How To Read Your Power Prescription?

Typically, those who suffer from nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism will wear both eyeglasses or contact lenses to improve their vision.

Even though reading glasses are available in any convenient stores such as petrol station and pharmacies, it’s still better to visit a professional or specialist for an eye exam.

Keep in mind that routine eye exams help in the early detection of vision-loss causing diseases like glaucoma.

eye prescription

After you visited any optometrist, ophthalmologist or eyecare, you will be given an eyeglass prescription, you’re probably wondering what the numbers and abbreviated terms mean. In this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about your eyeglass prescription.

The Main Abbreviations

  • OD: oculus dexter (right eye)
  • OS: oculus sinister (left eye)
  • OU: oculus uterque (both eyes)
  • SPH (Sphere) : the amount of power in the lenses
  • CYL (Cylinder) : cylindrical correction, or the amount of lens power needed to correct an astigmatism
  • AXIS: indicates the angle of astigmatism correction
  • ADD: addition, used for bifocal and multifocal lenses
  • PRISM: The amount of prismatic power is measured in prism diopters

Numbers In Your Prescriptions

  • SPH: The numbers in this column would be associated with a plus (+) sign for Hyperopia (long sighted) or minus (-) sign for Myopia (short sighted).
  • CYL: The number is commonly associated with a minus (-) sign. You may have little to no astigmatism if the column was left blank.
  • Axis: Usually measured in degrees that range from 1 to 180. This number is needed to ensure correct positioning of astigmatism.
  • ADD: It is prescribed to people with Presbyopia — difficulty on focusing near objects. The number is associated with a plus (+) sign.
Eye test equipment

Can eyeglass prescriptions be used to buy contact lenses?

No, you cannot use your prescription for glasses to purchase contact lenses.

A prescription for glasses is only suitable for the purchase of glasses. It lacks crucial information for a contact lens prescription. We suggest to do contact lens fitting. Try our Professional Contact Lens fitting today.

At MOG Eyewear, we are here to assist your eye care needs. We provide latest technology and up-to-date equipment, allowing our professional optometrist to do thorough eye examinations and accurate prescriptions. Visit us today or book an appointment to learn more about our services.