Convert any spectacle refraction to an initial contact lens selection. Completely free and easy to use.
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Contact Lens Calculator
Purpose: This tool demonstrates initial CL selection logic. Results grouped by brand, ranked by suitability. For teaching purposes ONLY.
Enter prescription, select parameters, and click 'Calculate & Find'.
Right Eye (OD)
Left Eye (OS)
Right Eye (OD)
Left Eye (OS)
Additional Parameters
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Educational Notes
Core Calculation Concepts
Vertex Correction (VC):
Why? Spectacle lenses sit further from the eye (vertex distance) than contact lenses. This difference in distance alters the effective power of the lens at the cornea. Vertex correction is used to calculate the equivalent contact lens power (Fc) needed to provide the same visual correction as a spectacle lens (Fs) when measured at a specific vertex distance (d in meters).
Tool Method: VC is applied to each main spectacle meridian (sphere, and sphere+cyl) before calculating the target CL cylinder. The tool applies this correction for all powers if a vertex distance greater than 0mm is specified.
Power Step Rounding (Sphere):
Why? CLs come in steps (0.25D or 0.50D). The calculated theoretical power is rounded to the nearest available step based on the *specific lens range and step size*. The old rule (±6.00D threshold) is no longer the primary method.
Rule: Tool uses roundClSpherePowerByRange function, which checks against the specific lens's defined ranges (e.g., [-6.00 to -0.25 step 0.25], [-12.00 to -6.50 step 0.50]). It rounds to the nearest valid step *within* an available range. If between ranges, it rounds to the closest valid step, preferring more minus/less plus if equidistant.
Cylinder Rounding (Specific Rule):
Why? CL cylinder powers also come in steps (e.g., -0.75, -1.25). A specific rounding rule is used for the calculated CL cylinder.
Rule: Rounds to nearest 0.25D step, unlessabs(raw_cyl) > 0.63D, then it rounds away from zero to the next 0.25D step.
Examples: Raw -0.60D → -0.50D. Raw -0.63D → -0.75D. Raw -0.64D → -0.75D (away). Raw -1.10D → -1.00D. Raw -1.13D → -1.25D.
Rationale: Aims to avoid under-correcting moderate astigmatism near the -0.50D threshold.
Spherical Equivalent (SE):
What? An estimate of the "average" spherical power of a toric Rx, useful when full toric correction isn't possible/chosen.
Formula:SE = Sphere + (Cylinder / 2)
Example (-3.00 / -1.00 x 180 CL Rx): SE = -3.00 + (-1.00 / 2) = -3.50D
Tool Usage (Compromises):
SE Compensation (Toric - Optional): If needed cyl > lens max cyl (and difference is ≤ 1.00D and option enabled), uses max cyl and adjusts sphere by SE of the *uncompensated* cyl difference.
SE Substitution (Multifocal): If MF Toric needed but showing Spherical MF, the sphere power shown is the SE of the *target* MF Toric Rx.
Understanding Tool Logic & Output
"Calculated CL Targets" Section:
This shows the theoretical CL powers after VC and rounding, *before* checking specific lens availability.
Raw VC Power: Unrounded result from the VC formula.
Target Power: Raw power rounded using the cyl rule and a *generic* sphere rounding (0.25D steps, ±20D range) for initial display. This target sphere is then re-rounded against *specific* lens steps during matching.
Use this as a reference to understand the calculation steps.
"Final Rx" in Lens Results:
This is the calculated *starting* CL prescription for the specific lens shown, after applying lens-specific rounding, potential fitting guide adjustments (e.g., Clariti MF), and optional SE compensation.
Correction Type / Dominant Eye Options:
These only activate if Near Add > 0.00D, as they relate to presbyopia correction (Monovision or Multifocal). Dominance is needed for Monovision and some MF designs (e.g., CV Biofinity D/N).
Correction Type - Monovision Explained:
Goal: One eye (dominant) corrected for distance, the other (non-dominant) for near.
Calculation:
Full Near Add is added to the *spectacle* sphere of the non-dominant eye.
Vertex correction is performed separately on the dominant eye's distance Rx and the non-dominant eye's adjusted (distance + add) Rx.
Looks for standard *Spherical* or *Toric* lenses matching these two different targets.
Result Display: Standard Sph/Toric lenses shown. Non-dominant Rx is higher (more plus/less minus). Notes indicate "[Monovision Near/Distance Eye]".
Correction Type - Multifocal Explained:
Goal: Simultaneous distance and near vision in both eyes via lenses with different power zones.
