How Are Contact Lenses Measured? Understanding Your Preferences and Requirements

Contact lenses are a convenient and comfortable alternative to glasses for many people. However, they aren’t one-size-fits-all. Contact lenses must be measured and fitted correctly to ensure they provide clear vision and feel comfortable throughout the day. If you’re new to contacts—or even if you’ve worn them for years—you might wonder what all those numbers on your prescription really mean. Let’s break down how contact lenses are measured and how your preferences and lifestyle can influence the best choice for you.

Why a Contact Lens Evaluation is Essential

Contact lens evaluations go beyond checking your vision. At Luck Optical, we evaluate the health of your eyes, the shape of your cornea, and your tear film to determine what type of lens material and design will work best for you. We may also use advanced imaging tools to create a precise map of your eye’s surface. Even small differences in curvature or diameter can significantly affect how your lenses feel and function, which is why personalized measurements are essential.

Key Measurements in Contact Lens Fitting

Your contact lens prescription is different from your glasses prescription. It includes specific measurements that help ensure your lenses fit well and correct your vision accurately.

• Base Curve (BC): This measurement refers to the curvature of the back surface of the lens. It’s measured in millimeters and helps the lens match the natural shape of your cornea. A proper base curve ensures comfort and stability.

• Diameter (DIA): This is the width of the lens from edge to edge. It affects how the lens covers your eye and how it sits on your cornea. A precise diameter ensures your lens won’t shift around or cause irritation.

• Power (PWR or SPH): This indicates the lens’s corrective strength. It’s measured in diopters and works similarly to the power in glasses, but contact lenses sit directly on your eye, so the numbers are calculated differently.

• Cylinder and Axis (For Astigmatism): If you have astigmatism, your contact lens prescription may include cylinder and axis measurements to correct the irregular curvature of your cornea.

Understanding Your Preferences and Lifestyle

Not all contact lenses are the same—and your preferences matter. During your evaluation, we’ll ask questions about your lifestyle, such as:

• Do you want daily disposables or reusable lenses?

• Are you active in sports or outdoor activities?

• Do you have dry eyes or allergies?

• Do you work on screens for long hours?

These factors help us recommend lenses that not only correct your vision but also fit your day-to-day life.
 

Come See Us For Your Contact Lens Evaluation at Luck Optical Today

Accurate contact lens measurements are the foundation of clear vision and all-day comfort. Whether you're trying contacts for the first time or exploring options to better suit your lifestyle, a professional contact lens fitting is the first step toward success.

Discover the perfect contact lenses tailored to your vision and lifestyle at Luck Optical. Visit our Fort Worth office—no appointment necessary.