"How to Read Your Eyeglass Prescription. Most values range from +/- 0.25 to +/- 4.00 and will go up in steps of 0.25. Cylinder axes range from 0 to 180, and are based on a hemispheric protractor. Naturally, a prescription will contain values for the correction of both of your eyes. CYL (Cylinder)CYL is a + or - value in 0.25 steps and is required to correct your astigmatism. Here are some common prescription types to help you navigate yours. EyeBuyDirect has a wide variety of budget frames starting at $6. The 20/20 vision is the correct vision for normal eyes. If you dont know whether you need a pair of glasses, the post How to Know If You Need Glasses? This doctor has elected to add "SPH," to confirm the right eye is being prescribed only spherical power. Still dont know how to look for your perfect fit? On any prescription, PD can be written in different ways: e.g., 62 (Single PD), 33/31 (Dual PD), or 62/60 (Distance PD/Near PD). If nothing appears in your CYL column, you do not require astigmatism correction. With eight years of experience in the world of content strategy and creation, Michael specializes in medical copywriting and advanced research methodologies. OS is an abbreviation of the Latin oculus sinister which means left eye. Tap on the prescription form to find out what all those number and abbreviations mean, By proceeding to the site or clicking Accept All Cookies, you consent to such use. Astigmatism relates to an issue in the curvature of yourcorneathat causes blurred distance and near vision, especially at night. What does "SPH" appearing under Cylinder on my prescription mean? You should also find a row of values provided for "Distance" and for "Near". You'll notice the CYL and AXIS values are the same for both distance and near. The number under 'cylinder' provides the lens power needed to correct the astigmatism. Best Place to Buy Contacts: 1800 Contacts. What are the different types of contact lenses? In some cases, the optician may write what appears to be a slash above the figure to indicate a "-" value.When no correction for SPH is required the optician will write "Plano", "", "0.00" or just leave the space blank. The term "sphere" means that the correction for nearsightedness or farsightedness is "spherical," or equal in all meridians of the eye. These are needed to tell us how to shape the lens so that it can accurately align the wearers eyesight. If not, keep on your reading and you will find the full explanations in the following part. Axis is the direction in which the astigmatism . Conversely, if your prescription does not display a CYL value, you do not need an Axis value. Sphere, often written as SPH, means that the correction for nearsightedness or farsightedness is spherical, equal in all meridians of the eye. During an eye exam, your doctor will determine whether you need vision correction. There will also be a number in the axis column thats needed for astigmatism correction. For example, "1.5" or 1. What the values on your prescription mean. An eye prescription specifies the values needed for your corrective eyewear. The ADD value is also referred to as a "Near Addition" or "Reading Addition". Register so we can email you as soon as its becomes available! 1-800 Contacts is our #1 recommendation to buy contacts online. The measurement is in Degrees. 'Add' +2.50 - should be entered for both eyes). Worried about the wrong fit? The base value will show either in or out, or up and down, indicating the direction the prism should be angled. In addition, most prescriptions willshow your pupillary distance (PD), the horizontal distance between your pupils. Msg frequency may vary. The number marked 'axis' describes the orientation of astigmatism. SPH is a + or - value in 0.25 steps and is required to correct your nearsightedness (-) or farsightedness (+). Standard msg & data rates may apply. The Zenni Optical website says I need that bit, but all it let's you input are positive or negative numbers, I can't write in SPH even if I knew what it mean. When you hold the prescription, have you ever been curious to know what the number and letters mean for your eyesight? An SPH number indicates if you are farsighted or nearsighted. Sphere, often written as SPH, means that the correction for nearsightedness or farsightedness is spherical, equal in all meridians of the eye. Now that you understand those mysterious letters and numbers, you know how to read a glasses prescription! When you hold the prescription, have you ever been curious to know what the number and letters mean for your eyesight? For example: SPH -3.25 CYL -1.25 AXIS 120. It is not a condition, or disease. You can then go ahead and enter the prescription as follows: By clicking the link Need Help? It is the amount of magnification required to "ADD" to the "SPH" value of your "Distance" prescription to correct your near vision. A positive value, or a prescription with a plus-sign (+), means that your child is farsighted. Do you know the meaning of the Sphere, Cylinder and Axis? Whats more, if an eyeglass prescription includes cylinder power, it also must include an Axis value, which follows the CYL power. Should I get a second opinion? The axis