Contact Lens Prescription: Understanding the Numbers July 16, 2025

If you’ve ever been handed a contact lens prescription and found yourself staring at it in confusion, you’re not alone. Understanding the numbers and abbreviations on your contact lens prescription is key to ensuring comfort, clarity, and eye health. Whether you’re shopping in Dubai or anywhere else in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), this guide will help you make informed choices when selecting the right contact lenses.

What Is a Contact Lens Prescription?

A contact lens prescription is different from a standard eyeglasses prescription. While both are issued by an eye care professional, contact lens prescriptions include additional measurements specific to the fit and curvature of your eye. These details ensure the lenses sit correctly on your cornea and deliver optimal vision correction.

Breaking Down the Numbers

Here’s what you’ll commonly see on your contact lens prescription:

OD and OS: These are Latin abbreviations—OD (oculus dexter) means right eye, and OS (oculus sinister) means left eye.
Power (PWR/SPH): This indicates the strength of the lens, measured in diopters. A negative number corrects nearsightedness, while a positive number corrects farsightedness.
Base Curve (BC): This measures the curvature of the back of the lens to match your eye. It’s usually a number between 8.0 and 9.5.
Diameter (DIA): This tells you the width of the lens. A typical diameter ranges between 13.8 mm to 14.5 mm.
Brand: Unlike glasses, contact lenses are prescribed by brand. Each manufacturer designs lenses slightly differently, and changing brands without approval can be harmful.
Cylinder (CYL) and Axis: These are added for those with astigmatism. CYL indicates the degree of astigmatism, and Axis shows its orientation.

Why You Need a Specific Contact Lens Prescription

You might wonder why you can’t simply use your glasses prescription to buy contact lenses. The answer lies in fit and distance. Contact lenses sit directly on the eye, while glasses sit a few millimeters away. That small distance changes how the lens corrects your vision. Also, comfort and oxygen flow are critical, especially in hot and dry climates like Dubai, so your prescription must be accurate.

Do You Need a New Exam for Contact Lenses?

Yes, even if you’ve recently had an eye exam for glasses, you’ll still need a separate fitting for contact lenses. Your eye care professional will measure your cornea, test your tear film, and let you try sample lenses to ensure the correct fit.

Colored Contact Lenses and Fashion Choices

At our store, we offer a wide variety of contact lenses, including prescription and non-prescription colored lenses. Whether you’re seeking a subtle change or a dramatic transformation, you’ll find lenses that suit your look. If you’re based in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), we provide fast delivery and reliable quality with every pair.

How to Read an Example Prescription

Let’s look at a sample prescription to help you understand how to interpret it:

      OD (Right Eye):
      PWR: -2.50
      BC: 8.6
      DIA: 14.2
      Brand: Acuvue Oasys

      OS (Left Eye):
      PWR: -2.75
      BC: 8.6
      DIA: 14.2
      Brand: Acuvue Oasys

This prescription means the right eye has a lens power of -2.50, and the left eye has a slightly stronger correction at -2.75. Both lenses have the same base curve and diameter.

Tips When Buying Contact Lenses Online

Always have a valid and current prescription.
Stick to the brand recommended by your optometrist.
Check that the retailer is certified and reputable—especially if you’re purchasing from Dubai or other UAE cities.
Store your lenses properly and follow hygiene guidelines.

When to Recheck Your Prescription

It’s recommended to have a contact lens exam at least once a year. Eye shape can change over time, and environmental factors (like dryness in Dubai’s climate) may require lens adjustments. If you notice discomfort, redness, blurry vision, or dryness, visit your eye doctor sooner.

Our Commitment to Eye Health and Beauty

We believe that beauty starts with healthy eyes. That’s why we stock only high-quality contact lenses and related eye care products, such as our Luxurious Lashes, Ice Globes, and Eyelash Separator—perfect for enhancing your eye area without compromising comfort. Whether you’re looking for a daily lens, colored options, or accessories, we’re proud to serve customers in Dubai and all over the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Conclusion

Understanding your contact lens prescription isn’t just about numbers—it’s about making sure your eyes stay healthy and your vision stays clear. By knowing what each part of your prescription means, you can confidently choose lenses that suit your needs and lifestyle. Whether you’re shopping online or in-store in Dubai or anywhere else in the UAE, we’re here to help you find the perfect match.