This means that a person can see the object clearly at 20 feet. In the second part, we will explain what the Cylinder in glasses is. For example: (+2.00) + (+2.25) = (+4.25). 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. 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. 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. By the end of this article, youll know exactly how to read your glasses prescription and what your prescription means. The number 90 corresponds to the vertical meridian of the eye, and the number 180 corresponds to the horizontal meridian. When you hold the prescription, have you ever been curious to know what the number and letters mean for your eyesight? Like SPH and CYL, optometrists measure ADD in increments of 0.25 diopters. In SPH, the minus sign is an indication of which condition? Sphere is basically a measure of how strong your prescription needs to be. Optometrists measure SPH values in increments of 0.25 diopters, and when people talk about their prescription degree, they're usually talking about their sphere value. When we look at the eye prescription written by our consultant, different questions come to mind. 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. All About Vision and AllAboutVision.com are registered trademarks of AAV Media, LLC. Here at Spex4Less, you will find both of these options directly above the prescription form. ; values are usually entered with computer, but may be handwritten by doctor. Specific parts of Rx: To expand on dr. Proffitt's answer, sph = sphere; if this is a negative number, the prescription is a myopic or nearsighted prescription and a positive number dictates a farsighted or hyperopic prescription. A sphero-cylindrical prescription (an Rx) for one eye consists of 3 parts, all written from left to right: [+/-Sphere]. Cylinder ( CYL) Cylinder indicates the amount of lens power for astigmatism. The measurement is the Dioptre, and most values range from +0.50 to +3.50 and will go up in steps of 0.25. How to read eye prescription? Now you know the ABCs and the ODs and OSs of your eyeglass prescription, so you can make sense of your eyeglass prescription. Similar to SPH, optometrists measure CYL in increments of 0.25 diopters. If this column is blank, it means you dont have an astigmatism. The first thing to understand your eyeglass prescription is knowing what "OD" and OS" means. If not, keep on your reading and you will find the full explanations in the following part. This instructs the person making your glasses to use a lens of similar weight to balance out the frame. Sphere: The sphere (SPH) on your prescription indicates the lens power you need to see clearly. This is only present if your eyes do not focus well together as a pair, such as in strabismus (eye turn). Unlike SPH measurement, CYL measurement will tell your eyeglass manufacturer how much curvature is needed on your lens to balance out the meridians of your eyes. It is used to correctly orientate the cylinder correction when making your glasses. Add, Near Add, Reading Addition- These all relate to your reading addition and can be written anywhere on the prescription. Here are some common prescription types to help you navigate yours. The "ADD" value may be written in the "Near Addition" space on your prescription. These links allow you to toggle the form so that it appears the same as the hard copy of your prescription, some common examples are shown below. However, for complex prescriptions, such as when your SPH or CYL values fall beyond theaverage range, prescription orders can take up to9 days to complete because optical labs will need tomake custom-edgedlenses for you. Free Express Shipping and 30-Day Returns Worldwide. This stands for cylinder, and it refers to the strength of the lenses needed to correct your astigmatism. It will be a number between 1 and 180. This indicates the amount of lens power, measured in diopters (D), prescribed to correct nearsightedness or farsightedness. Prescribing spectacles: reasons for failure of spectacle lens acceptance. If the human eye acuity is 20/200, this is called the bad eye axis and is considered the blind person. I agree to Olives, How to Know If You Need Glasses? Free Shipping Worldwide on Orders Over $69, Full Explanations: Sphere, Cylinder and Axis in Glasses. The axis is the astigmatism orientation. When people talk about their eye degree or power, they are usually referring to their SPH value. However, if you have a CYL value, you must have a corresponding Axis value. | Sphere, sometimes abbreviated as SPH, indicates the amount of lens power needed to correct nearsightedness or farsightedness. This post will explain them one by one. This is why you need to go to a local optician, not buy online. The number marked axis describes the orientation of astigmatism. 