Understanding Your Contact Lens Prescription: The Basics
So you’ve just been to the eye doctor and they’ve prescribed you contact lenses. Congratulations! You’re about to enter a world of freedom from glasses and a whole new level of eye comfort. But before you rush out to buy your lenses, let’s take a moment to understand your prescription.
The Numbers
Your contact lens prescription will have a few different numbers on it. The first is your sphere measurement, which determines how strong your lenses need to be to correct your vision. A negative number means you’re nearsighted, while a positive number means you’re farsighted.
If you have astigmatism, your prescription will also have a cylinder measurement, which indicates the amount of correction needed for that condition. The axis number tells the doctor where to place the cylinder on the lens.
Finally, there’s the add measurement, which is used for bifocal or multifocal lenses. This indicates the additional strength needed for reading or close-up work.
The Brand
Once you have your prescription, you’ll need to choose a brand of contact lens to use. There are a lot of options out there, so talk to your eye doctor about what they recommend for your specific needs. Some popular brands include Acuvue, Dailies, and Biofinity.
The Type
Most contact lenses fall into one of two categories: soft or rigid gas permeable (RGP). Soft lenses are made from a flexible plastic material that conforms to the shape of your eye, while RGP lenses are more rigid and allow more oxygen to reach your eye. Your eye doctor will recommend the type of lens that’s best for you, based on your prescription and lifestyle.
The Care
Once you have your lenses, it’s important to take good care of them to ensure they remain comfortable and safe to wear. This means cleaning and disinfecting your lenses regularly, as well as following your eye doctor’s instructions for how long to wear them each day and how often to replace them.
With these basics in mind, you’re ready to start enjoying the benefits of contact lenses. Say goodbye to glasses and hello to a whole new way of seeing the world!