How to enter your contacts prescription

OD is an abbreviation for the Latin term oculus dexter which means right eye. Notice that the right eye information is asked for first even though we typically read from left to right.

OS is an abbreviation of the Latin oculus sinister which means left eye. That will be referenced on the far right column of the prescription.

B.C. is short for base curve measurement indicates the back curvature of your contact lens, in millimetres. This is important for comfort, as the BC of your contact lenses should match your eye's natural curve as closely as possible to ensure a better fit when you are wearing your contact lenses.

DIA is short for "diameter," or the distance from one edge of the contact lens to the other. This is measured in millimeters.

SPH is short for sphere. The sphere of your prescription indicates the power on the lenses that is needed to see clearly. A plus (+) symbol indicates the eyeglass wearer is farsighted. A minus (-) symbol indicates that the eyeglass wearer is nearsighted.

CYL is short for cylinder. The cylinder indicates the lens power necessary to correct astigmatism. If the column has no value (is blank), it indicates that the eyeglass wearer does not have astigmatism. If this is the case on your prescription, you can leave it blank when entering it in.

AXIS is a prescription will include an axis value for those with astigmatism. This number represents the angle of the lens that shouldn't feature a cylinder power to help correct your astigmatism.

ADD is short for "additional correction." This is where details about bifocals, multifocal lenses or progressive lenses would appear.

How to enter your glasses prescription

OD is an abbreviation for the Latin term oculus dexter which means right eye. Notice that the right eye information is asked for first even though we typically read from left to right.

OS is an abbreviation of the Latin oculus sinister which means left eye. That will be referenced on the far right column of the prescription.

ADD is short for "additional correction." This is where details about bifocals, multifocal lenses or progressive lenses would appear.

	Lens Width	Bridge Width	Temple Length
XS	< 42 mm	< 16 mm	<=128 mm
S	42 mm - 48 mm	16 mm - 17 mm	128 mm - 134 mm
M	49 mm - 52 mm	18 mm - 19 mm	135 mm - 141 mm
L	>52 mm	>19 mm	>= 141 mm

Lens Width

Bridge Width

Temple Length

< 42 mm

< 16 mm

<=128 mm

42 mm - 48 mm

16 mm - 17 mm

128 mm - 134 mm

49 mm - 52 mm

18 mm - 19 mm

135 mm - 141 mm

>52 mm

>19 mm

>= 141 mm

Care For Your Eyes

Proper Maintenance and Health of Your Eyes Comes from Regular Check Ups.

An eye doctor can spot the early warning signs of vision problems like glaucoma and macular degeneration, as well as other serious health conditions, such as diabetes and hypertension. Early detection is key.

Contact Lens Prescriptions (Fittings) - How Do I Get One?

First time users will typically visit an optometrist for a contact lens fitting, even if you don't have any vision problems. The contact lens fitter will measure your eyes, and determine which brand, material and size is right for you.

The first time fit involves:

Assessment

The doctor will review your history and get a feel for your needs. Your eyes will be measured and suitable candidates will receive a trial pair of lenses.

Trial Lenses and Instruction

An experienced contact lens teacher will provide thorough instructions of the proper techniques for the insertion, removal and disinfection of your lenses. Your teacher will also explain the importance of hygiene, your daily regimen and replacing your contact lenses on time.

Evaluation

A slit lamp is used to assess the lens coverage, centration and movement. The slit lamp will also help the doctor see if there are any issues in terms of comfort with the lenses themselves.

Follow Up

Generally within 1 week of the initial visit, you will see the doctor for a follow up to insure the proper fit and level of vision correction. At this point, your prescription will be finalized and valid, and you can begin to order your replacement contact lenses online.

What Happens Next Time I Need New Contacts?

If you want to change your brand of lenses or renew your contact lens prescription, you have to schedule another contact lens fitting or renewal. It may require less steps and cost less than your first time

Yearly and Bi-yearly Eye Exams and Contact Lens Prescription Renewals

A lot of our customers talk to us about their difficulty finding affordable eye care. They often tell us things like "my insurance only covers my eye exam every two years" and they ask "why does my contact lens prescription have a 1 year expiry?".

You should have an eye exam every 2 years or sooner, as your eye doctor may have already advised you. The contact lens portion of your prescription typically needs to be renewed yearly. Even if your prescription numbers have not changed, it is necessary to get an annual contact lens eye exam to evaluate the health of your eyes while wearing lenses. These rules have been put in place to promote good eye health and prevent complications that may arise from contact lens wear.

If you just need to replace your old contact lenses, try to schedule a "contact lens evaluation" and bring one of your remaining fresh pairs of contact lenses to the visit. Explain to your doctor that you're not a first time wearer, and that you need an updated copy of your prescription so you can throw out your old lenses and order new ones. You should not have to redo the contact lens teach or another full exam unless your doctor believes you may have been abusing your lenses or tells you it is necessary.

Do not continue to wear your old lenses. Most doctors will agree that its unhealthy to continue wearing the same pair of old contacts!

The "contact lens evaluation" also known as a "contact lens refit" or "contact lens renewal" or "contact lens exam" could potentially be billed separate from a full eye exam. In most cases, the doctor's office should bill less than half the cost of a full eye exam if you're only doing the contact lens evaluation to obtain new replacement contacts.

If you can't afford a full eye exam or prefer to wait until you are eligible for insurance, tell your doctor you want to be billed for a contact lens follow up only, so you can replace your old contacts. Everyone gets a "full" eye exam by default, so talk to your doctor's office if your budget does not permit.

Proper Contact Lens Wear and Care

Wash your hands before handling your lenses.
Replace your lenses on schedule. Do not over-wear lenses. Lenses wear out over time.
Do not sleep in your lenses unless you have 100% approval from your eye doctor and are wearing the appropriate FDA approved overnight contacts.
Don't wear lenses longer than prescribed.
Clean and store your lenses as instructed by your contact lens teacher at your first contact lens fitting.
Clean, rinse and air-dry your lens case often. Replace your lens case with a new one every 3 months.
If eyes become red or irritated, remove the lenses immediately and consult your doctor. Don't try to brave the irritation.
Do not use water to store or clean lenses. Use contact lens solution, and follow the instructions found on the packaging carefully, or consult your eye care provider.

The money that you save ordering your contact lenses from Kits.com would be well spent on eye check ups.

Still Have Questions? We Would Love to Answer Them!

Give us a call to chat with one of our staff or send us an email and we'll get back to you as soon as possible. [email protected]

We always respond promptly. 1-833-487-5487

Monday to Friday, 10am - 6pm EST.

How to read your contacts prescription