You might review your vision prescription and wonder whether you can use it for both eyeglasses and contact lenses. At Doctors EyeCare, this is a common question, especially if you’re considering different eyewear options. After all, they both help you see clearly.
While they serve similar purposes, your glasses and contact lens prescriptions are not interchangeable. Each one is crafted with unique information tailored to how the lens interacts with your eye, and getting it right is important for your vision and comfort.
Why Your Prescriptions Are Different
You can’t use a glasses prescription to purchase contact lenses for one simple reason—distance. Your glasses are approximately 12 millimetres from your eyes. Contact lenses, on the other hand, rest directly on the surface of your eyes. This change in distance affects the lens power required to see clearly.
Because of this, you likely need 2 separate examinations and 2 distinct prescriptions. Each is calculated during a comprehensive eye exam to give you the sharpest, most comfortable vision for that specific type of eyewear.
Read Your Eyeglass Prescription
A glasses prescription contains specific numbers that tell a lab how to create custom lenses just for you. It might look complex, but each value has a clear role.
Sphere, Cylinder & Axis
Three main values correct the most common vision issues:
- Sphere (SPH): This indicates the primary lens power required to correct nearsightedness or farsightedness.
- Cylinder (CYL): If you have astigmatism—an imperfection in your eye’s curve—this number indicates the extra lens power needed for correction.
- Axis: This number indicates where the cylinder power should be positioned on your lens.
Add Power for Multifocals
If you use bifocal or progressive lenses to see up close, you may also see an “Add” value. This additional magnification is built into the bottom portion of your lenses for tasks like reading, a common need addressed in adult and senior eye exams.
What Makes a Contact Lens Prescription Unique
A contact lens prescription has all the vision-correcting details of your glasses prescription, plus several extra measurements. These additional details are determined during a contact lens exam and fitting to ensure the lens fits the unique shape and size of your eye for a safe, comfortable experience.
Base Curve & Diameter
2 key measurements define how a contact lens fits your eye:
- The base curve (BC) matches your eye’s curvature
- The diameter (DIA) determines the lens’s overall size
A proper fit helps the lens stay comfortable and centred on your eye.
Lens Material & Brand
Your contact lens prescription also specifies a particular brand and material. Different materials allow different amounts of oxygen to reach your eye. The eye doctor selects a type that supports your eye health and suits your daily life.
Why a Professional Contact Lens Fit is Necessary
You can’t convert an eyeglass prescription to a contact lens prescription on your own because it lacks the measurements for a safe fit. A contact lens fitting with our eye doctor in Red Deer is a dedicated appointment to measure your eye’s surface. The process helps you avoid discomfort and protects your long-term eye health.
Choose Between Glasses & Contacts
Deciding between glasses and contacts often comes down to your lifestyle and personal preference. Both are excellent tools for vision correction, and each offers its own benefits.
The Convenience of Eyeglasses
Eyeglasses are simple to care for and can be a fun way to express your style. You can put them on and take them off in seconds without touching your eyes.
The Freedom of Contact Lenses
Contacts offer a wide, unobstructed field of view, making them ideal for sports and other activities. They don’t fog up in changing temperatures or get splattered by rain, giving you clear vision no matter the weather. Once you have a prescription, you can even order your contacts online for convenience.
The process for getting fitted for contact lenses is straightforward and focuses on your health and comfort. It typically involves these steps:
- Comprehensive eye exam: Your journey starts with a comprehensive check of your vision and eye health to establish your baseline prescription.
- Personalized fitting: The team takes special measurements of your eyes to find the right contacts for a comfortable fit.
- Practice & follow-up: You receive guidance on inserting, removing, and caring for your lenses. Your eye doctor schedules a follow-up to ensure the lenses feel comfortable and work well for you.
Book Your Visit to Doctors EyeCare
Ready to explore your options for clear, comfortable vision? The team at Doctors EyeCare can help you find a solution that works for you. Schedule an appointment to discuss whether glasses or contact lenses are the right choice for your lifestyle.
