Glasses & Contact Lens Prescriptions

Wear glasses? Wear contacts? Both help your vision, but did you know, each have different prescriptions? If you’ve been to the eye doctor and been fitted for both, you’ll notice you get a prescription for each. That’s because your glasses and contact lenses are positioned differently. Glasses are about 12 millimeters from your eyes and contact lenses, are of course on your eye.


Both glasses and contact lenses include a power to correct your vision, whether you’re nearsighted or farsighted. If you choose contact lenses while at your doctor’s office, he or she will also perform a contact lens exam. When your doctor fits you for contact lenses they’re determining the base curve measurement. This measures the curve of your cornea. On your prescription you’ll see it labeled as BC. Another measurement you’ll see on your prescription for contact lenses is called the lens diameter (DIA). The DIA is the size of the contact lens from side to side.


Whether you wear glasses, contact lenses, both, or don’t need them, getting a comprehensive eye exam is important to your overall health. When doctors in the VSP individual plan doctor network conduct an exam, it’ll always be a complete WellVision Exam that not only determines your prescription, but also checks for issues like hypertension, diabetes or other health symptoms. If you need vision insurance you can learn more about individual vision plans here.

Continue Reading

Common Eye Problems: Twitching Eye

The good news is that eye twitches are harmless and usually go away on their own. But there are several culprits that may cause eye twitching.

Continue reading

What is Nearsightedness and Farsightedness?

Want to know more about nearsightedness and farsightedness? We can help you learn all you need to know about these eye conditions.

Continue reading

Is 20/20 Vision Considered Perfect Vision?

The term 20/20 is used to rate visual acuity at distances of 20 feet. If you see clearly at 20 feet, you have 20/20 vision. But is this considered per...

Continue reading

Your vision.
Your way.

Not covered for vision?

Get an individual plan, customized for you – including where you want to use it: at the doctor, in a retail location, or even online.

Healthy vision association discounts

Some plans can only be accessed through membership in the Healthy Vision Association (HVA), which helps its members see well and stay healthy.

For $1.50/mo, your membership will give you access to exclusive discount programs* on everyday goods and services including:

Plus, your membership supports vision-related charities too.

Click to download full details

*All rebates and special offers are subject to change