What information do I need to order contact lenses?

A contact lens prescription is made up of specific data which we require to fill your order. All of this information is available on the packaging of the contact lenses you are currently wearing, or from your optometrist or optician. In most states eye care professionals are required to provide you with a copy upon request. Be sure it contains all the necessary information, including expiration date, and is signed by your eye care professional.

Here is the information that we need:

OD = Right Eye
OS = Left Eye
Brand Name (e.g. Acuvue)
BC / Base Curve (a number between 8.0 and 10.0)
DIA / Diameter (a number between 13.0 and 15.0)
Power / Sphere / Rx (a number between -20 and +20)

For astigmatic patients, we also need:
Cylinder (a number between -4.00 and +4.00)
Axis (a number between 0 and 180)
Cylinder and Axis are usually separated by “X” and read as “times”

A regular prescription would look like this:

OS Brand Name: Acuvue Oasys
OS BC: 8.4 DIA: 14.0 SPHERE: -2.50

OD Brand Name: AirOptix Aqua
OD BC: 8.6 DIA: 14.2 SPHERE: -2.75

A prescription for astigmatism would look like this:

OS Brand Name: AirOptix Toric
OS BC: 8.7 DIA: 14.5 SPHERE: -2.50
OS CYL & AXIS:– 1.25 X 180°

OD Brand Name: Soflens Toric
OD BC: 8.5 DIA: 14.5 SPHERE: -4.50
OD CYL & AXIS:– 0.75 X 90°

This information may appear complicated but in fact it is very straightforward. Just consult your current contact lens packaging for reference.

Guidelines for Proper Contact Lens Care – Licensed Eye Care Professional Tips

As contact lenses are increasing worn for both function and style, we can at times forget that they are medical items that require a prescription. We asked licensed Optician, Claudia Rojas, to answer some of the most commonly asked questions about contact lens care.

Keep in mind that your eye care professional may have additional advice and information for you based on your own eye health needs.

Question

What are the essential guidelines for proper contact lens care?

Answer

1. Always wash your hands before handling contact lenses.

Each day and night your hands will pick up microbes. If you do not properly wash your hands each time you remove and insert your contact lenses, the bacteria that has accumulated will transfer from your fingers to your eyes.

2. Clean your contact lenses every day (ideally upon removal to create a habit) with the contact lens solution prescribed by your Eye Care Professional.

While cleaning your contact lenses with a multipurpose contact lens solution, gently rub them to remove biofilms of bacteria, protein, and lipid deposits.

3. Replace your Contact Lens case at least every 3 months.

After cleaning your contact lens case ensure that it has completely dried before adding your solution and contact lenses. A clean case that is on a replacement schedule will help with the prevention of bacteria settling on your contact lenses.

4. Comply with wearing schedule provided by your Eye Care Professional. Dispose of contact lenses according to lens type i.e.: daily, bi-monthly, and monthly.

A number of factors may be considered by your eye care professional in the type of lens that they prescribe, including your prescription, eye health and lifestyle.

5. It is key for eye health that you do not overwear your lenses.

To ensure proper oxygen flow to your eyes to aid in maintaining healthy corneas, it is recommended that you wear your contact lenses a maximum of 12 hours a day, and ideally no more than 8-10 hours.

6. Avoid water activities in contact lenses to avoid dirty water settling between the contact and eye. This especially applies to hot tubs and pools.

Always avoid wearing contact lenses near water as infection-causing bacteria can accumulate. The best eyewear option if you are involved in water sports and activities is a pair of prescription swimming goggles.