Contact vs. Glasses PrescriptionsWhat’s the Difference?
At first glance, it's easy to assume your contact lens and glasses prescriptions are identical. After all, they both correct the same vision problem, right? Well, they have similarities, but they’re not the same. While your prescriptions seem similar, and both address your nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism, they’re distinctly tailored to the vision correction method used and aren’t interchangeable.
The Visionworks team has put together answers to the most common questions we receive from customers about their prescriptions. Let's discover the differences between contact lens vs. glasses prescriptions and which solution is right for you.
Are Contact Lens Prescriptions the Same as Glasses Prescriptions?
Contact lens and glasses prescriptions have some similarities, but they’re not the same. They both serve to correct refractive errors that prevent you from seeing clearly. What is a refractive error? Refractive errors are vision problems resulting in blurry vision due to your eye's shape and ability to bend light. The issues include myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness) and astigmatism (when the curve of the eye is asymmetrical). Both contacts and glasses have the power to correct refractive errors and restore your vision. However, they work in entirely different ways.
What Are the Differences between Glasses and Contacts Prescriptions?
Contact lens and glasses prescriptions are distinctive because glasses and contact lenses are positioned differently on your eye. Glasses sit about 12 millimeters from the eye, while contacts sit directly on the eye surface. These 12 millimeters make a world of difference and can dramatically change the prescriptions between the two.
Also, contact lens prescriptions require more specifications than glasses. These include:
- Lens Diameter: The lens diameter specifies the lens size as measured to your eye. The diameter range of soft contacts is from 13.5 to 14.5 millimeters, and the range for hard contacts is from 8.5 to 9.5 millimeters. These diameters are not one-size-fits-all, which is why they require a contact fitting exam.
- Base Curve: The base curve is the curvature of the back lens and is determined by the shape of your cornea. This curve determines the fit of the lens that ensures it stays in place.
- Lens Brand: Unlike glasses, contact prescriptions also include the specific brand of lenses. This is because each brand uses different lens materials, which determine breathability. Brands cannot be switched out without consulting an eye doctor.
- Expiration Date: Contacts and glasses prescriptions typically have different expiration dates. Chances are your contacts prescription expires before your glasses, so be sure to double-check!
As you can see, there are many differences between these two types of prescriptions! Small changes can make a big difference, which is why it’s necessary to get an updated prescription from your optometrist before ordering either contacts or frames.
What Do the Abbreviations Mean on Prescriptions?
We covered the additional components of contact prescriptions. Still, you may notice unfamiliar abbreviations on your contact lens and glasses prescriptions. Let's review what these abbreviations mean so you can better understand your prescriptions and the differences between them.
- OD or Oculus Dexter: This simply refers to the right eye. It’s also common to see "RE".
- OS or Oculus Sinister: This term refers to the left eye. It’s also common to see "LE".
- OU or Oculus Uterque: This refers to both eyes.
- SPH or Sphere: The sphere or curve of the lens is measured in diopters and represents the prescription strength. This may also be written as "Power". The farther from zero this number is, the stronger the prescription.
- Minus Sign or (-): Indicates nearsightedness.
- Plus Sign or (+): Indicates farsightedness.
- CYL or Cylinder: Specifies the amount of power needed to correct astigmatism.
- Axis: Specifies the orientation of an astigmatism.
- ADD or Addition: For lenses in bi-focal and progressive lenses, specifies the additional correction needed to address farsightedness.
- PD or Pupillary Distance: This refers to the distance between the centers of the pupils in your eyes.
- BC or Base Curve: Specifies the base curve of each contact lens.
- DIA or Diameter: Specifies the contact lens size.
Now that you know the abbreviations, terms and definitions for contact and glasses prescriptions, you can better understand what your prescription means. Don't worry, though. There is no quiz! Your Visionworks eye doctor specifies everything, ensuring your prescription is worry-free.
Can You Convert a Glasses Prescription to Contacts?
Now that you’ve learned the differences between contact and glasses prescription, you might be wondering whether a glasses prescription can be converted to a contact lens prescription. The simple answer to this is “no”. Despite the charts and conversions posted online, a contact prescription requires an eye examination and contact lens fitting to be administered by a licensed eye doctor.
Special expertise is required to determine the base curve, diameter and lens material needed for your unique needs. If you're interested in getting contacts for the first time or renewing your prescription, schedule an eye exam at a Visionworks location near you.
How to Decide When to Wear Contact Lenses vs. Prescription Glasses
If you’re trying to choose between contact lenses and prescription glasses, first know that you don’t have to be exclusive. Many people have both contacts and glasses so they can change up their look and have vision correction options.
Still, you might be wondering whether contacts or glasses are more appropriate for you. The answer depends on several factors, including visual needs, budget, lifestyle and personal preferences. In this section, we’ll explore the pros and cons of both options and answer frequently asked questions so you can determine which choice is best for you.
The Pros and Cons of Wearing Contacts
Pros:
- Contact lenses are designed to conform to the natural curvature of your eye for a comfortable fit and crystal-clear vision.
- Contacts give you freedom of movement, ideal for those with highly active lifestyles.
- Contact lenses provide discreet options that don’t alter your facial features or obscure your vision.
