If you wear glasses, you may have wondered what all those numbers and abbreviations on your prescription mean. Understanding your prescription is crucial in order to get the correct pair of glasses that will provide you with clear vision. Although it may seem confusing at first, once you break it down, it becomes much easier to understand. In this article, we will explain how to the prescription of glasses.
1. O.D and O.S: These two abbreviations stand for Oculus Dexter and Oculus Sinister, which mean eye and left eye respectively. If your prescription contains these terms, it means that you may have different prescriptions for each eye.
2. Sphere (SPH): This indicates the amount of lens power required to correct nearsightedness or farsightedness. A minus (-) sign indicates nearsightedness, while a plus (+) sign indicates farsightedness. The larger the number, the stronger the prescription.
3. Cylinder (CYL): This indicates the amount of lens power needed to correct astigmatism, which is an irregular curvature of the cornea. If there is no CYL value, it means you do not have astigmatism. Like with SPH, a minus (-) sign indicates nearsighted astigmatism, and a plus (+) sign indicates farsighted astigmatism.
4. Axis: The axis represents the angle of astigmatism correction. It is measured in degrees from 1 to 180. This value is only present if there is a CYL value in your prescription.
5. Add: The add power is used to correct presbyopia, an age-related condition where the eye’s ability to focus on near objects diminishes. It is represented by a plus (+) sign and is typically only found in prescriptions for individuals over the age of 40.
6. Prism: The prism measurement is only included if you have a condition called eye misalignment or strabismus. It is usually indicated in prism diopters (Δ) and can help to align your eyes properly.
7. Pupillary Distance (PD): This is the measurement of the distance between your pupils and is essential for ensuring that your lenses are properly centered. Your optometrist or the person who measures your PD will provide you with this value.
Once you have understood the various components of your prescription, it is important to consider the following points when purchasing your glasses:
– Choose a reputable and reliable optician or online retailer to ensure accuracy in creating your lenses according to your prescription.
– Discuss any specific needs or preferences with your optician, such as lens materials (e.g., polycarbonate, high index) or lens coatings (e.g., anti-reflective coating, photochromic).
– Take into account your lifestyle and daily activities. If you engage in sports, for example, you may need special sports glasses with impact-resistant lenses.
– Consider the style and frame that suits your face shape, as this is a personal preference that can affect your overall aesthetic.
– Regularly update your prescription by visiting your optometrist at least once every two years. Your vision may change over time, and an outdated prescription can cause discomfort and hinder your visual clarity.
Understanding your prescription and following these tips will help you make informed decisions when it comes to selecting the right glasses for your needs. Remember, it’s crucial to consult with your optometrist or eye care professional if you have any doubts or questions regarding your prescription or eye health.