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.). The information provided on VisionCenter.org should not be used in place of actual information provided by a doctor or a specialist. In astigmatism, the curvature of the eye is imperfect. The axis is labeled as a number from 1 to 180. When the shape of the human eye cornea changes, the large changes in the measurement of the axis is seen though, this is rare. A + in the box indicates that you are long-sighted which means you find it difficult to see things close to you. The "Near" row or "Near Addition" contains the information required to correct your near vision. What does SPH DS mean? During an eye exam, your doctor will determine whether you need vision correction. Different prescriptions and how to enter your values on our site. It is the amount of magnification required to "ADD" to the "SPH" value of your "Distance" prescription to correct your near vision. Sphere means the spherical correction where the meridians of the human eye are equal. The CYL stands for Cylinder. What does sphere cylinder and axis mean? Checkout now! You can then go ahead and enter the prescription as follows: By clicking the link Need Help? This is especially handy as you can copy the values without having to make any calculations yourself. Only a small amount of prescriptions will require a PRISM. It indicates the amount of lens power needed to correct astigmatism, measured in diopters. Sometimes they need to be adjusted by professionals. On the eye prescription, CYL represents the cylinder correction part whether there is astigmatism or not. The 20/20 vision is the correct vision for normal eyes. 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? SPH is a '+' or '-' value in 0.25 steps and is required to correct your nearsightedness (-) or farsightedness (+). What If My Prescription Does Not Follow The Format on Your Website? Add is the added magnifying power applied to the bottom part ofmultifocal lensesto correctpresbyopia. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. Download Our Mobile App for Faster Checkout. Sometimes opticians use the word 'Add' or 'Near' instead of 'addition'. That way, your eyes are looking through the best point on each lens, some prescriptions may have the PD/Pupillary Distance listed for each eye respectively, for example RE: 32 LE: 32, you would enter 64mm from our list. The axis is always exactly 90 degrees away from the meridian, which contains all of the correcting lens power for astigmatism. The measurement is Prism Dioptre. In the vertical meridian of the eyes, the number 90 is used. EyeBuyDirect has a wide variety of budget frames starting at $6. 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 (+). Youll often see this terms on eyeglass prescriptions. 2023 Lensmartonline.com.All rights reserved, FREE SHIPPING FOR ORDER OVER $65 (REMOTE AREA NOT COVERED) / Buy 1,Get Other Frames 50% Off(Not eligible for frames under $10). This instructs the person making your glasses to use a lens of similar weight to balance out the frame. The number under cylinder provides the lens power needed to correct the astigmatism. Typically, youll see several abbreviations and words labeling all of the important data on your prescription. A minus sign () means it's correcting nearsighted astigmatism, while plus sign(+) means it's correcting farsighted astigmatism. What is CYL, AXIS and SPH? If the glasses help to improve the vision, then the person is not legally blind. Some eyeglass prescriptions may require a PD (pupillary distance) measurement. Axis - If an eyeglass prescription includes cylinder power, it also must include an axis value, which follows the CYL power. CYL (Cylinder)CYL is a + or - value in 0.25 steps and is required to correct your astigmatism. CYL is a + or - value in 0.25 steps and is required to correct your astigmatism. Cylinder: The cylinder (CYL) number indicates the . 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. This figure is an indication of how much extra power is required on top of the distance prescription for near or intermediate glasses. When no correction for SPH is required the optician will write "Plano", "", "0.00" or just leave the space blank. Did you get confused? Our entire range of womens glasses suitable for varifocal lenses. On the off chance that the number showing up under this heading has a short sign . Cylinder axes range from 0 to 180, and are based on a hemispheric protractor. If you are nearsighted, you will see there is a minus sign(-) next to the Sphere number. 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. This correction is often used for driving, television and general wear (walking around). OOPS! If you dont know whether you need a pair of glasses, the post How to Know If You Need Glasses? 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. This indicates the amount of lens power for astigmatism. This indicates the amount of lens power, measured in diopters (D), prescribed to correct nearsightedness or farsightedness. 