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ODReference

Contact Lens Parameters and Prescribing Tools

Conversion calculators, manufacturer tables, modality schedules, and prescribing helpers

Contact Lens Tools: Parameters, Portfolios, and Conversions

What you can do in the Contacts section

The Contacts section is a chairside reference for soft contact lens prescribing and documentation. It brings together the three things clinicians commonly need in the same workflow: parameter tables, manufacturer portfolios, and optical conversions used to finalize an order.

  • Parameter tables by modality and lens type, with material, Dk/t, base curve (BC), diameter (DIA), and available powers.
  • Manufacturer and brand portfolios to verify what each company offers and which lens families are available.
  • Conversion tools for vertex distance and cylinder format decisions when prescriptions move beyond low-power ranges.

Start with modality when you are comparing options

If you are choosing between daily, weekly, biweekly, and monthly lenses, start with Modalities and Wear Schedules. These pages are designed for side-by-side comparison of core parameters and availability across sphere, toric, multifocal, and multifocal toric designs.

Use company pages when you already know the brand family

If you are confirming what a patient is currently wearing, or you are selecting within a specific manufacturer, go to Manufacturers and Brands. Company pages consolidate lens families into a consistent table format so you can verify BC, DIA, Dk/t, and power availability quickly and document cleanly.

Private-label mapping for store-brand prescriptions

For retailer or store-brand lenses, use the private-label cross-reference to map packaging to the underlying lens design. This supports a safer same-fit decision when a patient changes suppliers. For higher-risk cases or unusual parameters, confirm current labeling before ordering.

Conversions: when to use vertex and cylinder tools

For moderate and higher prescriptions, spectacle-to-contact decisions often require vertex compensation and cylinder format changes. In some cases a spherical equivalent can help as part of your decision. Those tools, plus a few quick reference helpers, live in Conversion Calculators.

A practical clinic workflow

A common workflow is: start with the spectacle refraction, use conversions when warranted, compare options in the modality tables, confirm a specific family in the manufacturer tables, then verify the manufacturer’s current product information before ordering when risk is higher. The goal is fast, consistent decisions, not replacing manufacturer documentation.

Contacts Section FAQs

Who is the Contacts section for?

The Contacts section is written for eye-care professionals and trainees working under a licensed prescriber. It is a chairside reference to support clinical decision making. It is not a substitute for an exam, and it is not intended for patient self-prescribing.

Where can I quickly find contact lens parameters like BC, DIA, and Dk/t?

Use the modality pages for side-by-side comparison across replacement schedules and lens types, or the manufacturer pages when you want a brand-centric view. Tables emphasize material, Dk/t, base curve, diameter, and power availability.

Does ODReference include a private-label contact lens cross-reference?

Yes. The private-label cross-reference helps map store-brand packaging to the underlying lens design so you can maintain an established fit when supply channels change. For higher-risk cases, confirm current manufacturer labeling before ordering.

When should I use vertex distance and cylinder conversion tools?

Use conversion tools when the spectacle prescription is outside low-power ranges, when cylinder format must be changed, or when a spherical equivalent supports your decision. These tools are intended to support ordering and documentation, not replace clinical judgment.

Do these tables replace manufacturer product information or package inserts?

No. ODReference is a quick clinical reference, but the manufacturer’s current product information remains the final authority. Verify contraindications, compatibility notes, and updated parameter ranges against the latest manufacturer documentation before ordering.

How often is contact lens data updated?

Content is reviewed periodically for product launches, discontinuations, and meaningful parameter changes. Even with routine updates, verify key ordering details with the manufacturer when a change could materially affect risk or visual performance.

What does Dk/t mean, and why is it listed in the tables?

Dk/t is a measure of oxygen transmissibility for a lens at a given thickness. It can be a useful comparison point when you are balancing corneal physiology, wearing time, and modality. Clinical decisions should still consider the full patient picture, including surface health, fit, and follow-up findings.

Are specialty lenses like RGP or scleral lenses covered here?

The Contacts section emphasizes soft lens portfolios and common replacement schedules. Some tools support rigid lens calculations, but specialty fits should be managed with manufacturer fitting guides and dedicated specialty lens resources.