When you leave your eye doctor’s office with a prescription in hand, you might find yourself puzzled by the array of numbers, abbreviations, and medical terms. These can often seem like a secret language, but understanding this information is crucial to ensure you receive the correct eyewear, whether you’re buying contact lenses or glasses.
In this blog post, we’ll break down the mystery behind your eyewear prescription, from explaining the meaning of each section to decoding common terminologies. This knowledge will empower you to make informed choices when you buy glasses Glenroy or from any other optical store in your locality.
Understanding Your Eyeglasses Prescription
The first thing you need to know is that eyeglasses and contact lens prescriptions aren’t the same – this post will focus mainly on eyeglasses. Here’s what you’ll typically find on an eyeglasses prescription:
- OD and OS: These are abbreviations for Latin terms: “oculus dexter” and “oculus sinister”, which translate to “right eye” and “left eye” respectively.
- SPH (Sphere): This refers to the lens power prescribed for your eyeglasses. It indicates the degree of nearsightedness or farsightedness in diopters. A negative number indicates you’re nearsighted, while a positive number means you’re farsighted.
- CYL (Cylinder): This number represents the degree of astigmatism, a condition where your eye isn’t entirely round. Like the sphere, it’s also measured in diopters. A non-entry or ‘DS’ (diopters sphere) in this column often means you don’t have astigmatism.
- Axis: If you have a cylinder number, you’ll have an axis number too – it indicates the orientation of the astigmatism in degrees from 1 to 180.
- ADD (Addition): This number is particularly relevant for bifocal or progressive lenses and represents the additional magnifying power needed for close-up work like reading. It’s typically the same for both eyes and indicated as a positive number.
- PD (Pupillary Distance): This is the distance between the centres of your pupils in millimetres – it’s crucial for aligning the lenses correctly in front of your eyes.
Deciphering Contact Lens Prescription
A contact lens prescription contains similar terminologies to eyeglasses, with a few additional elements:
- BC (Base Curve): This indicates the curvature of the lens that fits your eye. A lower number means a steeper curve.
- DIA (Diameter): This is the lens size. It’s crucial for a comfortable and accurate fit.
- Brand: Each contact lens brand fits differently. Therefore, your eye doctor will specify a brand that’s best suited for your eyes.
It’s important to remember that only a qualified optometrist can determine the right prescription for your eyes – always consult a professional before making changes to your eyewear.
Now, armed with this knowledge, you’ll be better prepared to understand your prescription and discuss it with your optometrist
If you’re looking to buy glasses, speak to a qualified professional and they will help you find the perfect pair that aligns with your prescription, fits comfortably, and suits your style. Never underestimate the importance of accurate prescription information when investing in your vision.
