How Contact Lens Prescriptions Differ From Glasses

When it comes to vision correction, glasses and contact lenses may seem interchangeable - but their prescriptions are not. Even if you’ve worn glasses for years, your contact lens prescription will look different and requires a specialized exam to ensure your lenses fit comfortably and provide clear, healthy vision.
 

Measurement Variations

A glasses prescription measures the power needed to correct your vision at a specific distance - roughly 12 millimeters in front of your eyes. Contact lenses, however, sit directly on the surface of your eye. This means the prescription must account for factors like corneal curvature and lens diameter to ensure proper alignment and focus.
 

Base Curve and Diameter

Contact lenses come in different shapes and sizes. Your optometrist measures the base curve (the curvature of the lens) and the diameter (the size across the lens) to ensure the lens fits your eye properly. A poor fit can lead to discomfort, dryness, or even eye infections.
 

Astigmatism and Specialty Lenses

If you have astigmatism, your contact lens prescription may include a cylinder and axis measurement for toric lenses. Similarly, if you need multifocal or specialty contact lenses, those measurements differ from the simpler prescriptions used for glasses.
 

The Importance of a Contact Lens Exam and Fitting

A contact lens exam goes beyond your standard eye exam. Your optometrist performs detailed measurements of your eyes, evaluates tear film quality, and determines which lens design suits your lifestyle and vision needs.
 

During the fitting process, trial lenses may be applied to assess comfort, vision clarity, and how well the lenses move with your eyes. Follow-up visits are often scheduled to fine-tune the fit and ensure your eyes remain healthy with regular lens wear.
 

Schedule Your Contact Lens Exam Today

While glasses and contact lenses both correct vision, the way they interact with your eyes makes their prescriptions very different. A professional contact lens exam and fitting ensure that your lenses not only help you see clearly but also protect your long-term eye health.
 

Schedule your contact lens exam and fitting at The Eyewear Collection to find the perfect lenses for your unique eyes and lifestyle. Visit our office in Greenwood Village, Colorado, or call (720) 226-8200 to book an appointment today.