Free Tool

Vertex Distance Calculator

Convert your glasses prescription to estimated contact lens powers instantly.

Medical Disclaimer: This tool provides an estimate only. Always consult your eye care professional for a proper contact lens fitting and prescription. Contact lenses are medical devices and require a valid prescription.
Glasses Prescription

Right Eye (OD)

Estimated Contact Lens Powers

Right Eye (OD)

Enter sphere power to see results

Glasses Prescription

Left Eye (OS)

Estimated Contact Lens Powers

Left Eye (OS)

Enter sphere power to see results

How Vertex Conversion Works

Your glasses sit roughly 12 mm in front of your cornea. That gap — the vertex distance — changes how strongly the lens must focus light to hit the same point on your retina. A contact lens sits directly on the eye, so its power must be recalculated to achieve the same optical result.

For prescriptions below ±4.00D the difference is clinically insignificant and the power passes through unchanged. For stronger prescriptions, the conversion formula is:

CL Power = Glasses Power ÷ (1 − 0.012 × Glasses Power)

Results are rounded to the nearest 0.25D — the standard manufacturing increment for contact lenses. Axis passes through unchanged as it is not affected by vertex distance.