Spherical Contact Lenses
Spherical contact lenses correct short-sightedness and long-sightedness with a uniform power across the entire lens — the most widely prescribed contact lens type in Australia.
Spherical contact lenses correct two of the most common vision conditions in Australia: short-sightedness (myopia) and long-sightedness (hyperopia). They have the same optical power across the entire lens surface, which is what makes them "spherical" — the power is equal in every direction. If your prescription shows a sphere (SPH) value and no cylinder (CYL) correction, a spherical lens is appropriate for you.
Short-sighted wearers struggle to see clearly at a distance. Long-sighted wearers struggle to see clearly up close. Both conditions are corrected with a spherical lens — the difference is simply whether your prescription has a minus (−) or plus (+) sphere value.
Understanding Your Spherical Prescription
A spherical contact lens prescription is the most straightforward type. Here's what each value means:- Sphere (SPH): The optical power of your lens. A minus (−) value corrects short-sightedness (myopia); a plus (+) value corrects long-sightedness (hyperopia)
- Base Curve (BC): The curvature of the back surface of the lens, which determines how the lens sits on your eye. This is measured by your optometrist during a fitting
- Diameter (DIA): The physical size of the lens across its surface
- No CYL value: If your prescription has no cylinder (CYL) or axis values, you do not have significant astigmatism and a spherical lens is appropriate. If a CYL value is present, your optometrist will advise whether a toric lens is needed instead
Which Spherical Lens Is Right For You?
Spherical lenses are right for you if:
- Consistent Prescription: Your prescription includes a sphere (SPH) value and no cylinder (CYL) correction
- Existing Wearer: You have been previously fitted with a spherical contact lens and are reordering the same product
- New to Lenses: You are new to contact lenses and your optometrist has determined you do not have significant astigmatism
You may need a different lens type if:
- Astigmatism Correction: Your prescription includes a CYL value — you may need a toric lens for astigmatism correction
- Near-Vision Difficulty: You are in your mid-40s or older and finding it difficult to read up close — you may benefit from a multifocal lens instead; ask your optometrist
Browse Spherical Lenses by Replacement Schedule
Daily disposable spherical lenses
- DAILIES TOTAL1 — Alcon's flagship daily lens; a unique water gradient surface means nearly 100% water touches the eye for a near-invisible wearing experience, ideal for dry or sensitive eyes
- 1-Day ACUVUE OASYS — HydraLuxe® Technology supports a stable tear film during visually demanding days and extended screen time; a top choice for digital device users
- 1-DAY ACUVUE MOIST — LACREON® Technology provides a long-lasting moisture cushion for up to 20 hours; a well-established, reliable daily for everyday wearers
- PRECISION1 — SMARTSURFACE® Technology maintains a high-moisture outer layer for a smooth, comfortable daily wearing experience from Alcon
- MyDay— CooperVision's premium daily silicone hydrogel; naturally inspired material with high oxygen transmissibility and a soft, comfortable fit
- clariti 1 day — 100% silicone hydrogel daily from CooperVision with Wetloc® Technology locking in moisture; reliable breathable correction at an accessible price point
- Biotrue ONEday — inspired by the biology of the eye; maintains 98% of its moisture for up to 16 hours for a naturally comfortable daily wearing experience
- DAILIES AquaComfort Plus — a triple-action moisture release system keeps lenses feeling fresh; a comfortable, budget-friendly everyday daily from Alcon
Fortnightly spherical lenses
- ACUVUE OASYS — one of the most widely prescribed fortnightly lenses in Australia; HYDRACLEAR® Plus Technology delivers exceptional comfort across the full two-week wearing period
Monthly spherical lenses
- Biofinity — CooperVision's premium silicone hydrogel monthly with Aquaform® Technology for consistent all-day comfort and high oxygen transmissibility
- Biofinity Energys — Digital Zone Optics® ease the visual demand of prolonged screen time; ideal for wearers who spend long hours on digital devices
- Air Optix plus HydraGlyde — SmartShield® surface technology resists deposit buildup for consistent comfort and clear vision across the full month
- PureVision 2 HD — High Definition™ Optics reduce halos and glare for sharp, clear monthly vision correction from Bausch + Lomb
- ACUVUE Vita — HydraMax® Technology maintains consistent moisture and comfort throughout the entire 30-day replacement cycle
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a spherical contact lens?
A spherical contact lens has the same optical power across its entire surface. It corrects short-sightedness (myopia) or long-sightedness (hyperopia) using a single, uniform power. If your prescription includes a sphere (SPH) value and no cylinder (CYL) correction, a spherical lens is appropriate for you.
What is the difference between a spherical and a toric contact lens?
A toric lens is specifically designed to correct astigmatism — a condition where the cornea is slightly irregular in shape — and incorporates different powers at different lens meridians. A spherical lens corrects only short-sightedness or long-sightedness with a uniform power and does not correct astigmatism. If your prescription includes a CYL value, you require a toric lens.
What is the difference between a spherical and a multifocal contact lens?
A multifocal lens is designed for wearers with presbyopia — the age-related loss of near focusing ability — and incorporates multiple zones to support both distance and near vision correction in one lens. A spherical lens corrects short-sightedness or long-sightedness at a single focal distance only. If you also need reading glasses, your optometrist may recommend a multifocal lens.
Do I need a prescription to buy spherical contact lenses online?
Yes. All contact lenses, including spherical lenses, are classified as prescription medical devices in Australia. You must have a valid contact lens prescription issued by a registered optometrist to purchase them.