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About Your Contact Lens Prescription

A contact lens prescription might look like a bunch of confusing numbers that have no meaning, but each part of your prescription has an impact on your vision. If you're new to contacts or you've been getting them for years, you may be wondering how to read the prescription. Read on to learn more about contact lenses and how the numbers your eye doctor uses play a role in your eyesight and help you achieve better vision.

What is BC for Contacts?

Your contacts should have something to indicate the BC, or Base Curve. This number determines what kind of fit you need in order for your contact lenses to meet with the curve of your eye. Your eye doctor will usually write the BC number in millimeters, and they may include other descriptors. Some words you may see near the BC number include flat, medium, or steep. These words describe the curvature of your eye and help determine how to shape your lenses for the best fit.

Other Parts of a Contact Lens Prescription

Apart from your BC or Base Curve, there are other elements of a contact lens prescription. These may include:

  • Power Sphere: This number will show whether you're near or farsighted and it determines how much correction your eyes need. For those who are farsighted, the number will begin with a plus sign, and for those who are nearsighted, it will start with a minus sign. The number is then increased from 0 in 0.25 diopter increments and the higher this number, the more vision correction you need.
  • Diameter: The DIA or Diameter determines the width that will best fit your eye, and it's also written in millimeters.
  • Cylinder: You'll only see this number if you are getting toric lenses for astigmatism. The cylinder is always a negative number and determines the amount of astigmatism and any extra visual-related requirements to correct it.
  • Axis: Since astigmatism is caused by an irregular curve of the eye, the axis dictates the angle of correction needed to help you see clearly. You'll see the Axis displayed anywhere from 0 to 180 degrees.
  • Addition or ADD: This number is for those dealing with presbyopia and determines how much vision correction is needed so you can see clearly at close distances. The ADD number is always positive and is between 0.50 and 3.00. It may also be referred to as high, medium, or low for some contact lens brands.
  • Dominant: People who need multifocal or bifocal contacts will need identification for the dominant and non-dominant eye. The dominant eye is usually noted with the letter D, which prioritizes distance vision. The nondominant eye noted with the letter N prioritizes near vision.

Contact Lenses and Your Prescription

You must obtain a prescription from your eye doctor in order to purchase contacts in the United States. Contacts are a medical device and if they don't fit properly, it can potentially cause a problem like vision loss, discomfort, infection, swelling, and more. Your contact prescription should only be valid for one year from the issuance date. You will need to schedule a new eye exam every year to confirm your current prescription is still correct or to get a new one.

The material provided on this site is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or optometric advice. The information provided is not intended for the diagnosis of medical condition and should not substitute for the advice of a qualified health provider.

Please make sure you get your eyes examined regularly and always follow your eye care professional's instructions for the proper use and care of your contact lenses. It's important to note that if you experience any pain or discomfort from your contact lens, discontinue use immediately and consult your eye care professional. WARNING: IF YOU ARE HAVING ANY UNEXPLAINED EYE DISCOMFORT, WATERING, VISION CHANGE, REDNESS, OR LIGHT SENSITIVITY, REMOVE YOUR LENSES IMMEDIATELY AND CONSULT YOUR EYE CARE PRACTITIONER BEFORE WEARING YOUR LENSES AGAIN.

*FOR FREE SHIPPING: Free standard shipping on contact lenses and glasses is 5 to 7 business days, depending on the prescription verification process.

*Disclaimer *FOR 15% OFF CONTACTS OFFER: Offer available only at CVS.com/Optical. Valid prescription required. Savings may be combined with eligible coupons, and other eligible offers. Savings may be combined with insurance, subject to plan restrictions, provided the insurance is not a Medicaid, Medicare, or other government funded plan. If combined with insurance, savings will be applied to amounts after insurance benefits are applied. Discounts will be automatically applied, based on eligibility, in your Basket. State restrictions may apply. Expires 03/30/2024. Terms of promotion subject to change. Free standard shipping on contact Lenses is 5-7 business days, depending on the prescription verification process.

*FOR GLASSES STARTING AT $79: Includes Custom Single Vision, impact-resistant lenses with select frame purchase. Additional upgrades/charges available, includes, but not limited to, progressive, premium antireflective coating, Transitions® Signature8, Polarized and Blue Filter lenses. Not valid on CR39, 1.67, digital, bifocals, or trifocal lenses, or mirror and gradient tints. Polarized lenses limited to solid colors. Valid prescription required. Cannot be combined with other offers. Does not apply to individuals using insurance including Medicaid or Medicare. Excludes prior purchases. Expires 02/03/2024.