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Re: Prescription for Glasses vs. Contacts

Posted on January 12, 2010, 3:01 pm by Dr. Virginia Donati

Posted in Contact Lenses, Eye Exams, Glasses, Prescriptions

Timmy wrote:

Hi, i have a question regarding prescriptions for glasses and contacts. I understand you should not be using the degrees prescribed to you for glasses for buying contacts because contact lenses sits on your eyes directly as opposed to the glasses being a few inches away. So my question is, would my eyes get worst or some sort of negative impact if I do wear contact lenses having the same degrees as my eye glasses? the degrees for contacts should be slightly stronger or weaker? so if you wear contact lenses that are not exactly the same degree, what are the dangers of doing so? will it be merely less clear or will it make your eye sight worsen? Thank you for your time

Dr. Virginia Donati's response:

Hello Timmy,

Yes it is true that in most cases the prescription your optometrist gives you for your glasses is different than the one given for your contact lenses. Whether the contact lenses are stronger or weaker will depend on the prescription. Wearing contact lenses that are the incorrect prescription (stronger or weaker) can cause symptoms of blur, headaches, dry, uncomfortable eyes and/or spasm of your focusing system. Furthermore, if the lenses do not fit correctly, there are many other eye-health related problems that you would be at risk for.

When purchasing contact lenses from your optometrist, he/she will ensure that you have the correct strength and fit needed, and would be happy to give you a copy of that prescription for your records.

Thank you for your question.
Dr. Donati

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