Contact lens prescriptions and eyeglass prescriptions are not the same. They are significantly different because eyeglass lenses are positioned approximately 12 millimeters from your eyes, whereas contact lenses rest directly on the surface of your eyes.
What is a BC for contacts?
BC – Base Curve (usually a number between 8 and 10) DIA – Diameter (usually a number between 13 and 15) Brand – The brand/type of contact lens that your doctor has fitted you for.
How much money do contacts cost?
Contact lenses can cost anywhere from $150 to $1,500 a year, depending on the brand, type, and your insurance coverage. Generally, they cost between $20 and $30 a box. Most people with average prescriptions should be able to get a year’s worth of contact lenses for $200 to $500.
How long are contact prescriptions good for?
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 actually good for.
How do I convert my glasses prescription to contacts?
No – you cannot directly convert a glasses prescription to a contact lens prescription. Equally, you cannot convert a contact lens prescription to a glasses prescription.
Does the BC on contacts matter?
You should never order contact lenses with a base curve that is different from your prescription. This can damage your eyes and cause problems with vision. This is especially important for people who purchase cosmetic coloured contact lenses, which are often of a standardised size.
How do you calculate BC for contact lenses?
Simple Rule for estimating lens base curve on a PLUS POWER lens
- For plus power use the spherical equivalent (SE) and add 4.00 diopters to that. For example, if you have an Rx of + 2.00 sphere, the base curve for the lens will be approximately 6.00.
- Rx +2.00Sph -> [+2.00 +4.00D] = 6.00BC.
Do contacts expire?
Over time, the seal of contact lenses can lose their effectiveness and deteriorate, which can lead to contamination of the solution and the lenses inside. For that reason, all packaged contact lenses will have a printed expiration date. Usually, the expiration date is ~4 years from the date of packaging.
Do I need a new prescription for contacts?
Because the FDA classifies contact lenses as medical devices, you need a doctor’s prescription to buy and wear them. When your prescription expires, you may be able to take an online vision exam that a doctor will review to issue you a new prescription.
Do you need a current prescription for contacts?
Is your contact lens prescription current? You should always have a current, valid prescription when you order contact lenses. If you have not had a check-up in the last one to two years, you may have problems with your eyes that you are not aware of, or your contact lenses may not correct your vision well.
