Through her writing, Dr. Huang enjoys educating patients on how to lead healthier and happier lives. A glasses prescription can be displayed in a number of ways. Contact us, Mon. Children should have their first eye exam when they are around six months old, and then another just before they start school. Cylinder ( CYL) Cylinder indicates the amount of lens power for astigmatism. Our entire range of prescription glasses for Women. What does SPH mean for glasses? Thats why weve put together a short guide to help you learn how to read a glasses prescription so you can get to ordering your new set of eyeglasses as quickly as possible. The PD/Pupillary Distance is generally measured during a sight test, but is not routinely written on a prescription, you can ask for this from your Opticians, or ask them to add it to your prescription when you are tested. The interesting fact is that if the prescription of eyeglass includes the main cylinder power, it is important to include the axis value along with it so that it follows the power of CYL. [+/-Cylinder].axis [some angle between 0 and 180 degrees]. 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. BVD- Back Vertex Distance is the distance required from the front of your eye (cornea) to the back surface of the corrective lens. The sphere (Sph) specifies the strength of lens required to correct your focus - a plus sphere to correct long-sightedness (hyperopic - difficulty focusing on close objects) and a minus to correct short sightedness (myopia - difficulty focusing on distant objects.). Your prescription may have a base column, or it may be included in the same column as prism this gives further information about the required prism correction, telling us the orientation needed in the lens. Cylinder axes range from 0 to 180, and are based on a hemispheric protractor. Older Post This means that the eyeball is spherical and has no oblongedness, and consequently has no Cylinder or Axis values. Add, Near Add, Reading Addition- These all relate to your reading addition and can be written anywhere on the prescription. The axis is defined with a number from 1 to 180. The less common prism Rx refers to the amount of prismatic power needed to compensate for eye alignment issues (e.g., double vision or lazy eye). 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. For example, "1.5" or 1. On any prescription, PD can be written in different ways: e.g., 62 (Single PD), 33/31 (Dual PD), or 62/60 (Distance PD . The axis indicates the angle (in degrees) between the two meridians of an astigmatic eye. A prescription for correcting eye alignment issues will include a PRISM and BASE value. 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. If you see the "sph" in the "cyl" box . Colour blindness test: Do you see colours correctly? A prescription for someone who is farsighted will feature a number with a plus (+) symbol in the sphere box. If you require progressive lenses, your prescription willdisplay a value under the ADD (addition) column. (Note that this is different than a contact lens prescription). They can also be written anywhere on the prescription. Those individuals having 1.5 or more diopters will definitely need to use eyeglasses in order to correct the vision. Should I get a second opinion? Sphere (SPH) - The term "sphere" means that the correction for nearsightedness or farsightedness is spherical, equal in all meridians of the eye. The AXIS stands for Axis and SPH stands for Sphere. This is a common question when the person who consults eye specialists encountered the eye prescription. | If you have an astigmatism, you will have a number in the cylinder column of your prescription that indicates the lens power needed to correct the astigmatism. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. OS -1.00 -0.50 x 180 +2.00 add 0.5 p.d. Or, are the sphere & axis values so small they can be dropped off? What is CYL, AXIS and SPH? Diopter is the measurement used for the strength of eyeglass lenses. The numbers are from 1 to 180 in the axis part of the eye prescription. Get news, offers and hand-drawn stickers by Mila, our co-founder Shing's daughter! Inter, refers to intermediate, this is the prescription required to correct intermediate vision, and may appear in full, or as an additional power (ADD) to the distance. The measurement is in Degrees. This indicates the amount of lens power for astigmatism. If your glasses are for distance only, this will not be an issue. 