Your cart is empty now.
Unbelievable Deals Await! - Coupon Code: FIRST15
90-Day Hassle-free Returns
Get 15% OFF your First Order
50% Student Discount on Consultation
T&Cs Apply
(+233) 501 519 111 | info@robertandsonsoptical.com
Free delivery (Limited Time)
Understanding Your Eyeglass Prescription: A Comprehensive Guide
- 16 April, 2024
- Robert and Sons
Obtaining a prescription for eyeglasses from an optometrist is the first step toward achieving clearer vision and addressing any visual impairments. However, deciphering the various terms and measurements on the prescription can be confusing for many individuals. In this guide, we'll explore the components of an eyeglass prescription, including terms like PD (Pupillary Distance), AXIS, and more, to help you understand your vision needs and how your prescription aims to correct them.
-
Visual Acuity: The prescription typically begins with an assessment of your visual acuity, which measures how well you can see at various distances. This is often represented as "OD" (right eye) and "OS" (left eye), followed by numerical values indicating your visual acuity in diopters (D). A minus sign (-) indicates nearsightedness (myopia), while a plus sign (+) indicates farsightedness (hyperopia).
-
Sphere (SPH): The sphere value indicates the degree of nearsightedness or farsightedness in your prescription. A negative value (-) indicates nearsightedness, while a positive value (+) indicates farsightedness. The higher the numerical value, the stronger the prescription required to correct your vision.
-
Cylinder (CYL): If you have astigmatism, a condition where the cornea is irregularly shaped, your prescription may include a cylinder value to correct for this distortion. The cylinder value indicates the degree of astigmatism present, with a higher numerical value indicating a greater degree of astigmatism.
-
Axis: The axis value specifies the orientation of the cylindrical correction needed to address astigmatism. It is measured in degrees from 1 to 180 and indicates the direction of the astigmatism meridian that requires correction. The axis value helps ensure that the corrective lens is aligned correctly on your eye.
-
Addition (ADD): If you require reading glasses or bifocals to correct presbyopia, a condition that affects near vision as we age, your prescription may include an addition value. This value indicates the additional magnifying power needed for close-up tasks like reading or using a computer.
-
Prism: In some cases, the prescription may include a prism value if you have binocular vision problems or eye alignment issues (strabismus). The prism value indicates the amount of prismatic power required to align your eyes properly and reduce double vision or eye strain.
-
Pupillary Distance (PD): The PD measurement specifies the distance between the centers of your pupils and is crucial for ensuring that your lenses are correctly positioned within your frames. The PD measurement is typically provided in millimeters and may consist of a single value for both eyes (binocular PD) or separate values for each eye (monocular PD).
-
Prescription Strength: Finally, the prescription will specify the strength of corrective lenses needed for each eye based on the measured refractive errors and any additional vision corrections required.
By understanding these components of your eyeglass prescription, you can better comprehend your vision needs and the corrective measures required to address them. When selecting eyeglasses or ordering lenses, it's essential to provide your prescription accurately to ensure that your glasses are customized to meet your specific visual requirements. If you have any questions or concerns about your prescription, don't hesitate to consult with your optometrist or eye care professional for clarification and guidance.
Search
Archive
- April 2024
