Ever thought about what makes glasses prescription different from contact lens prescription? If you have not, then you probably think you can get contact lenses using your glasses prescription. Essentially, the distance of the contact lenses or the glasses is what makes all the difference. Normally, glasses are placed approximately 12 millimeters from your eyes while the contact lenses get to rest on your eyes directly. Therefore, if you were to use your glasses prescription to get contact lenses, the positioning would not be right, and you would later develop headaches and straining. In essence, if you need some contact lenses, you will have to undertake a contact lens exam in addition to the regular eye exam.
The Contact Lens Exam
The internet is replete with tools that you can use to convert simple glasses prescriptions to contact lens prescriptions. Though making a simple query online is tempting, you should consider taking a real contact lens exam to determine your individual needs. Normally, contact lenses should be chosen depending on the particularly unique features that each individual has.
Additionally, it is not only your prescription that matters when choosing your contact lens. For instance, while contact lenses have particular specifications regarding curves, diameters, modality, and material, glasses don’t. Normally, it is the base curve that helps your lens to fit perfectly on your cornea. Different people have differently shaped corneas.
Additionally, the diameter of the lens determines how comfortable it is. The wrong diameter could cause abrasions or even irritations. The dryness of your eyes is also critical in determining the water content of your contact lens. Therefore, you must get examined by an optometrist before getting the contact lens.
Talk to Your Optometrist
Contact lenses are health devices and are therefore categorized as so by the Food and Drug Administration. Therefore, you will need a professional to conduct the exam and determine the right lenses for you. Essentially, your optometrist will ensure that you don’t get ill-fitting contact lenses. Additionally, it would help if you never used your glasses prescription to get a contact lens prescription.
Eye Care Services by Excel Optometry
Need a contact lens exam? You can contact us at Excel Optometry and get your prescription. We are located in Crown Valley, CA, and offer excellent eye care, eyewear, and emergency services.