10 Signs You Need Glasses may be helpful. What does 165 axis mean - One tool that can be used is What does 165 axis mean. What does "SPH" appearing under Cylinder on my prescription mean? A cylinder forms a focus 90 degrees to its axis. What the values on your prescription mean. Marketing cookies are used to offer personalized advertisements. Warby Parker has stylish, high-quality frames at affordable prices. BO=Base Out, BI=Base In, BU=Base Up, and BD (or BDn)=Base Down. What is the difference between polarized and non-polarized lenses? In the third part, we will show you what the Axis in glasses is. Sphere (SPH) - The expression "sphere" means that the remedy for astigmatism or farsightedness is round, equivalent in all meridians of the eye. Your eyeglass prescription also may have a column labeled "OU." Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. It is the amount of magnification required to "ADD" to the "SPH" value of your "Distance" prescription to correct your near vision. CYL, or cylinder, refers to the amount of astigmatism correction you need. 1. The CYL stands for Cylinder. If the glasses help to improve the vision, then the person is not legally blind. Like SPH and CYL, optometrists measure ADD in increments of 0.25 diopters. How to Measure your PD(Pupillary Distance), Choosing the Best Frames for Progressives, How to Replace Lenses in a Full-Rim Frame, How to Replace Lenses in a Half-Rim Frame. Youll typically find the abbreviates OD and OS on the left side of your prescription. Cylinder power is always written after sphere power in an eyeglass prescription. If the PD/Pupillary Distance for the glasses is not set correctly then your eyes may have to strain to look through them, this can lead to headaches, eyestrain, visual distortion and in severe cases, double vision. Different ways a prescription can be displayed.Common abbreviations that appear on your prescription. This measurement would be your ideal frame width that is the most necessary measurement. The axis is the astigmatism orientation. (Some doctors will add "DS" for "diopters sphere;" others will leave this area blank.). This means your lenses will be shaped to improve your distance vision. If this column is blank, it means you dont have an astigmatism. If you see a negative value (-) that means your child is nearsighted. Eyeglass prescriptions may have several components, including sphere, cylinder, and axis. If this is the case, your prescription will display SPH, CYL & AXIS values in both the "Distance" and "Near" sections of the prescription. The measurement is the Dioptre, and most values range from +0.50 to +3.50 and will go up in steps of 0.25. . Our entire range of womens prescription designer glasses. These are the abbreviations that denote to Oculus Dexter and oculus sinister in Latin and mean left eye and right eye. If you promise not to get in a petty snit, and let me explain why, I'll tell you the answer to your question. If the human eye acuity is 20/200, this is called the bad eye axis and is considered the blind person. Subscribe to our newsletter for KOALAEYE style news, 2022 KOALAEYE OPTICAL. You should also find a row of values provided for "Distance" and for "Near". The "Distance" row contains the values required to correct your distance vision for the respective eye. Clicking 'I have TWO complete rows of figures on my prescription" will open up new option boxes for you to open your prescription. This is the abbreviation for the Latin termoculus uterque, which means "both eyes.". What does that mean. The lens power amount is, therefore, measured in D (diopters) for farsightedness or nearsightedness. The cyl power has its axis at the 180 meridian, meaning the horizontal (180-degree) meridian of the eye has no added power for astigmatism and the vertical (90-degree) meridian gets the added -0.50 D. Both eyes are being prescribed an "add power" of +2.00 D for the correction of presbyopia, and this eyeglass prescription includes a prismatic correction of 0.5 prism diopter in each eye. This correction is often used for driving, television and general wear (walking around). The information provided on VisionCenter.org should not be used in place of actual information provided by a doctor or a specialist. might be bigger than you would like! or a superscript triangle when written freehand), prescribed to compensate for eye alignment problems. There will also be a number in the axis column thats needed for astigmatism correction. Sphere, Cylinder, and Axis on Eye Prescriptions Sphere: The sphere (SPH) on your prescription indicates the lens power you need to see clearly. The measurement is Prism Dioptre. Common abbreviations that appear on your prescription. If for any reason you are not satisfied with your order, we will replace or exchange your glasses/lenses. What is SPH in a Glasses Prescription? The axis is the astigmatism orientation. A positive value, or a prescription with a plus-sign (+), means that your child is farsighted. When you hold the prescription, have you ever been curious to know what the number and letters mean for your eyesight? Your optician may