Contact Lens Calculator Logo - CLCalc Splash Screen

Convert any spectacle refraction to an initial contact lens selection. Completely free and easy to use.

Please tell us who you are:

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)

Additional Parameters

Correction Type:
Dominant Eye:

Educational Notes

Core Calculation Concepts

  • Vertex Correction (VC):

    Why? Spectacle lenses sit further from the eye (vertex distance) than contacts. For powers > ±4.00D, this distance matters. We need the equivalent contact lens power (Fc) for the spectacle power (Fs) at vertex distance (d in meters).

    Formula: Fc = Fs / (1 - d * Fs)

    Example (-10.00D spec Rx, 12mm VD):
    Fc = -10.00 / (1 - (0.012 * -10.00)) = -10.00 / 1.12 ≈ -8.93D

    Tool Method: VC is applied to each main spectacle meridian (sphere, and sphere+cyl) before calculating the target CL cylinder.

  • 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.

    Rule: Nearest 0.25D step for powers ±6.00D or less. Nearest 0.50D step for powers stronger than ±6.00D.

    Examples: Calc. -5.85D → -5.75D. Calc. -6.40D → -6.50D.

  • 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, unless abs(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):

    1. SE Compensation (Toric): If needed cyl > lens max cyl, uses max cyl and adjusts sphere by SE of the *uncompensated* cyl difference.
    2. 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.
    • Final Rounded Target Power: Raw power rounded using the sphere/cyl rules. This is the "ideal" target.

    Use this as a reference to understand the calculation steps.

  • "Target Sphere" in Lens Results:

    Usually refers to the Final Rounded Target CL Sphere, unless notes indicate SE compensation or substitution (see Tab 1 & 3), or a fitting guide adjustment (e.g., Clariti MF).

  • 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:
      1. Full Near Add is added to the *spectacle* sphere of the non-dominant eye.
      2. Vertex correction is performed separately on the dominant eye's distance Rx and the non-dominant eye's adjusted (distance + add) Rx.
      3. 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 *Final Rounded 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):

    Scenario: Target Cyl > Lens Max Available Cyl (e.g., Target -3.00D, Max Lens -2.25D).

    Tool Action:

    1. Selects Max Lens Cyl (-2.25D).
    2. Calculates sphere adjustment: Adj = (Target Cyl - Lens Cyl) / 2
      = (-3.00 - (-2.25)) / 2 = -0.375D.
    3. Adds adjustment to *original target sphere* and rounds the result.

    Result: Notes highlight this ("Sphere adjusted... SE Compensation"). Yellow border.

  • Compromise Fit - SE Substitution (Spherical MF for MF Toric Need):

    Scenario: MF Toric needed, but tool shows a Spherical MF lens.

    Tool Action: Sphere shown is the **SE** of the *final rounded target CL sphere & cylinder*. Add is selected per guide.

    Result: Notes highlight this ("Using SE Sphere... Astigmatism not corrected"). Significant compromise. Yellow border.

  • Ideal Fit - True Multifocal Toric:

    Scenario: MF Toric needed, matching MF Toric lens found.

    Tool Action: Uses *Final Rounded Target CL Sphere, Cylinder, Axis* directly. Selects Add/Design per guide.

    Result: Corrects astigmatism & presbyopia. **Standard (Green) or Compromise (Yellow)** border/text depending on compensation/adjustments. (Ideal styling removed for BFTM specifically).

  • 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 *Final Rounded Target CL Sphere*. 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 & Ranking:

    Results grouped by Brand, then sorted within the brand:

    1. Special Priority (Ranking): Biofinity Toric Multifocal (if MF Toric needed) will still rank highly due to Lens Type Preference, but uses standard styling.
    2. Best Fit Type (Pair): Ideal Match (Green/Blue, non-BFTM MFT) > Compromise (Yellow) > Standard Match (Green). Considers the *less optimal* eye fit.
    3. Lens Type Preference (Multifocal Mode): Prefers lens matching need (MF Toric > MF > Toric > Sphere), if fit types are equal.
    4. Material: Silicone Hydrogel > Hydrogel.
    5. Alphabetical: Family Name, then Full Lens Name.
  • 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. Verify availability and steps with official guide.

  • Input Formatting:

    Sphere/Cyl/Add inputs snap to nearest valid 0.25D step from datalist on change/blur (helps format correctly: +/- sign, 0.00).

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).
    • Distance Blur: Try +0.25D sphere binocularly (or dominant eye).
    • Near Blur: Try +0.25D sphere non-dominant eye.
    • Modify sphere *before* changing Add/Design. Avoid minus sphere initially.
  • CV MyDay: Dom eye fixed Low Add. Refine non-dom sphere/add PRN. Then adjust dom sphere.
  • CV Biofinity D/N: Follow D/N rule. Refine sphere first before changing Add/design. (Applies to MF & MF Toric).
  • Alcon Center-Near (DT1 MF, Total30 MF, Air Optix MF): Refine sphere +/-0.25D (max plus) before changing Add level.
  • J&J Center-Near/Pupil Optimized: Refine sphere first before considering Add change.
  • B+L Progressive: Refine sphere first, consider Add change later.
  • 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)

Feedback & Feature Requests

We value your input! Use this form to report issues, suggest new features, or provide general feedback about the Contact Lens Calculator.