Here is a typical contact lens prescription:
| Eye |
Power (sphere) |
BC |
Dia |
Brand |
| OD
(Right) | -2.25 |
8.8 | 14.0 |
Acuvue |
| OS
(Left) | -3.00 |
8.8 | 14.0 |
Acuvue |
Here are the definitions
of the symbols used: - OD - Right Eye
- OS - Left Eye
- OU - Both Eyes
- BC - Base Curve
- Dia - Diameter
Brand: Manufacturer & Series of lens
Power/Sphere: Strength of lenses - a number between
–20.00 and +20.00
BC: Base Curve (back curvature of lens) -a number
between 8.0 and 10.0
Dia: Diameter (diameter of lens) - a number between
13.0 and 15.0. Toric and custom lenses have additional
measurements that may include AXIS and Cylinder.
Cylinder: Correction for Astigmatic patients (toric
lenses only) (a number between -4.00 and +4.00)
Axis: Correction for Astigmatic patients (toric lenses
only) - a number between 0 and 180
Bifocal contact lenses generally contain one additional number
which is the add power. A special field will be given for this number.
Notes
- A contact lens prescription is not the same as an eyeglass prescription.
In addition to the lens power, your contact lens prescription contains several
other pieces of information related to the size of the lens.
- Your
prescription will also contain an expiration date. This is typically two years
from the date that the contact lenses were fitted.
- BC values range from about
8.0 to 9.5. The doctor fits the lens with the curvature most appropriate for your
eye. Most lenses come in several different BC values. If your prescription does
not contain a BC value, this is likely because your brand of lens only comes in
one base curve.
- BC values are a bit like clothes sizes - just because you
are a BC 8.6 in one brand doesn't mean you will be in another.
- If you
are in a toric lens your prescription will contain two additional columns entitled
cylinder and axis. These numbers related to the correction of your astigmatism.
- Even the power of the lenses is generally not the same as in your eyeglass
prescription. This is because:
- The contact lens sits on the surface of
your eye, while your eyeglasses sit about 12 mm in front of your eye
- Regular
soft contacts do not correct for your astigmatism, but your eye doctor will typically
try to partially correct for it by changing the power of the lens.
If you have any questions regarding your prescription or
need to clarify the information contained within, please
contact your eye care professional.
We cannot and will not provide advice about your prescription,
corrective requirements, or which lenses are best for
you.