Calculation: Uses *generalized* principles based on spectacle Add to select an initial CL Add power (Low/Med/High or +1.00, etc.) and sometimes a design (e.g., D/N) based on database rules (see lens data). Some guides (like Clariti MF) also require initial sphere adjustments based on Add/Dominance/Rx. The tool attempts to apply these adjustments to the *target CL sphere* before displaying the starting Rx.
Result Display: Shows Multifocal or Multifocal Toric lenses with a recommended Add/Design and potentially an adjusted sphere.
Crucial Note: Multifocal fitting varies significantly by brand. Always consult the specific manufacturer's fitting guide. This tool offers only a *potential* starting point, including attempted fitting guide adjustments.
Interpreting Lens Matches
When is Toric Suggested?
If the *Final Rounded Target CL Cylinder* is -0.75D or stronger (more minus).
Compromise Fit - SE Compensation (Toric - Optional):
Scenario: Target Cyl > Lens Max Available Cyl (and difference ≤ 1.00D and option enabled).
Tool Action: Uses *Final Rounded Target CL Sphere, Cylinder, Axis* directly (sphere rounded to available steps for chosen cyl). Selects Add/Design per guide.
Result: Corrects astigmatism & presbyopia. Standard (Green) or Compromise (Yellow) border depending if any SE compensation was needed (e.g., if target MFT cyl > lens max MFT cyl).
Fit Adjustment - Fitting Guide Sphere Modification (e.g., Clariti MF):
Scenario: Specific multifocal lens (like Clariti MF) fitting guide dictates an initial sphere adjustment based on Add, Dominance, and Rx type.
Tool Action: Applies the guide's recommended sphere adjustment (e.g., +0.25D or +0.50D) to the *target CL sphere before final rounding*. The Add (e.g., Low/High) is selected based on the Spectacle Add.
Result: Notes indicate this ("Guide Adjustment: Sphere adjusted..."). Standard (Green) or Compromise (Yellow) border depending on whether this adjustment *creates* a compromise state.
Compromise Fit - Distance-Only Toric (for MF Toric Need):
Scenario: MF Toric needed, but only a standard Toric lens match found.
Tool Action: Shows standard Toric fit correcting distance sphere/cyl/axis.
Result: Notes indicate Add is not addressed ("Covers Distance Rx only..."). Yellow border.
Result Grouping & Sorting:
Default sort ranks results within brands:
Match Priority (Pair): Best Fit (1) > Compromise (2). Considers the *better* eye fit (revised logic).
Lens Type Preference (Presbyopia): In Multifocal mode, prefers lens type matching need (MF Toric > MF > Toric > Sphere), if pair priorities are equal.
Sorting "Across Brands" removes grouping and applies the chosen sort key globally.
XR (Extended Range) Lenses:
Only suggested if target power is *outside* the standard lens range (e.g., Biofinity XR vs Biofinity). Often have 0.50D steps and potentially different sphere ranges depending on cylinder (e.g., Biofinity XR Toric). Verify availability and steps with official guide.
Input Formatting:
Sphere/Cyl/Add dropdowns ensure valid powers. Axis/VD inputs snap to integer ranges on change/blur.
Applying This in Practice
Tool Limitations: This tool provides a *calculated starting point* only. It CANNOT replace your clinical judgment or a proper fitting process.
Essential Clinical Steps (Always Perform):
Comprehensive Eye Exam (Refraction, Health Check)
Keratometry (Corneal Curvature)
Biomicroscopy (Slit Lamp Exam)
Tear Film Evaluation
**Trial Lens Evaluation:** Assess fit (movement, centration, coverage), vision (over-refraction), and comfort *on the eye*. The first lens is just a starting point!
Verify Parameters: Lens availability (powers, BC, Dia) changes. Always consult current manufacturer fitting guides or product information.
Use Fitting Guides: Essential for Toric & Multifocal fitting details, optimization, and troubleshooting.
Illustrative Multifocal Refinement Principles
(General concepts - Consult specific guides for accuracy!)
General: Assess binocularly after settling (~10-15 mins).
CV Clariti MF (and Umere MF): Refine sphere first (±0.25D steps). For distance issues, adjust **Dominant** eye. For near issues, adjust **Non-Dominant** eye. **Do not change Add power** during initial refinement.
REMINDER FOR EDUCATION This tool uses representative data & generalised fitting principles. It CANNOT replace a comprehensive eye exam, clinical judgment, essential measurements, biomicroscopy, trial lens evaluation on-eye, or specific, current manufacturer fitting guidelines. Multifocal, Monovision, & compensated fits require expertise. **Never base clinical decisions or dispense lenses solely on this tool.**
Contact Lens Price List
Specsavers Access Only - Prices are indicative (OTC / Online)
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The Price List page is only available for users identified as "Specsavers Optometrist".
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