If you or someone you know has ever had an eye exam, you may have received an eyeglasses prescription if needed.
Understanding an eyeglasses prescription can be puzzling for many. The terminology used by eye care professionals might surprise you, but fear not – we’re here to help decipher the prescription.
Decoding Your Eyeglasses Prescription
Abbreviations in a Prescription
- SPH: Sphere, indicating the lens power for correcting vision.
- CYL: Cylinder, indicating the level of astigmatism.
- Axis: Specifies the orientation of the cylindrical power.
- V.A.: Visual acuity, indicating the achieved visual clarity.
A standard prescription includes patient details like name, age, sex, and exam date. It also covers correction for both distance and near vision.
Understanding Different Numbers Spherical and cylindrical powers are represented with plus (+) or minus (-) signs.
- A plus sign denotes farsightedness, corrected with a converging lens.
- A minus sign indicates nearsightedness, corrected with a diverging lens.
For instance, +1.00D corrects farsightedness, while -1.50D corrects nearsightedness.
Distance vs. Near Prescription Prescriptions typically have two sections: one for distance and one for near vision.
- Distance correction addresses refractive errors like myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism.
- Near correction treats presbyopia, a condition resulting from lens elasticity loss with age.
Lens Recommendations Your prescription may suggest lens types:
- Progressive/Bifocal: Combining distance and near correction.
- Anti-reflection Coating: Reducing glare for night driving or computer use.
- Photochromatic Lenses: Darkening in sunlight.
- High-Index Lenses: Making strong prescriptions lighter and thinner.
Contact Lens vs. Spectacle Prescription Yes, they differ. Contact lens prescriptions consider factors like base curve, diameter, and lens type, along with expiration and brand details.
In conclusion, understanding your eyeglasses prescription empowers you to make informed decisions about your vision correction.