Thinking about ordering contact lenses online? You might wonder: “Can I just use my eyeglass prescription?” The short answer is no, and here’s why.
Eyeglass and contact lens prescriptions are not the same. They have important differences, and there are legal requirements that must be followed when ordering contacts. Understanding these differences will help you order safely and get the right fit for your lenses.
Differences Between Eyeglass and Contact Lens Prescriptions
Even though both eyeglasses and contact lenses correct vision, their prescriptions work differently:
Lens Placement: Eyeglasses sit about 12 millimeters away from your eyes, while contact lenses rest directly on the eye’s surface. This distance affects the measurements and the strength of your lenses.
Additional Measurements for Contacts: Contact lens prescriptions include details that eyeglass prescriptions do not, such as brand, base curve (BC), diameter (DIA), and power (PWR). These ensure your lenses fit comfortably and provide the correct vision.
Prescription Availability: Some eyeglass prescriptions may not have matching contact lens options. Certain cylinder or axis values may not be available for contacts.
Lens Brand/Name: The specific brand or type of contact lens prescribed by your eye care professional.
Base Curve (BC): This measurement determines the curvature of the lens to match the shape of your eye.
Diameter (DIA): The size of the lens, ensuring it fits correctly on your eye.
Power (Sphere, Cylinder, and Axis): These values correct your vision and are specific to each eye.
Why a Contact Lens Prescription Is Required
A contact lens prescription is needed to ensure your lenses fit safely and provide the correct vision. Eyeglass prescriptions cannot be converted into contact lens prescriptions, only a certified eye care provider can issue or update a contact lens prescription. Additionally, contact lenses require precise measurements to ensure a proper fit and comfort. These measurements are not included in eyeglass prescriptions, making it impossible to use them for ordering contact lenses.
What To Do If You Don’t Have a Contact Lens Prescription
Schedule an Eye Exam: Visit your eye care professional, who will measure your eyes and determine the correct specifications for your contact lenses. 2. Receive Your Prescription: After the fitting, your eye care professional will provide a prescription that includes all the necessary parameters for your contact lenses. 3. Use the Prescription to Order Lenses: Provide the prescription details when ordering contact lenses online or in-store.
If you have any questions about your prescription or ordering process, don’t hesitate to reach out to our customer support team. Your safety and comfort are our top priorities! Eyeglass prescriptions and contact lens prescriptions serve different purposes and are not interchangeable. To order contact lenses, you must provide a valid contact lens prescription that includes all the required parameters.