Prescription conversion: Contact lenses to glasses
Medically reviewed by Ing. Petra Průchová, Optician Trainee, on 3 Aug 2023. Written by Lentiamo
Thinking about switching from contact lenses to glasses? It's easy to convert your existing contacts prescription to a glasses prescription using a basic conversion table.
Convert contact lens prescription to glasses
In most cases, glasses powers directly correspond with contact lens powers up to +/- 3.50. For prescriptions above this range, optometrists use conversion tables like the one pictured below as one way to help determine the right values.
Those with myopia can find the appropriate negative (-) powers in the "Nearsightedness" column below. Those with hyperopia can find the appropriate positive (+) powers in the "Farsightedness" column.
| Nearsightedness (-) | Farsightedness (+) | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Contact lens powers | Glasses powers | Contact lens powers | Glasses powers |
| -3.25 | -3.50 | +3.25 | +3.25 |
| -3.50 | -3.75 | +3.50 | +3.25 |
| -3.75 | -4.00 | +3.75 | +3.50 |
| -4.00 | -4.25 | +4.00 | +3.75 |
| -4.25 | -4.50 | +4.25 | +4.00 |
| -4.50 | -4.75 | +4.50 | +4.25 |
| -4.75 | -5.00 | +4.75 | +4.50 |
| -5.00 | -5.25 | +5.00 | +4.75 |
| -5.25 | -5.75 | +5.25 | +5.00 |
| -5.50 | -6.00 | +5.50 | +5.25 |
| -5.75 | -6.25 | +5.75 | +5.50 |
| -6.00 | -6.50 | +6.00 | +5.50 |
| -6.25 | -6.75 | +6.25 | +5.75 |
| -6.50 | -7.00 | +6.50 | +6.00 |
| -6.75 | -7.5 | +6.75 | +6.25 |
| -7.00 | -7.75 | +7.00 | +6.50 |
| -7.25 | -8.00 | +7.25 | +6.75 |
| -7.5 | -8.25 | +7.50 | +6.75 |
| -7.75 | -8.50 | +7.75 | +7.00 |
| -8.00 | -8.75 | +8.00 | +7.25 |
Note: Conversion tables are not a replacement for an eye examination by a specialist. This table is intended to provide guidance and approximate values. So-called subjective refraction during an eye exam is particularly important and can determine the final values. This means the sharpest refraction is not always the final prescription the patient wears comfortably, depending on other factors.
Please note that the table cannot be used to convert astigmatism or multifocal prescriptions. Astigmatism prescriptions use cylinder and axis measurements to correct refractive errors related to the cornea, lens, or retina. Multifocal prescriptions for presbyopia need the right additional magnification, or ADD, figure.
Convert your prescription in at checkout
Did you know you can use the conversion calculator during the checkout process? You'll find it in Step III (Parameters). Check out the image below to see what the process looks like.
Frequently asked questions
Will my glasses prescription be the same as my contact lens prescription?
No, the prescriptions will be different. Glasses sit farther away from the eyes while contact lenses are worn directly on the eye. This changes the strengths needed to correct both nearsightedness and farsightedness. The only exception is for single vision prescriptions below +/-3.50 where glasses and contact lens prescriptions correspond more directly in some cases.
Are contacts better than glasses?
It depends! Contact lenses offer convenience for those with active lifestyles. However, some may find glasses more comfortable or cost-effective. Your eye care professional can help you determine if wearing contacts is right for you and your eyes.
Closing thoughts from Lentiamo
Converting your lens prescription can be quick and easy. Whether you've misplaced your prescription or simply want to change, this table is a useful tool.
Remember to consult your eye care specialist with any specific questions or concerns regarding your prescription.
