Wearing either eyeglasses or contact lenses offer a safe and simple way to correct refractive errors, such as nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and presbyopia (aging of the eye lens). Are you wearing both? Then you’ve probably wondered if their prescriptions are somehow similar or interchangeable. Spectrum Eye Care, the trusted eye care specialist in the area, shares what you should know about prescription contact lenses and eyeglasses.

• They are not interchangeable. This means you can’t submit an eyeglass prescription to get a prescription for contact lenses filled. While both are a solution to vision problems, they have some significant differences. For one thing, contact lenses are placed directly on your eyes, while glasses perch about 12 millimeters away. The strength of your prescription for either is influenced by this seemingly minor difference.

• Each option has certain specifications not typically found in the other. The base curve and diameter, for instance, are taken into account in a contact lens prescription. These factors–along with the lens material–help determine how comfortably and safely the contacts will fit with the actual shape of your eyes. On the other hand, an eyeglasses prescription considers a sphere that indicates the lens power, a cylinder that shows the strength of the refractive error, and an axis that displays the orientation of the cylinder. If the eyeglass lenses are multifocal, they may require an ‘add’ that indicates more positive power, enabling the eyes to focus for closer work.

• They have different expiration dates. Contact lenses generally last for one year. Before you can get additional lenses, you’ll need to revisit your trusted local eye doctor so they can check the current health of your eyes. Eyeglass prescriptions, meanwhile, are regulated under state law, and most expire after two years.

Bottom line is you’ll need separate prescriptions if you want to wear both eyeglasses and contact lenses. Spectrum Eye Care, the area’s premier eye doctor can help you with this. Whether you need high-quality eyeglasses or contacts (or both), we have you covered with our advanced and stylish options tailored specifically for your needs. We proudly serve the areas in and around Charlotte, NC. Call us today at (704) 543-9000 or fill out this contact form to schedule your consultation.