How to Read Your Eye Prescription
Prescriptions look complicated, but they follow a simple system. This guide explains every abbreviation so you can order with complete confidence.
Sample Prescription
* Sample only � not a real prescription
Key Terms Explained
Prescription Terminology
Your RIGHT eye. Always listed first on a prescription.
Your LEFT eye. Listed second on a prescription.
Both eyes together. Used when both eyes share the same value.
Lens power needed to correct nearsightedness (-) or farsightedness (+). Measured in diopters.
Amount of lens power for astigmatism. If blank, you have no astigmatism.
Orientation of the cylinder correction (1�180 degrees). Required only when CYL is present.
Extra magnification for bifocal/progressive lenses. Used for reading correction.
Distance in mm between your pupils. Critical for accurate lens centration.
Corrects eye alignment issues. Not common � only when medically necessary.
Common Questions
Prescription FAQs
How long is a prescription valid?
Eyeglass prescriptions are typically valid for 1�2 years. Always use an up-to-date prescription when ordering.
Can I use my contact lens prescription for glasses?
No. Contact lens prescriptions include extra measurements and differ from spectacle prescriptions.
What does a minus (-) sign mean?
A negative sphere value means you are nearsighted (myopic). A positive value means you are farsighted (hyperopic).
What if my CYL/AXIS fields are blank?
Blank CYL and AXIS fields simply mean you do not have astigmatism � completely normal.
What PD should I provide?
Ask your optometrist to include your PD on the prescription. Typical adult PD ranges from 54 mm to 74 mm.
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