Understanding Your Eyeglass Prescription: Deciphering the Numbers and Abbreviations
When you get your eyes checked and receive an eyeglass prescription, it can be overwhelming to decipher what all the numbers and abbreviations mean. But fear not! In this post, we’ll break down the components of a typical eyeglass prescription, helping you understand what each part means and how to apply it.
The Prescription Format
A standard eyeglass prescription is typically written in a specific format, which includes:
1. Sphere (SPH): This measures the degree of nearsightedness or farsightedness.
2. Cylinder (CYL): This indicates the degree of astigmatism, if present.
3. Axis (AX): This specifies the orientation of the astigmatism, measured in degrees.
The Numbers
Now that we’ve covered the components, let’s dive into what each number means:
* Sphere (SPH):
+ Positive numbers indicate farsightedness (hyperopia), where distant objects are clear but near objects are blurry.
+ Negative numbers indicate nearsightedness (myopia), where close objects are clear but distant objects are blurry.
+ The higher the number, the stronger the prescription is needed to correct the vision.
* Cylinder (CYL):
+ Positive numbers indicate with-the-rule astigmatism, where the axis of astigmatism runs from the center of the eye outwards.
+ Negative numbers indicate against-the-rule astigmatism, where the axis of astigmatism runs from the periphery towards the center of the eye.
+ The higher the number, the more severe the astigmatism is.
Abbreviations and Symbols
You might notice some abbreviations and symbols on your prescription. Here’s what they mean:
* OU: Stands for “oculus uterque,” which means both eyes.
* OD: Stands for “oculus dexter,” meaning the right eye.
* OS: Stands for “oculus sinister,” meaning the left eye.
* + or -: Indicates whether the prescription is positive (farsighted) or negative (nearsighted).
Example Prescription
Let’s take an example prescription to illustrate how it all works:
OD: -2.00 +1.50 x 180 OS: -2.25 +1.75 x 175
Breaking it down:
* Sphere (SPH):
+ OD is -2.00, indicating a moderate degree of nearsightedness.
+ OS is also -2.25, showing a slightly stronger prescription for the left eye.
* Cylinder (CYL):
+ Both eyes have a cylinder value of +1.50 or +1.75, indicating mild with-the-rule astigmatism.
What to Do Next
Now that you’ve deciphered your eyeglass prescription, what’s next? Here are some steps:
1. Share it with your optometrist: Bring your prescription to your optometrist (or eye doctor) when purchasing new glasses or contacts.
2. Choose the right frames: Select frames that fit comfortably and suit your style, considering factors like frame size, shape, and material.
3. Get your lenses made: Work with your optometrist to create custom lenses that match your prescription.
Additional Resources
For more information on understanding eyeglass prescriptions or learning about eye health in general, we recommend checking out [Fantastic Glasses](https://fantasticglasses.ca). Their team of experts provides comprehensive guides and resources to help you navigate the world of glasses and contact lenses.
In conclusion, deciphering your eyeglass prescription might seem daunting at first, but by breaking down each component and understanding what the numbers mean, you’ll be well-equipped to make informed decisions about your eye care. Happy shopping for those new specs!
References:
https://fantasticglasses.ca