Your contact lens prescription is a set of specifications that allows you to buy contact lenses that will correct your visual needs.
It will state the power of lens you need, the size, and the recommended brand. If you have a particular condition such as astigmatism; or require a more complex multifocal lens, your prescription may include other details.
A contact lens prescription will be issued to you after an eye exam by a qualified practitioner. They will establish both your visual requirements, and recommend replacement routines based on your lifestyle and the sensitivity of your eyes.
Do I need a prescription to order online?
A prescription is necessary for ordering contact lenses – it is the only way to ensure you are ordering the right lenses for your eyes.
At LensVillage.com we don’t require you to show proof of your prescription. When you purchase lenses from us we take it as confirmation that you have an in-date prescription, and that the details you provide us with are correct.
To read our full disclaimer regarding the purchase of contact lenses, either scroll down.
How do I read my prescription?
Your contact lens prescription will likely have a few codes and abbreviations that might seem confusing at first. Here’s our easy guide to understanding your prescription.
• (BC) Base Curve – This is a measurement of the curvature of the contact lens. Always done in millimetres, this figure determines how well a contact lens will fit the eye.
• (DIA) Diameter – Remove one contact lens carefully from your eye.
• (PWR/SPH) Power/Sphere – This figure indicates whether you are long or short sighted, and how weak your vision is. Long-sightedness is indicated by a plus (+) and short-sightedness by a minus (-). The higher the figure, the greater the need for visual correction.
Your sight is measured in dioptres. So you may also see your power abbreviated to ‘D’.
• (CYL) Cylinder – This figure is only present on prescriptions for astigmatisms. It indicates the severity of the astigmatism, and will always be a minus (-) quality.
• (AX) Axis – An axis indicates the direction of the curve needed to correct an astigmatism. It will be a number between 0-180.