What information do I need to order contact lenses?
A contact lens prescription is made up of specific data which will be needed to order your contact lenses correctly.
All of this information is available on the packaging of the contact lenses you are currently wearing, or from your optometrist or optician.
I strongly recommend that you consult an optometrist or optician for the details pertaining to your eyes.
Be sure it contains all the necessary information, including expiration date, and is signed by your eye care professional.
Here is the information that you will need:
OD = Right Eye
OS = Left Eye
BC / Base Curve (a number between 8.0 and 10.0)
DIA / Diameter (a number between 13.0 and 15.0)
Power / Sphere / Rx (a number between -20 and +20)
For astigmatic patients, we also need:
Cylinder (a number between -4.00 and +4.00)
Axis (a number between 0 and 180)
Cylinder and Axis are usually separated by “X” and read as “times”
A regular prescription would look like this:
OS Brand Name: Acuvue
OS BC: 8.8 DIA: 14.4 SPHERE: -2.50
OD Brand Name: Optima FW
OD BC: 8.4 DIA: 14.0 SPHERE: -2.75
A prescription for astigmatism would look like this:
OS Brand Name: Acuvue Toric
OS BC: 8.8 DIA: 14.4 SPHERE: -2.50
OS CYL & AXIS:- 1.25 X 180œ
OD Brand Name: Focus Toric
OD BC: 8.7 DIA: 14.0 SPHERE: -4.50
OD CYL & AXIS:- 0.75 X 95œ
This information may appear complicated but in fact it is very straightforward. Just consult your current contact lens packaging for reference.
Get this information together before you place your order so that you obtain the correct contacts the first time as there are no refunds