Mar 21 2010

What do all of the abbreviations on a contact lens prescription stand for?

Published by admin at 7:57 pm under prescription contact lens

My contact lens prescription reads:

"D -5.50 BC 8.6 DIA 14.2"

I know the D-5.50 stands for my vision.
I figured DIA stands for Diameter, and I’m not sure what BC stands for. Can anyone tell me?


BC is base curve, or radius (in millimeters). Refers to the curvature of the eye lens.
DIA is diameter of the lens


2 responses so far

2 Responses to “What do all of the abbreviations on a contact lens prescription stand for?”

  1. # David
    on 22 Mar 2010 at 1:37 am

    8.6 and 14.2 refer to the size of the lens… what you need for a proper fit.

    -5.50 refers to the strength of the lens… what you need to correct your vision.
    References :

  2. # tonalc2
    on 22 Mar 2010 at 2:27 am

    BC is base curve, or radius (in millimeters). Refers to the curvature of the eye lens.
    DIA is diameter of the lens
    References :

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