SPECTACLE AND CONTACT LENS PRESCRIPTION

FAQ ON SPECTACLE AND CONTACT LENS PRESCRIPTION

Are Contact Lens and Eyeglass Prescriptions the Same?

No, contact lens prescription and eyeglass prescription have a significant difference. This difference is because the eyeglasses are usually placed at a distance of 12 millimeter from the eye, whereas a contact lens is directly positioned over the surface of your eyes.

What's the difference between a contact lens and glasses prescription?

Both the prescriptions are used to define the lens power that is required to correct the refractive error. But, you may notice that both the prescriptions do not have the same reading. The powers specified on your contact lens prescription may have a different reading than the ones on your glasses prescription. Another difference is that the contact lens prescription may contain additional information which is usually not included in a glasses prescription.

Spectacle prescription and meaning of the different terms used:

  R and L- The R and L term on the prescription refer to the right and the left eye
  Sph - This indicates the power that is required to see clearly. A+ shows that you are far sighted, which means you find it difficult to see things close to you. On the other hand, A- is for near sighted, which means you find it difficult to see things that are far away
  Cyl- Cyl or cylinder shows the power you need to correct astigmatism.
  Axis- Axis is the direction of the astigmatism, measured in degrees. This tells the manufacturer of the lens where the power to correct the astigmatism should be placed.
  Add- It indicates the amount of additional correction required to focus at close distance. This is additional information to the Sph box as this power needs to be added to the Sph to get the actual power.
  Prism- This box indicates that your eyes do not work well as a pair. This is used to prevent double vision and headaches
  Base- This shows where the prism is to be placed in your glasses
  Anti- Reflective Coating- This is used to cut off glare from the sun and other bright lights, such as the glare from headlights, computer screens and other screens.

Contact lens prescription and meaning of the different terms used:

  R and L- The R and L term on the prescription refer to the right and the left eye
  Lens Name- This is used to specify the brand name of the contact lens
  BC- This indicated the curvature of the lens. It can be loose or tight
  Dia- Dia shows the reading of the diameter of the contact lens
  Sph - This indicates the power that is required to see clearly. A+ shows that you are far sighted, which means you find it difficult to see things close to you. On the other hand, A- is for near sighted, which means you find it difficult to see things that are far off
  Cyl- Cyl or cylinder shows the power you need to correct astigmatism
  Axis- Axis is the direction of the astigmatism, measured in degrees. This tells the manufacturer of the lens where the power to correct the astigmatism should be placed.