Decoding your prescription info
Need some clarity when it comes to reading your prescription? Have questions? Get them answered, here.
Well, hey there you proficient, self-motivated, answer-discovering Magellan.
You’re a busy go-getter, so we’ll give you a quick download of the answers you’ll find in this article:
How do I read my contact lens prescription info?
How do I get a contact lens prescription?
How long does a contact lens prescription last?
Then, we’ll give you a couple more resources to learn more about what you need to order through us, and how to upload your prescription (it’s super easy. Pinky promise).
Sound like the butter to your bread? Keep reading.
How do I get a contact lens prescription?
Well, you could get a prescription from an eye doctor or your eye care provider. OR, you can take our super simple online vision exam (ExpressExam). It only takes ten minutes. No parking lots or waiting rooms required!
Where can I find my prescription info?
Your prescription details can be found on the side of your contact lens box. If you don’t have your box, we’re happy to contact your eye care provider to get a copy of your prescription for you. Or if you've ordered with us in the past, you can log into your 1-800 Contacts account and you'll find what you need under "My prescriptions.”
How long does a contact lens prescription last?
Most contact lens prescriptions expire between 1 to 2 years after your eye exam or contact lens fitting. Multiple factors determine how long your prescription is good for. You can get more details on those factors here. The good news is, if you order through us, you can renew your prescription online through ExpressExam… online.
How do I read my contact lens prescription info?
First, let’s break down some of the acronyms and language you’ll see on your card…
Standard prescription
O.D. = Right eye: OD stands for "oculus dexter" which is Latin for "right eye". The right eye is always listed first on the prescription.
O.S. = Left eye: OS stands for "oculus sinister" which is Latin. We'll give you free shipping if you can guess its English translation. It's always listed second on a prescription.
BC = Base curve: It's a number between 8 and 10 that measures the curve of the lens. The larger the number, the flatter the lens. The base curve determines how the lens fits on your eye and most brands only produce contacts in a couple of base curve options.
DIA = Diameter: The width of the lens in millimeters. Most brands manufacture contacts in one standard size between 13.5 and 15 mm wide.
Brand: The brand is the specific kind of contacts you buy/the company that manufactures the specific type of lens you’re prescribed.
Astigmatism/toric lens prescription
The above still applies, but you have some extra info in your prescription…
Power/SPH = Power/Sphere: Sometimes abbreviated to PWR, SPH, or something similar, they all mean the same thing: it's the strength of your prescription. It will have a plus or minus before it depending on if you're nearsighted (-) or farsighted (+).
CYL = Cylinder: This is for people with astigmatism. This is when one part of the eye needs more correction than the rest of the eye. Cylinder is different from your Power measurement and is written with a minus (-) sign.
Axis: The axis measurement is only for people with astigmatism. The axis is a number between 0 and 180 and determines the orientation of the cylinder within the lens.
And if you’re reading your prescription on your contact lens box, all the same info applies, it’s just formatted a little differently. See the difference below.
Any more questions? Keep them coming! Our customer service team is here whenever you need them, 24/7, ‘round the clock.