value is often preceded by an x when written in freehand. Can someone help me out here? What Does SPH mean? Enter your email address to make it happen. A minus (-) symbol next to this number means you're nearsighted, and a plus (+) symbol means the prescription is meant to correct farsightedness. On the prescription of eyeglasses, the cylinder typically follows the sphere power. What are blue-light-blocking glasses and how do they work? Inter, Inter Add, Int Add, Int, Intermediate Addition - These all relate to your intermediate addition and are used to make glasses for intermediate distance use. 6. What If My Prescription Does Not Follow The Format on Your Website? You may also have a column labeled OU, which means oculus uterque, or both eyes. Sphere: The sphere (SPH) on your prescription indicates the lens power you need to see clearly. The higher the number on your prescription, the stronger your prescription is. What is Cylinder in glasses? For example: "+2.25 ADD" or "Add +2.25". Do you know the meaning of the Sphere, Cylinder and Axis? This number is always positive, even if it doesnt have a plus sign (+) in front of it. Colour blindness test: Do you see colours correctly? This indicates the amount of lens power, measured in diopters (D), prescribed to correct nearsightedness or farsightedness. Typically, youll see several abbreviations and words labeling all of the important data on your prescription. Cylinder means the amount of lens power for astigmatism and shows the differences between the greatest and weakest powers of the eye. SPH is one of the parameters to report your eye prescription. All Opticians and Doctors worldwide work to the same procedures when writing a prescription, which can be printed or written in a similar fashion to this sample prescription. ; values are usually entered with computer, but may be handwritten by doctor. The sphere is measured in Dioptre's, your prescription may have the word Plano or Pl or an infinity sign, this means that you are neither long nor short sighted but zero power for the Sphere, however you may have astigmatism - a CYL and AXIS on your prescription. In astigmatism, the curvature of the eye is imperfect. But don't worry, after reading this page you'll understand what all the details mean and you'll know how to read your glasses prescription correctly. In AXIS, the lens meridian plays an important role. Some eye doctors have modernized this and replaced OD with RE (right eye) and OS with LE. The axis is defined with a number from 1 to 180. If you complete an eye exam and find your eyes needs have changed, you need to order a new prescription as soon as possible. If you have been provided with a BVD value ensure to enter it into the additional information or comments box provided with any online prescription forms. Yes, I would like to be notified by email about this product, and to receive emails from Olive with the latest deals, sales, and updates. What is SPH in a Glasses Prescription? The size is not dangerous or bad, but the number associated with it (ex: Size: small, medium, large, extra-large etc.) Add, Near Add, Reading Addition - These all relate to your reading addition and can be written anywhere on the prescription. If youre looking for eyeglasses that can bend without breaking, look great and enhance your vision all at o My manafest refraction test was -50 -50 110 + 250, But my rx reads -50 sph axis +250. How to Read Your Prescription for Glasses. If your prescription only shows the SPH box with a value, leave the CYL and AXIS blank. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. Different ways a prescription can be displayed.Common abbreviations that appear on your prescription. This is why you need to go to a local optician, not buy online. A minus (-) symbol next to this number means youre nearsighted, and a plus (+) symbol means the prescription is meant to correct farsightedness. Our entire range of mens sunglasses from only 19.97, Our entire range of womens sunglasses from only 19.97. Below is a standard NHS prescription that has been written as two full lines of prescription: You can edit the form by clicking the link Need Help? After reading this part, you may get the answer. If your prescription includes a BVD, it is important that the lenses sit at the correct distance to ensure comfortable vision. When we look at the eye prescription written by our consultant, different questions come to mind. What is a contact lens eye exam and fitting? Though the use of these abbreviated Latin terms is traditional for prescriptions written for eyeglasses, contact lensesand eye medicines, some doctors and clinics have opted to modernize their prescriptions and use RE (right eye) and LE (left eye) instead of OD and OS. The measurement is the Dioptre. Traditional eyeglasses are usually single vision lenses with one pre Metal frames are suitable for wearing. BVD - Back Vertex Distance is the distance required from the front of your eye (cornea) to the back surface of the corrective lens. On any prescription, PD can be written in different ways: e.g., 62 (Single PD), 33/31 (Dual PD), or 62/60 (Distance PD/Near PD). The second prescription shows the patients