Your contact lens prescription is a set of specifications that allows you to buy contact lenses that will correct your visual needs.

It will state the power of lens you need, the size, and the recommended brand. If you have a particular condition such as astigmatism; or require a more complex multi focal lens, your prescription may include other details.

A contact lens prescription will be issued to you after an eye exam by a qualified practitioner. They will establish both your visual requirements, and recommend replacement routines based on your lifestyle and the sensitivity of your eyes.

Do I need a prescription to order online?

A prescription is necessary for ordering contact lenses – it is the only way to ensure you are ordering the right lenses for your eyes.

At xpresslenses.com we don’t require you to show proof of your prescription. When you purchase lenses from us we take it as confirmation that you have an in-date prescription, and that the details you provide us with are correct.

To read our full disclaimer regarding the purchase of contact lenses, either scroll down.

How do I read my prescription?

Your contact lens prescription will likely have a few codes and abbreviations that might seem confusing at first. Here’s our easy guide to understanding your prescription.

• (BC) Base Curve – This is a measurement of the curvature of the contact lens. Always done in millimeters, this figure determines how well a contact lens will fit the eye.

• (DIA) Diameter – Remove one contact lens carefully from your eye.

• (PWR/SPH) Power/Sphere – This figure indicates whether you are long or short sighted, and how weak your vision is. Long-sightedness is indicated by a plus (+) and short-sightedness by a minus (-). The higher the figure, the greater the need for visual correction.
Your sight is measured in dioptres. So you may also see your power abbreviated to ‘D’.

• (CYL) Cylinder – This figure is only present on prescriptions for astigmatisms. It indicates the severity of the astigmatism, and will always be a minus (-) quality.

• (AX) Axis – An axis indicates the direction of the curve needed to correct an astigmatism. It will be a number between 0-180.

Disclaimer : You hereby certify that you hold a valid prescription for the contact lenses you wish to order. This means that your prescription is within 12 months from the date of purchase and that the prescription has been dispensed by a professional and qualified optometrist or contact lens fitter (thereafter this should be construed as a practitioner).

We reserve the right to verify such details with your practitioner. The above stated also applies to those customers re-ordering lenses. Where you have been given a contra indication to wear lenses by a registered practitioner we reserve the rights to revoke any sale unless otherwise redirected by the same or another registered practitioner. Hereby you also state that you have no ailments that contra indicates the wear of lenses. When purchasing from us you confirm and verify that you have been prescribed the contact lenses you have ordered by a qualified practitioner, therefore we do not take responsibility if you order lenses that have not been prescribed for you and/or if the difference between the prescription and purchase date exceeds 12 months.

We strongly recommend that regular eye checks are made by a qualified practitioner to ensure the welfare and continuity of your eye health. You do not necessarily have to send us your prescription but by accepting the terms and conditions contained herein above you verify that you have a valid prescription that is within the Law of the United States and United Kingdom. The contact lens wearer must be at least 16 years old.

We may assist you with your prescription if you so wish by scan and sending it to Xpress Lenses.