How to Read Your Prescription? - Eyeglass Lens Guide

Mar 25,2025

If you're a new customer browsing our eyeglass selection, have you ever felt overwhelmed? The various lens powers and frame options might leave you confused about where to start. Every detail on your prescription and every lens choice impacts your visual experience. But don't worry—today, we'll break down how to decode your prescription and guide you toward the perfect pair of glasses for crisp vision and lasting comfort.

What's Hidden in Your Prescription?

When selecting glasses, many people feel puzzled by the numbers and abbreviations on their prescription. These details are actually "codes" to help you find the right lenses. Key terms like SPH (Sphere), CYL (Cylinder), and AXIS guide your lens selection to correct vision issues. Here's a quick guide:

• SPH (Sphere): Indicates nearsightedness (minus values, e.g., -2.00) or farsightedness (plus values, e.g., +1.50).

• CYL (Cylinder): The strength of your astigmatism correction.

• AXIS: The orientation of astigmatism correction (ranges from 0° to 180°).

We’ll decode these step by step to help you choose lenses tailored to your needs.

Pupillary Distance (PD): Measure It Accurately at Home

Ever felt dizzy or noticed distorted vision with new glasses? Incorrect PD (the distance between your pupils) might be the culprit. Measuring it yourself is easier than you think!

How to Measure PD:

1. Stand 8 inches (20 cm) from a mirror, holding a ruler against your eyebrows.

2. Close your right eye, align the ruler's "0" mark with your left pupil's center.

3. Close your left eye, open your right, and note the millimeter mark aligned with your right pupil.

4. Repeat 3–4 times and average the results for accuracy.

Accurate PD ensures lenses align with your pupils’ optical centers—critical for online orders. Ensure good lighting and a straight posture to avoid errors.

Astigmatism Made Simple: Choosing the Right Lenses

If your prescription includes CYL and AXIS, you have astigmatism. Let’s demystify these terms:

What is Astigmatism?
It occurs when the cornea (eye's front surface) is irregularly shaped, causing blurred or distorted vision. The CYL value corrects the degree of astigmatism, while AXIS determines its orientation.

Best Lenses for Astigmatism:

• Single Vision Lenses: Ideal for mild astigmatism or single-distance correction.

• Bifocals: Correct both near and distance vision (common for presbyopia).

• Progressives: Seamless multifocal transition for varied tasks.

Lens Types Decoded: No More Confusion

Don't get lost in lens jargon! Here's a quick breakdown:

• Single Vision: Uniform power for one distance (e.g., reading or driving).

• Bifocals: Two zones (near + distance) with a visible line.

• Progressives: Line-free multifocal design for smooth transitions.

Final Tips: Your Prescription Holds the Key

Congratulations! You now understand how to interpret your prescription and select lenses. Whether single vision, bifocal, or progressive, each type serves specific needs.

Glasses aren't just vision tools—they're part of your daily life. Mastering your prescription empowers you to make informed choices. Next time you shop, you'll confidently pick the perfect pair!

If you need help, reach out to our experts. We're here to ensure you see the world's beauty, every day.