or may not write DS (Dioptres Sphere) in the CYL box. Free Shipping Worldwide on Orders Over $69, Full Explanations: Sphere, Cylinder and Axis in Glasses. Terms of sale If nothing appears in the Cylinder column, it indicates that you have no astigmatism, or your astigmatism is so light that there is no need to correct it with the eyeglass lenses. Only a small percentage of eyeglass prescriptions include prism. This is the most common format with clearly printed fields for OD, OS, SPH, CYL, etc. This number will appear as a decimal (0.5) or fraction (), followed by two letters indicating the base direction: There may be additional information written by your optometrist or ophthalmologist regarding your eye health. We aim to deliver within 1-7 days and we will always attempt to notify you of any delays. Standard msg & data rates may apply. CYL (or Cylinder) indicates you have a condition where the cornea and/or lens of the eye are irregularly shaped causing blurred vision, in other words, astigmatism. These glasses are often worn full time. This is an important question because this is related to the eyes and gives answers related to different changes in the human eye. After reading this part, you may get the answer. Balance - No values are required. The second prescription shows the patients complete distance prescription for the right and left eye followed by a reading addition value of +2.25. In its simplest form, a prescription for glasses will feature a table with two rows and three columns. And what about all those abbreviated terms, such as OD, OS, SPH and CYL? After reading this post, you may have gotten the answers. We always recommend attaching a copy of your prescription to the order, or fax this through or email it separately, we will double check the prescription this end to ensure the correct lenses are produced. How Do You Keep Your Glasses From Fogging Up With A Ski Mask? There are two vision conditions, nearsightedness, and farsightedness. The number appearing in this section of the prescription is always a "plus" power, even if it is not preceded by a plus sign. EyeBuyDirect has a wide variety of budget frames starting at $6. Still dont know how to look for your perfect fit? The "ADD" value applies to both eyes and can sometimes be written only once on the prescription, even though the addition is required for both eyes. A survey of the criteria for prescribing in cases of borderline refractive errors. Cylindrical correction means that one meridian has no added power, while the meridian perpendicular to it has the maximum lens curvature and power added to it. This means that a person can see the object clearly at 20 feet. Axis: An axis number will also be included if you have an astigmatism. Our entire range of mens glasses suitable for varifocal lenses. This format is less common in the US. SPH is a + or - value in 0.25 steps and is required to correct your nearsightedness (-) or farsightedness (+). Sphere refers to the power of your lens (measured in dioptre units) to correct the degree of short or long sight you have. If you have an astigmatism, you will find a "+" or "-" value in this box. If you suffer from astigmatism, your prescription will indicate values for CYL and Axis. Sphere, also known as degree or power, is the amount of single vision correction you need. When the shape of the human eye cornea changes, the large changes in the measurement of the axis is seen though, this is rare. Cylinder means the amount of lens power for astigmatism and shows the differences between the greatest and weakest powers of the eye. The images below show some possible layouts of different prescriptions and how they would be entered on our website. When reading your glasses prescription you will find values under the headings of SPH, CYL, AXIS and sometimes ADD, PRISM & BASESPH (Sphere)SPH is a + or - value in 0.25 steps and is required to correct your nearsightedness (-) or farsightedness (+). Best way to buy glasses: Online or in person? What Is The Difference Between A Retinal Tear And A Retinal Detachment? This article will help you decipher all parts of your prescription and discuss it knowledgeably with an optician or when you buy eyeglasses online. Different prescriptions and how to enter your values on our site. Prism powers will always be accompanied with a direction which is usually seen as a base diresction such as IN, OUT, UP and DOWN; for example; Prism 2.00 Base IN. Nowadays, most of us wear glasses and most of us just take the prescription to the optical store to pick out a pair of glasses. Best Place to Buy Contacts: 1800 Contacts. That means that you have no astigmatism to correct in that eye. The measurement is the Dioptre. A number over 5 is generally considered to be on the stronger side. Axis refers to an angle