Difference Between Eyeglass and Contact Lens Prescriptions

One of the simplest and safest ways to correct refractive errors is to wear eyeglasses or contact lenses. This helps solve issues like nearsightedness, farsightedness and presbyopia. However, before purchasing one, you’ll need a prescription, and there are differences between contact lenses and glasses prescriptions.

• They Are Not Interchangeable. What this basically means is that you can’t use a contact lens prescription to get tailor-fitted eyeglasses and vice versa. Granted, both of them solve vision problems, but the way they work have significant differences. For instance, contact lenses are placed directly on your eyes while eyeglasses sit around 12 millimeters away from them. The grade of your prescription is influenced by these differences.

• They Both Have Unique Specifications
  Eye doctors will tell you that both eyeglasses and contact lenses have certain specifications that can’t be found in the other. One example is the base curve and the diameter of your contact lenses which help determine the comfortable dimensions of the lenses on your eyes. On the other end of the spectrum, eyeglass prescriptions factor in the sphere that dictates the lens power, a cylinder that displays the strength of the refractive error and an axis that shows the cylinder orientation.

• They Have Different Expiration Dates: Contact lenses will normally last you for a year before you can get new lenses. Before that, you’ll need to visit your trusted eye doctor to get an update on your visual health. On the other hand, eyeglass prescriptions are mandated by state laws to expire after two years.

As such, it’s important to know that you’ll need different prescriptions for each of these products. While no option outweighs the other, both are definitely helpful in improving your visual health as long as you find the best one that fits your needs.

For your eye care and vision therapy needs, turn to Insight Vision Center Optometry. We’re the trusted name in the field of optometry. Call us at (714) 486-3315, or fill out our contact form to learn more about our services. We assist patients in Costa Mesa and Newport Beach, CA.