Demystifying Eyeglass Prescriptions: A Guide From Avenue Optical
At Avenue Optical, one of the most common questions we encounter is: "What do all these numbers mean on my eyeglass prescription?" It's a fantastic question - and one we’re eager to demystify for you. Transparency is important to us!
Understanding your eyeglass prescription can feel like reading a foreign language, but it doesn't have to be that way. Let's break down the key components and shed some light on what they mean for your vision.
Your Prescription, Decoded
Your eyeglass prescription is more than a piece of paper; it's a personalized map to better vision. It contains a series of numbers and letters that explain the intricacies of your eyes and how to correct them. Here's what they mean:
OD and OS: These abbreviations represent your right eye (oculus dexter) and left eye (oculus sinister), respectively. They are the foundation of your prescription, telling us where to apply each correction.
SPH (Sphere): This number indicates the power your glasses need to clear your vision. If it's negative, you're nearsighted; positive means you're farsighted. These terms describe how you perceive objects at varying distances.
CYL and AXIS (Astigmatism Information): If your eye is more oval than round, these numbers guide your correction. CYL quantifies how much astigmatism is present, and AXIS tells us where to apply the correction.
Add (+): Need a boost for reading or close-up tasks? This positive number adds extra power to your lenses, particularly beneficial for progressive lenses.
PD (Pupillary Distance): This crucial measurement, taken in our office, ensures your lenses are perfectly positioned for optimal comfort and clarity.
There might be other elements, but these are the primary components of your prescription.
Have Questions? We're Here for You!
Understanding your prescription empowers you to make informed choices about your eye care. However, don't hesitate to reach out if you have more specific questions or want to dive deeper into your lens requirements.
At Avenue Optical, we're committed to providing clear, comprehensive care. Feel free to schedule a visit at your convenience. It’s important to us that we give you the dedicated time that you deserve.
With clear vision in sight,
Dennis Dickens, Registered Optician
Owner/Operator, Avenue Optical