Prescription conversion: Contact lenses to glasses
Medically reviewed by Ing. Petra Průchová, Optometrist, 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.
Comments
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Reply
My contacts are left eye- -2.75 and right eye -3.50
and I have an astigmatism, what would my glasses prescription be?-
ReplyDear Angela,
Thank you for your comment.
Our article is purely informative and we always recommend contacting an ophthalmologist for the exact measurements, as they might differ based on many factors. Astigmatism also affects the needed diopters.
Best regards,
Lentiamo Team.
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Reply
If my contact prescription is -0.50/-0.75 what will my glasses prescription be?
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Reply
Dear Andrea,
Thank you for your comment.
Usually, the lenses and glasses' powers will stay the same for the diopters of up to +/- 3.50. However, there are cases, when the glasses should have stronger diopters. Due to that, we always advise consulting with the optometrist to avoid any possible inconveniences.
I hope my answer will be helpful.
Have a lovely day,
Lentiamo Team.
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My contact lense prescription is -1.25 what would my glasses prescription be?
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Reply
Dear Sarah,
Thank you for your comment.
Usually, if you have diopters of up to +/- 3.50, the lenses and glasses' powers will stay the same. However, there are cases, when the glasses should have stronger diopters. Due to that, we always advise consulting with the optometrist to avoid any possible inconveniences.
I hope my answer will be helpful.
Have a lovely day,
Lentiamo Team.
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Reply
Hello, my lens are -2.50 and -10.50. What would be my prescription for glasses?
Sam-
Reply
Dear Sam,
Thank you for reaching out to us.
Your glasses prescription will depend on various factors, such as the distance between your eyes and the glasses lenses, and it often requires adjustments to your contact lens power.
To accurately determine your glasses prescription, we recommend visiting an optometrist or eye care professional. They will perform an eye examination and provide the correct prescription tailored to your specific needs. However, the most possible powers should be -2.75 and -10.75
If you need further assistance or have any other questions, feel free to let us know.
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My contacts are -5.00. What are my glasses prescription?
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Dear Della,
Thank you for your comment. If you wear contact lenses with the -5.00 power, your glasses lenses should have a power of -5.25.
However, it is always better to consult with an optometrist or an ophthalmologist to have the correct prescription.
Best regards,
Lentiamo Team. -
Reply
What is the axis for glasses with a prescription of -5.00 for glasses?
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on my contact leses i am -2.5 amd -2.75 what size is my glasses?
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Dear Haplheme,
Thank you for your comment.
In most cases, glasses' powers directly correspond with contact lens powers up to +/- 3.50. However, we always recommend to consult the doctor for an accurate glasses prescription.
Have a lovely day,
Lentiamo Team.
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If I wear a 600 plus what would be my prescription in the eye classes
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Dear Jodi,
Thank you for your comment. If you wear contact lenses with the +6.00 power, your glasses lenses should have a power of +5.50.
However, we always recommend consulting with an optometrist or an ophthalmologist to have an updated prescription.
Best regards,
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Hi. My contact lens are -2.25. What would be my glasses prescription? Thabk yu
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Reply
Dear Sophia,
In most cases, glasses' powers directly correspond with contact lens powers up to +/- 3.50.
However, there are cases, when the contact lenses should be weaker.
We highly recommend consulting with an eye care specialist to ensure the accuracy of your prescription.
Best regards,
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If my contacts are -0.75 what would my glasses be?
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Reply
Dear Amanda,
Thank you for your comment.
In most cases, glasses' powers directly correspond with contact lens powers up to +/- 3.50. However, there are cases, when contact lens diopters should be weaker by approximately 0.50.
We highly recommend consulting with an eye care specialist to ensure the accuracy of your prescription.
Best regards,
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