complete distance prescription for the right and left eye followed by a reading addition value of +2.25. Children should have their first eye exam when they are around six months old, and then another just before they start school. What does 165 axis mean - One tool that can be used is What does 165 axis mean. Sphere (SPH) and Cylinder (CYL) always have a (+) or (-) sign. Cylinder (CYL). In the horizontal meridian of the eyes, the number 180 is used. No, you cannot use your eyeglass prescription to buy contact lenses or vice versa because eyeglass lenses sit about 12 to 15 mm away from your eyes, whereas contact lenses are directly on your eyes. E.g. Our entire range of mens prescription designer glasses. If you are farsighted, you will see a plus sign(+) next to the Sphere number. Only a small amount of prescriptions will require a PRISM. The term "sphere" means that the correction for nearsightedness or farsightedness is "spherical," or equal in all meridians of the eye. Reply HELP for help and STOP to cancel. When people talk about their eye degree or power, they are usually referring to their SPH value. This box maybe empty or have a plus or a minus value in it. We use cookies to give you a fantastic customer experience. When no correction for SPH is required the optician will write "Plano", "", "0.00" or just leave the space blank. These glasses are often worn full time. Your prescription gives us, your Opticians or Doctors recommendation for clear and comfortable vision. On the other hand, in the farsightedness, the person can see those objects clearly which are far but near object seems blurry. They may also enter an abbreviation "DS" (Dioptre Spheres). BVD- Back Vertex Distance is the distance required from the front of your eye (cornea) to the back surface of the corrective lens. Sometimes they need to be adjusted by professionals. We may earn commissions if you purchase something via one of our links. We aim to deliver within 1-7 days and we will always attempt to notify you of any delays. AXISAn AXIS will only be found on your prescription if there is a CYL value for the same eye. If you are still unsure about entering your prescription details when ordering glasses online, make sure that you choose a supplier that offers an "Upload" or "Send Later" option. However, underneath the form, you will see a set of links under the heading "Click here of your prescription looks different to this form". A number with a minus symbol before it means you are nearsighted, and a number with a plus symbol, or no symbol, means you are farsighted. CYL (Cylinder) CYL is a '+' or '-' value in 0.25 steps and is required to correct your astigmatism. We can offer up to 3.00 Dioptre's of prism online however if yours exceed this or if you have more than one direction for each eye please contact us to confirm suitablility and availability. However, there are other parameters, such as CYL which means the astigmatism part and AX which means the axis position in the astigmatism. Similar to SPH, optometrists measure CYL in increments of 0.25 diopters. You've probably asked yourself many times, what does my glasses prescription mean? The doctor wrote "SPH" in the Cylinder column. Here at Spex4Less, you will find both of these options directly above the prescription form. If you cant make sense of your eyeglass prescription, youre not alone. When 180 is reached, the axis then starts over at 0. This indicates the amount of lens power for astigmatism. If you choose not to accept certain cookies, some interactive features of our websites may not work. For a full 12 months from dispatch date we will repair or replace any frames with a manufacturing fault. Dist, refers to distance, this is the prescription required to correct distance vision. In addition, you will see the initials OD and OS written on your eye prescription. The bridge width will make sure your eyewear rest comfortably on the bridge of your nose, measuring the distance from the innermost point on each lens. The value may be as high as 10 and may go up in steps of or 1 Prism Dioptres. But keep in mind, all eyewear is different, so its just a general reference. They can also be written anywhere on the prescription. That is to say, the OD means the right eye and OS means the left eye. Notable terms include: Sphere (SPH) - The term "sphere" means that the correction for nearsightedness or farsightedness is spherical, equal in all meridians of the eye. If nothing appears in this column, either you have no astigmatism, or your astigmatism is so slight that it is not really necessary to . What does that mean. Only one meridian will be adjusted to fix your astigmatism. Base is the direction of a PRISM value and will only be supplied if the prescription has a PRISM value. What does SPH mean for glasses? Sometimes opticians use the word 'Add' or 'Near' instead of 'addition'. Please note you can also upload a copy of your prescription during checkout and our Optometrist will check it against what you have entered on your order and you will be notified if there are any discrepancies. This is always a "+" value in 0.25 steps. The Sphere is also used to correct the nearsightedness or farsightedness.