How To Read Your Eyeglass Prescription

If you have recently visited your optometrist and it was determined that you need eyeglasses in order to see more clearly, then you want to know how to read your eyeglass prescription. This will allow you to determine what your eyesight is like and what type of glasses are right for you. This way, when you shop for glasses, you know exactly what you are looking for. Here's how to read your eyeglass prescription:

• OD and OS: OD and OS are two terms that you are going to see on your eyeglass prescription. These two abbreviations basically mean right eye (OD) and left eye (OS). You could also see the term OU, which means that both the eyes require this adjustment. Some optometrists, however, will use LE (left eye) and RE (right eye) instead so you may not see OD or OS. The reason they are listed here is because one of your eyes can require a different prescription than another, which means that the lenses on the eyeglasses will need to be different. 
• SPH: SPH is the abbreviation for sphere. If the prescription listed next to this abbreviation is a negative number, then that means you are nearsighted. On the other hand, if the prescription is positive, then this indicates farsightedness. That's something good to know when shopping for glasses. 
• CYL: CYL is the abbreviation for cylinder. If there is no number next to this abbreviation, then this means the curvature of your lenses will not have to be adjusted to repair astigmatism. However, if there is a number, then your lenses are going to have to be rounded. This may change the appearance of certain eyeglass frames on your face, so be sure that you keep that in mind. 
• Add: Add is the amount of magnification that your lenses will need. The higher the magnification, then the bigger your eyes will look, so if the number is high, you will want to choose frames that are wider so your eyes don't appear to be any bigger than they really are. If the number is low, then you can choose tighter lenses since your eyes will still fit in the frames and won't make it appear as if you are bug-eyed. 

Knowing how to read your eyeglass prescription is key to finding the right type of eyeglasses for you. Remember to bring your prescription with you whenever you shop for new eyeglasses so that the professionals can help you, as well. 

To learn more, contact a company like Blink Eyewear.