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. If you need a pair of glasses, the KoalaeyeOptical may be a good choice for you. These are abbreviations for the Latin terms oculus dexter and oculus sinister. When reading your glasses prescription you will find values under the headings of SPH, CYL, AXIS and sometimes PRISM & BASE. The cylinder is the indication of the condition, astigmatism, in which the cornea is shaped irregularly causing distorted or blurred vision. Learn about LASIK success rates and side effects, Learn about the costs associated with LASIK, Benefits of LASIK for astigmatism correction, How to find vision insurance that covers LASIK, Compare PRK and LASIK procedures and results, 14 tips for protecting your vision after LASIK. What is segment height and how do you measure it? If the number is positive (+), it is correcting farsightedness. How computer glasses can ease digital eye strain, How screen time effects child development, Importance of eye care and regular eye exams, What to expect at a comprehensive eye exam, Paediatric eye exam: How they are different. She also has an interest in Eastern medicine practices and learning about integrative medicine. Sphere refers to the power of your lens (measured in dioptre units) to correct the degree of short or long sight you have. The number 90 means the vertical meridian of the eye and the number 180 means the horizontal meridian. By Email or 0330 165 6900, Site Map For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. If this is the case, your prescription will display SPH, CYL & AXIS values in both the "Distance" and "Near" sections of the prescription. Sphere (SPH) and Cylinder (CYL) always have a (+) or (-) sign. Your optician may or may not write DS (Dioptres Sphere) in the CYL box. 2004 - 2023 Spex4less, Fashion Specs Direct LTD, All Rights Reserved. Kids' glasses and frames: A guide to fun children's eyewear. A number over 5 is generally considered to be on the stronger side. It is not a condition, or disease. SPH, or sphere, is the amount of lens power needed to correct nearsightedness or farsightedness, whereas CYL, or cylinder, is the amount of lens power needed to correct astigmatism. A Prism is to try and correct a lazy eye and indicates a more delicate condition, this is included with a prescription to correct some special conditions or some eye disorders (like squints) that require the focussed image to move position. The prism Rx will have two values: PRISM & BASE. What Do The Values On Your Prescription Mean? By subscribing to Eyebuydirect text messaging on 81096, you agree to receive recurring autodialed marketing text msgs to the mobile number used at opt-in. It always follows the sphere power on an eyeglass prescription. Designed in Singapore for diverse tastes (and noses). A prescription for correcting eye alignment issues will include a PRISM and BASE value. 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. We use cookies to personalize content, to provide social media features and to analyze our traffic. If in doubt just enter your prescription as you see it, if youre not sure what type of lenses are suitable, hover your mouse over the question mark next to the lens type to reveal more detailed information about the product. If nothing appears in your CYL column, you do not require astigmatism correction. There are two vision conditions, nearsightedness, and farsightedness. 2000-2023 AAV Media, LLC. 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. Prism is used to correct eye alignment issues and can be a metric or fraction value. VA, Visual Acuities- These values describe your vision (visual acuity) but are not needed to make your glasses. Essentially this means correction for Astigmatism is not required for the prescription being considered. Whats more, if an eyeglass prescription includes cylinder power, it also must include an Axis value, which follows the CYL power. You qualify for free shipping in the US! Loved by Customers -64,000+ Trustpilot Reviews! Axis is the direction in which the astigmatism . Commonly, this number will be different for each eye. They can also be written anywhere on the prescription. If you see the "sph" in the "cyl" box . Common abbreviations that appear on your prescription. Our entire range of mens sunglasses from only 19.97, Our entire range of womens sunglasses from only 19.97. On the other hand, in the farsightedness, the person can see those objects clearly which are far but near object seems blurry. This measurement would be your ideal frame width that is the most necessary measurement. What does Axis mean for glasses? What does that mean. Screen time for kids: How much is too much? The number 90 corresponds to the vertical meridian of the eye, and the number . If the axis changes by more than 90, you need to consult an eye specialist. This means your lenses will be shaped to improve your distance vision.