value between 0 and 180 that determines the angle of the cylinder correction for astigmatism. When you enter your prescription during checkout, please select "Not Applicable" for all Cylinder and Axis fields, thank you. 5. The axis is the orientation of the cylinder when looking at an eye. The temple should be long enough to keep the frame securely in place without any pressure on your ears. This prescription is for the left eye, and -1.50 means that your nearsightedness is measured at 1 and 1/2 diopters. In astigmatism, the curvature of the eye is imperfect. Common Abbreviations That Appear on Your Prescription. ADD. Cylinder (CYL). On the prescription of eyeglasses, the cylinder typically follows the sphere power. Astigmatism correction is not spherical. There is no astigmatism correction for this eye, so no cylinder power or axis is noted. This figure is an indication of how much extra power is required on top of the distance prescription for near or intermediate glasses. Essentially, OD means right eye, and OS means left eye. Myopia control: How to slow your child's myopia, Childrens eye care problems at school-age, How the eye works: Refraction and refractive errors, Using eye drops: How to correctly apply them. For more information, please see our. 'Add' +2.50 - should be entered for both eyes). The sphere is the indication of how strong the lenses need to be in order to correct the vision. Our online prescription form initially displays the most common format, Distance with a Near Add. 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. DS (Dioptres Sphere) means you only have a Sphere power. CYL is the amount of astigmatism correction you need, and Axis determines the lens angle required to correct your astigmatism. The higher the number on your prescription, the stronger your prescription is. 10 Signs You Need Glasses. The lens power amount is, therefore, measured in D (diopters) for farsightedness or nearsightedness. What does SPH DS mean? Most values range from +/- 0.25 to +/- 4.00 and will go up in steps of 0.25. You will also have a corresponding "AXIS" value (see below).When no astigmatism correction is required the optician will leave the box blank. Enter your email address to make it happen. Register so we can email you as soon as its becomes available! On the eye prescription, CYL represents the cylinder correction part whether there is astigmatism or not. In SPH, the plus sign is the indication of farsightedness (near objects are blurred). Msg frequency may vary. Your prescription gives us, your Opticians or Doctors recommendation for clear and comfortable vision. It's considered a mild amount of nearsightedness. Add is the added magnifying power applied to the bottom part ofmultifocal lensesto correctpresbyopia. These links allow you to toggle the form so that it appears the same as the hard copy of your prescription (see image below). Cylinder power always follows Sphere power in an eyeglass prescription. However, many opticians will simply write the value somewhere under, or next to, the distance values. For example: (+2.00) + (+2.25) = (+4.25). Essentially this means correction for Astigmatism is not required for the prescription being considered. Click here if your prescription looks different to this form. like in the example above, you can toggle the form to enable you to enter an inter add as below; Balance- No values are required. If the number is negative (), it means it is correcting nearsightedness. 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. Melody Huang is an optometrist and freelance health writer. This is always "+" value in 0.25 steps. Add, Near Add, Reading Addition - These all relate to your reading addition and can be written anywhere on the prescription. Now that you understand those mysterious letters and numbers, you know how to read a glasses prescription! It always follows the sphere power on an eyeglass prescription. To convert a multi-focal prescription for single vision reading glasses, simply combine the Add number and the Spherical number. When you visit the opticians for an eye test you will receive a written copy of your prescription. Whats more, if an eyeglass prescription includes cylinder power, it also must include an Axis value, which follows the CYL power. They may also enter an abbreviation "DS" (Dioptre Spheres). The prism Rx will have two values: PRISM & BASE. If there is no number written under the CYL part, this means you are free from astigmatism and need no eye contact. Now you know the ABCs and the ODs and OSs of your eyeglass prescription, so you can make sense of your eyeglass prescription. Most online retailers ask you to read and input your prescription into their order form, but if you dont know how to read your prescription, that process can get complicated.