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Re: Difference Between Prescription for Glasses and Contacts
Jo wrote:
Hello I was at the optometrist 1 month ago, and they give me a sample pair of regular contact lenses of both -6.50 which are to be worn night and day for a period of 1 month. I have astigmatism and got the original lenses 1 week ago, Bausch and Lomb Purevision toric night and day. My ophthalmologist prescription was: RE: -7/ -1.5 axis: 15 LE: -7.25/ -1.75 axis: 170 On the optometrist prescription was following: RE: -6.50 /-1.75 axis 10 LE: -6.50 /-1.75 axis 170 The axis for the LE went 5 less, I don't understand why. Both are 8.7 radius and diameter of 14.00. I feel there is a blur sometimes on the nasal corner of both eyes which comes and goes with time and the vision feels blurry. I checked the lenses and there is something written on them with a small mark. Is there a particular way to put them in? The optician didn’t say anything about this. When I order my next pairs of contact lenses could I maybe order the axis of 15 instead of 10 for the RE? Thank you in Advance.
Dr. Sonja Gascoyne's response:
Dear Jo The prescription for spectacles and contact lenses is often a bit different as contact lenses sit on the cornea (front of the eye) – depending on how the lenses fit, thus causes changes both to the power and axis of the astigmatism. You will always see better with your spectacles rather than contact lenses as lenses need to move for good tear exchange. So, every time you blink you will have a loss of focus for a second or two. There are marks on the contact lenses to check how they sit and fit to your eye. Due to gravity and the built in prism ballast, the marks usually point downwards. If you can orientate the marks to point down before you put the contact lenses in it will settle faster. If you are having problems with the contacts it is a good idea to have a contact lens check before you order new ones.
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