Prescription Eyeglasses: More
Than Meets The Eye.
When you are prescribed a medication from a doctor, the
little slip of paper you give your pharmacist contains all the information
needed to prepare a proper dosage of the right medicine for your particular
condition.
But you get much more with that little slip of paper. You
also get how—and why—your particular medicine treats your condition. You get use
and care instructions to help you understand your prescription. Even a list of
possible side effects should the prescription upset your body’s delicate
balance.
Your vision is unique. So are your prescription glasses.
A prescription for eyeglasses works in a similar manner,
but specifically for your eyes. If your eye care professional determines you
need prescription glasses after an eye exam, the process starts with a written
prescription. But that slip of paper actually addresses a whole new world of
needs you now have to maintain your healthy sight.
This section gives you the distinct details and information
you need to actually understand your prescription eyeglasses. Just like with
other medications, prescription glasses are developed for you and you alone—a
unique “dose” of eye care that will help you see better, and feel better based
on your unique vision problem.
There are many conditions that affect healthy sight—and
more specialized lens products and choices—than ever before. Understanding
what’s available to you based on your condition will explain your prescription
eyeglasses in ways you’ve never imagined.
Common prescription lenses abbreviations.
While not all eye doctors use the same abbreviations, here
is a list of commonly used terms you’ll often find on a slip for prescription
lenses.
- O.D. stands for "Oculus Dexter", which is Latin for "right eye"
- O.S. stands for "Oculus Sinister," which is Latin for "left
eye"
- D.V. "Distance vision" relates to far-sightedness — a condition
where distant objects are seen clearly, yet objects close up are seen less
clearly.
- N.V. "Near vision" relates to near-sightedness — a condition
where near objects are seen clearly, yet objects in the distance are seen less
clearly.
- SPH stands for "sphere", and corresponds to numbers that
indicate the degree to which a patient is near-sighted or far-sighted
- CYL means "cylinder", and corresponds to numbers that indicate
the amount of astigmatism present in a patient's eyes. Astigmatism is an eye
condition resulting from an irregular curvature in the eye, causing mild,
moderate or severe blurred vision.
- AXIS corresponds to numbers indicating the orientation of
astigmatism in the eyes — how and where the irregular curvature occurs.
- PRISM is a prescription element that's added if your eyes need
help either working more effectively together, or staying in proper alignment.
- PD stands for "Pupillary Distance", and measures the distance
between your pupils (in millimeters). This measurement helps ensure your
prescription is properly placed in your frames.
- Seg Height is a measurement of where your lenses and frames sit
relative to your pupils. It is important when fitting multifocal (bifocal,
trifocal or progressive) lenses.