How important is base curve in a contact lens?!
Question:
How important is base curve in a contact lens?
My prescription is for a base curve of 8.5. I want to use a lens that only comes in a base curve of 8.6. will I be ok?
Answers:
When its that close its usually ok. Its when you go from like a 8.3 to 8.9 when its a problem. The base curve that is given is based on the measurement of the curvature of your cornea. If you have too steep or flat of a base curve the contact will not fit properly and could cause you problems. Those base curves are so close you should be fine, most companies do not make every base curve so we usually pick the closest one anyways. :)
Anyways on that note the prescribed base curve is a starting point. That is the base curve that an eye care professional tries first and checks the fit. After checking it they may give you a different base curve. An optician or eye doctor should be checking the fit of your contacts because some brands fit differently and you could have problems if they aren't fitting well. :)
EDIT*** Regarding the last person that answered, I am an optician and 50% of my job and education is dedicated to contact lenses. I guess its depending on where you are, like I guess opticians are trained differently. In the province of Ontario Opticians are fully qualified upon graduation to fit contacts, fit glasses and manufacture glasses.
As long as the optician is qualified to fit contacts then there is no problem at all with them doing so :) :)