact Lenses
Thinking about giving contact lenses a try? Visit us at Kennedy Eye Clinic for a professional consultation. Here’s a peek into the process:
- A comprehensive eye exam: Before fitting you with contact lenses, we’ll evaluate your vision and check the health of your eyes to ensure contacts are suitable for you.
- Personalized fitting: Our experts will take precise measurements of your eyes to recommend comfortable contacts that fit your needs and lifestyle.
- Hands-on practice: Worried about putting your lenses in or taking them out? Don’t stress! Our team will coach you through the process, making it easy for you to master it in no time.
- Follow-up care: It doesn’t end there. We’ll schedule follow-ups to help your contacts continue to fit perfectly and meet your needs, and we’ll make adjustments if necessary.
Here are some benefits of contact lenses:
- Peripheral vision: Contacts give you a full, uninterrupted field of view.
- Streamlined for activity: Perfect for sports, working out, or any active pursuits.
- No frames, no problem: Contacts correct your vision without altering your appearance.
- Custom solutions: From toric lenses for astigmatism to multifocal lenses for presbyopia, there’s something for everyone.
- Weather-friendly vision: No foggy lenses on rainy or humid days!
Is It Time to Update Your Prescription?
Whether you’re rocking glasses, exploring contacts, or alternating between the two, clear vision starts with the right prescription and a caring professional by your side. At Kennedy Eye Clinic, we’re here to walk you through every step of the process and help you find the perfect fit for your unique needs.
Don’t leave your vision to guesswork. Book an appointment today, and discover what clear vision feels like!
