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How to read your glasses prescription

How to enter your glasses prescription

OD is an abbreviation for the Latin term oculus dexter which means right eye. Notice that the right eye information is asked for first even though we typically read from left to right.

OS is an abbreviation of the Latin oculus sinister which means left eye. That will be referenced on the far right column of the prescription.

SPH is short for sphere. The sphere of your prescription indicates the power on the lenses that is needed to see clearly. A plus (+) symbol indicates the eyeglass wearer is farsighted. A minus (-) symbol indicates that the eyeglass wearer is nearsighted.

CYL is short for cylinder. The cylinder indicates the lens power necessary to correct astigmatism. If the column has no value (is blank), it indicates that the eyeglass wearer does not have astigmatism. If this is the case on your prescription, you can leave it blank when entering it in.

AXIS is a prescription will include an axis value for those with astigmatism. This number represents the angle of the lens that shouldn't feature a cylinder power to help correct your astigmatism.

ADD is short for "additional correction." This is where details about bifocals, multifocal lenses or progressive lenses would appear.

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How to read your contacts prescription

How to enter your contacts prescription

OD is an abbreviation for the Latin term oculus dexter which means right eye. Notice that the right eye information is asked for first even though we typically read from left to right.

OS is an abbreviation of the Latin oculus sinister which means left eye. That will be referenced on the far right column of the prescription.

B.C. is short for base curve measurement indicates the back curvature of your contact lens, in millimetres. This is important for comfort, as the BC of your contact lenses should match your eye's natural curve as closely as possible to ensure a better fit when you are wearing your contact lenses.

DIA is short for "diameter," or the distance from one edge of the contact lens to the other. This is measured in millimeters.

SPH is short for sphere. The sphere of your prescription indicates the power on the lenses that is needed to see clearly. A plus (+) symbol indicates the eyeglass wearer is farsighted. A minus (-) symbol indicates that the eyeglass wearer is nearsighted.

CYL is short for cylinder. The cylinder indicates the lens power necessary to correct astigmatism. If the column has no value (is blank), it indicates that the eyeglass wearer does not have astigmatism. If this is the case on your prescription, you can leave it blank when entering it in.

AXIS is a prescription will include an axis value for those with astigmatism. This number represents the angle of the lens that shouldn't feature a cylinder power to help correct your astigmatism.

ADD is short for "additional correction." This is where details about bifocals, multifocal lenses or progressive lenses would appear.

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At ContactsExpress, we're committed to keeping your orders moving, even with potential Canada Post disruptions. We've secured alternative carriers to ensure your eyewear arrives quickly and reliably.
Our priority is minimizing delays and giving you the best shipping experience possible.
If you have any questions, our customer care team is here to help at [email protected] or 1-833-487-5487.
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Measurements
If you already have a pair of glasses, you can compare the measurements to your current frame. Just look inside your temple to find your frame measurements. The overall frame size is a combination of lens and bridge's width measurements.
Lens Width Bridge Width Temple Length
XS < 42 mm < 16 mm <=128 mm
S 42 mm - 48 mm 16 mm - 17 mm 128 mm - 134 mm
M 49 mm - 52 mm 18 mm - 19 mm 135 mm - 141 mm
L >52 mm >19 mm >= 141 mm

Shipping information

Details about prescription verification, processing, delivery, tracking, taxes, and what to do if something goes wrong.

Free shipping over $99

Available on qualifying orders within the United States and Canada.

Fast contact lens processing

Eligible in-stock orders with a verified prescription can ship the same business day.

Insured delivery

Orders shipped within the United States and Canada are insured against loss or transit damage.

Every order moves through three stages

Prescription verification, order processing, and delivery each affect when your order will arrive.

1

Prescription verification

We verify every contact lens prescription before shipping, as federal law requires. Uploading yours at checkout is the fastest route.

2

Processing

How long we need to prepare your order depends on what you ordered. Contact lenses usually go out same day. Glasses are made to order and take longer.

3

Delivery

Transit time depends on the shipping method selected. Available methods, costs, and estimates are shown at checkout before payment.

Business days are Monday through Friday, excluding holidays. We do not deliver on weekends or holidays. Processing may take longer during major sales events and peak periods.

Processing times

Processing begins after any required prescription verification is complete.

Contact lenses

Often ships the same day

In most cases, in-stock orders with a verified prescription placed Monday through Friday before 2 PM ET / 11 AM PT ship the same day. Specialty, toric, and made-to-order lenses take longer.

Prescription glasses

Made to order

Every pair is made to order. Processing time varies with the complexity of your prescription and the availability of your selected frame.

Non-prescription eyewear

Usually 1-2 business days

Most non-prescription eyewear orders are prepared within one to two business days.

Orders placed after the cutoff, on weekends, or on holidays begin processing the next business day.
Orders with both contacts and glasses: These may ship separately or together. Glasses generally take longer to prepare, so in most cases we ship each part as soon as it is ready rather than holding your whole order. You will receive tracking for each shipment.

Free shipping over $99

Orders over $99 ship free within the United States and Canada. Faster shipping methods are available at checkout for an additional cost.

$99+ Free shipping

International shipping

We ship to select destinations outside the United States and Canada. Available options for your address are shown at checkout.

  • Customs duties and taxes: International orders may be subject to customs duties, import taxes, or handling fees charged by the destination country. These are set by local authorities, are not included in your order total, and are the responsibility of the recipient. We cannot estimate them in advance.
  • Tracking: Tracking for international shipments is available until the package reaches the destination country. After that, handling passes to the local postal or customs authority, and detailed tracking may no longer update.
  • Delivery timing: Delivery timelines can also be extended by customs processing, which is outside our control.

Prescription verification

Contact lenses are an FDA-regulated medical device. We cannot ship contact lenses until your prescription is verified.

Fastest option

Upload your prescription

If you upload your prescription at checkout, we can usually begin processing right away. This is the fastest option.

We contact them

Provide your prescriber's details

If you give us your prescriber's details, we contact them directly. Under the FTC Contact Lens Rule, your prescriber has eight business hours to respond. If they do not respond within that window, your prescription is verified automatically and we ship your order.

If your prescriber tells us the prescription is expired or inaccurate, we will contact you before amending or cancelling your order.

Tracking and arrival

Tracking your order

You will receive a shipping confirmation email with tracking as soon as your order leaves our facility. Delivery typically takes 2 to 4 days once shipped. You can also check your order status at any time.

When your order arrives

Check the prescription details on each box against your prescription: power, base curve, diameter, and which box is for which eye. It only takes a minute and means you can start wearing them with confidence.

Taxes and fees

Prices on our site do not include tax or processing fees. Both are calculated and shown at checkout before you pay.

A processing fee may be included in the total price of your order and will be specified when you proceed to purchase. The processing fee covers insurance, prescription verification and costs associated with handling your order, including third party transaction fees. It does not include any charge for the product itself.

Orders paid with an Kits.com gift card are still subject to tax and processing fees.

If something goes wrong

All orders shipped within the United States and Canada are insured against loss or damage in transit.

Your order arrives damaged

We do our best to ensure your order arrives in perfect condition. If your items arrive damaged, please accept the shipment and contact our Customer Service Team so we can get you sorted.

Your order has not arrived

Contact us and we will look into it with the carrier.

You need to change your address

Please include the correct address information at checkout, as we cannot redirect orders once items have been dispatched.