Reading a contact lens prescription can seem like a foreign language, but when it’s broken down into sections it’s really quite simple. After you receive your prescription and understand how to read it, you will need to get it filled. Ordering online is an easy and convenient way to do this, especially if you’re ordering a popular brand such as Acuvue Oasys 12 pack from Lens.com. Of course, filling it in a store is always an option.
First, let’s cover how to read the lens prescription your eye doctor has given you. You may notice at the top of the slip the letters OD, OS, or OU. These refer to the eye in which the remaining abbreviations and measurements refer to, so OD (Latin for ocular dexter) is your right eye, OS (ocular sinister) is your left, and OU (ocular uterque) refers to both eyes. Next, PWR, or refractive power, measures your vision regarding distance. You will notice either a plus or minus sign in front of the number on your prescription which refers to either farsightedness (plus sign) or nearsightedness (minus sign).
Base Curve
The next section focuses on the comfort of your lens. BC, base curve, is the reason why each lens is so personalized. It measures, in millimeters, the curve of your lens so that it matches the curvature of your cornea. The other aspect of the shape of your lens is the diameter, or DIA. This measurement is particularly important as an incorrect evaluation could cause discomfort or damage to your eye through irritation or abrasions. The DIA refers to the measurement from one edge of the lens to the other.
Cylinder Value
If it’s been determined that you have an astigmatism then you will notice on your prescription a section for CYL. This is your cylinder value. Like the PWR noted before, your CYL number will be preceded by either a plus or minus sign denoting near or farsightedness and what is needed as a correction. Along with the CYL, lens wearers with an astigmatism will also have an AXIS value. This measurement speaks to the positioning of the cylinder in your actual lens. If you require a bifocal lens you will also have an ADD section, which means add power and is used to correct your vision for activities like reading.
The last two portions of your prescription cover COLOR and BRAND. For those seeking cosmetic lenses, the color and style are found here and are pretty self-explanatory. In the brand section your eye doctor will denote the particular brand recommended to suit your eye.
Other Tips
Now that you understand how to read your prescription, the next step is to fill it which can be done either online or in a store. However you choose to obtain your lenses there are a few things you should keep in mind. Price isn’t everything when it comes to purchasing your lenses. You want to make sure that you are getting the most value-wise, so avoid choosing an online company or store based solely on price. You can’t wrong with popular brands like Acuvue Oasys, but everyone is different so make sure you ask your eye doctor for brand recommendations. Also if you purchase your lenses from a bigger company, not only will they have a larger stock of lenses, but if you aren’t satisfied with your contact lenses or if they are torn then it will be easier to exchange them. Buying from a larger company will give you peace of mind, which is invaluable when it comes to your lenses.
Article Submitted By Community Writer