- Contacts allow you to express your unique style with colored contacts.
- Contacts are not affected by weather conditions like rain, snow or humidity.
Cons:
- Putting contacts in and removing them can be intimidating and uncomfortable at first.
- Contact lenses typically require more care and gentler handling than glasses due to the delicate material.
- Contacts may require frequent cleaning (unless you select daily-wear lenses) and proper care to reduce the risk of infection.
- Contact lenses must be replaced more frequently than eyeglasses, which can make them more expensive.
- Contact lenses may feel uncomfortable for individuals with sensitive eyes and can worsen the symptoms of dry eye syndrome.
The Pros and Cons of Wearing Eyeglasses
Pros:
- Eyeglasses provide convenience; they’re easily removed when necessary.
- Glasses offer a low-maintenance choice for individuals who only need vision correction for specific activities, like reading, driving or using digital devices.
- Wearing eyeglasses prevents people from touching their eyes, reducing the risk of infection and irritation.
- Glasses protect the eyes against debris and elements, like dust particles, wind and precipitation.
- Glasses may offer protection from the sun’s ultraviolet rays, depending on the lens type (e.g., sunglasses or light-reactive lenses).
- Well-maintained glasses can last for years before needing replacement (if your prescription doesn’t change).
Cons:
- Eyeglasses can be limiting and inconvenient during exercise or playing sports.
- The lenses of your eyeglasses can reflect your eyes or other objects behind you, which can be distracting to other people.
- Fog and precipitation, like rain or snow, can collect on the lenses of your glasses and obstruct your vision.
Are Glasses Better than Contacts?
There’s no straightforward answer to whether glasses are superior to contacts, as it depends on the person’s unique needs and lifestyle. For example, you may live an active lifestyle and engage in sports. If so, contacts may be a suitable choice due to their ability to provide clearer vision without the risk of falling off. However, glasses can be a better choice for people who prefer convenience, as they require little cleaning or maintenance.
When choosing between contacts vs. prescription glasses, consider your needs, comfort—and your eye doctor’s recommendation.
Do Contacts Hurt Your Eyes?
When properly worn and cared for, contact lenses shouldn’t lead to discomfort. While some people may initially feel dryness or discomfort as they adjust to wearing contacts, this feeling typically disappears once their eyes acclimate. Feeling pain while wearing contact lenses can be a sign of underlying factors, and if you experience pain, you should contact your eye doctor immediately. Pain may be due to the following:
- Incorrect prescription: Symptoms like eye strain, blurry vision or headaches may indicate an incorrect prescription. Schedule regular eye exams to ensure you have the correct prescription for your contact lenses.
- Allergic reactions: Some individuals may be allergic to the contact lens material or lens solution and experience discomfort and irritation. Consult your eye doctor immediately upon noticing signs of allergic reactions like itching or swelling.
- Poor hygiene: Improper cleaning and storage of contact lenses can lead to bacterial infections, eye pain or redness. Following the recommended maintenance guidelines from your optometrist helps you avoid these problems.
- Improper use: Wearing your contact lenses longer than the recommended time or using them past their expiration date can result in discomfort, irritation, infection or even corneal damage. To prevent these issues, be sure to adhere to the prescribed wearing schedule and care instructions provided by your optometrist.
Who Can Wear Contact Lenses?
Modern contact lenses have come a long way in addressing different vision concerns, but they are not the best solution for everyone. Consulting your local eye doctor is the best way to determine whether contact lenses are right for you. Your doctor can evaluate several factors to assess your eligibility to wear contact lenses, including the following:
- Age: Adults don’t typically experience limitations with contact lens wear, but age is a relevant factor for children experiencing vision problems. According to the American Optometric Association, teens and pre-teens can use contact lenses safely when they are taught how to put in, take out and clean the lenses and can understand the importance of following lens care guidelines.
- Eye sensitivity: Contact lenses may not be the best choice for individuals experiencing frequent eye sensitivity or irritation.
- Other medical conditions: People with dry eye syndrome, severe allergies or chronic eye infections may not be the best candidates for contact lens wear.
When Should You Update Your Vision Prescriptions?
It’s essential to schedule eye exams yearly to update vision prescriptions and check your overall eye health. While your prescription may stay the same, an eye exam can catch signs of eye diseases like macular degeneration and glaucoma, as well as detect the first signs of systemic issues such as diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
Can You Order Contact Lenses and Glasses Online?
Once you have a current contact lens or glasses prescription from an optometrist, you can easily order new glasses and contacts online! Visionworks carries hundreds of the latest glasses styles and contact lenses from top-selling brands. Ordering online is easy and only requires filling out some prescription information and providing a scan of your current prescription. If you need help, expert Visionworks team members are ready to assist via phone or in-person at your local Visionworks store.
Find Your Solution: Visit a Visionworks Location Near You
With several factors to consider, choosing between contacts vs. glasses prescriptions might seem overwhelming. Your eye doctor can help you select the perfect solution for your unique needs, lifestyle and preferences. Visionworks makes this process easy and convenient with our many locations across the United States. Visit a Visionworks location near you today for a comprehensive eye exam and discover the best choice for improving your vision.
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Information received through Visionworks® content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, medical recommendations, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your eye doctor, physician, or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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