Paula Burrows

May 29, 2024

Your Glasses Prescription Explained

Understanding the intricacies of your glasses prescription can seem like a bit of a challenge. However, with a better understanding of what those abbreviations and numbers mean, you can confidently choose eyewear that not only enhances your vision but also elevates your style.

At Yoovy, we blend iconic style with Italian craftsmanship, ensuring every pair of luxury glasses you select from us is a statement piece. Let’s take a closer look at your prescription together, turning your everyday into something extraordinary.

How to read your glasses prescription

Reading your glasses prescription might seem like deciphering a code at first, but once you understand the key components to look out for, it becomes more straightforward. The prescription typically consists of several abbreviations and numbers for each eye and once you understand these values it can help you grasp the basics of your visual needs and ensure your eyewear is perfectly tailored for your vision.

Understanding the basics

A glasses prescription is typically a small slip filled with abbreviations and numbers. Each component plays an important role in ensuring your lenses correct your vision in exactly the way you need. Think of it like this, your prescription is your personal blueprint for optical precision and style.

Here’s a breakdown of the common terms you’re likely to find on your prescription:

OD (Oculus Dexter) and OS (Oculus Sinister)

These are Latin terms used to specify the eyes. OD means the right eye and OS means the left eye. Sometimes, you may see OU, which means something that applies to both eyes.

Sphere (SPH)

This number indicates the lens power needed to correct your vision. It's measured in diopters (D) and will have a plus (+) sign for farsightedness (hyperopia) and a minus (-) sign for nearsightedness (myopia).

Cylinder (CYL)

If this section is filled in, it means you have astigmatism. The number shows the lens power required to correct the astigmatism.

Axis

This is a number anywhere between 0 and 180 degrees and reveals the orientation of the astigmatism. It describes where the extra power should be added to correct the uneven curvature of your cornea or lens.

Interpreting the numbers

Sphere power

Sphere power is crucial when it comes to sharpening your day-to-day vision. A negative value corrects short sightedness, enabling you to see distant objects more clearly. On the flip side, a positive value aids in improving your vision of closer objects if you're long-sighted.

Cylinder power and axis - what is the axis on a glasses prescription?

For those with astigmatism, understanding CYL and Axis is key. These measurements ensure your lenses are tailored to counteract the irregular shape of your cornea, offering you a clearer perspective.

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Additional details on your prescription

Your prescription may also include:

• Prism: This correction helps with alignment issues, ensuring that what you see is single and sharp, not doubled (i.e. double vision)
• Add: Often seen in prescriptions for bifocal or multifocal lenses, this number signifies additional magnification, helping you switch seamlessly from scenario to scenario.

Prescription changes over time

As time goes on, your eyes evolve. Age, health changes, or a new lifestyle can shift your prescription. Regular eye tests ensure your glasses meet your current needs, and help to identify any changes in your eyesight.It is generally recommended to have an eye test every 2 years or as often as your optician recommends. However, if you notice any changes in your vision, you should get your eyes checked as soon as possible.

The importance of an accurate prescription

An accurate prescription is vital not just for clear vision but also for your overall eye health. Incorrect prescriptions can lead to eye strain, headaches, and discomfort, so it’s essential to have your eyes examined by a professional who can make the best recommendations.

As part of this, if you ever have questions about your prescription or eye health, you should always consult with your optician. They can provide you with detailed explanations and advice tailored to your specific needs. If you have any questions about your prescription and Yoovy glasses, please email lab@yoovy.co.uk and our in-house optometrist will be in touch.

How Yoovy Transforms Your Experience

At Yoovy, we see the world through a different lens—yours. Our collections reflect an eye for the iconic, where bold style meets Italian craftsmanship and English quality. Each pair of glasses is a window into your world; make it extraordinary with eyewear that reflects quality your optician will approve of and style that’s unmistakably Yoovy.

Understanding your glasses prescription is more than just knowing numbers—it’s about crafting a vision experience that enhances every aspect of your life. Discover our wide range of glasses, including luxury sunglasses, today. With Yoovy, you choose more than eyewear; you choose a lifestyle. Style on sight, all eyes on yoo.

Written by

Paula Burrows
Optometrist

Paula is the Optical Director at Yoovy and is responsible for our lab team to verify prescriptions and ensure your lenses are produced, assembled and quality checked before we despatch them to you.

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