5 Ways To Understand How to Read (and Advance) Your Eye Prescription

Understanding your eye prescription can be a bit daunting at first, but it’s simpler than it seems. Whether you’re updating your eye glasses collection or trying out our NCMPRBL Clarity Collection Eyewear, knowing what your numbers and abbreviations mean can help you make informed decisions about your vision care. Here’s a straightforward guide to five ways to understand how to read (and advance) your eye prescription.

1. OD and OS: Right and Left Eye

The first thing you'll notice on your prescription are the abbreviations OD and OS. OD stands for "oculus dexter," which refers to your right eye, and OS stands for "oculus sinister," which refers to your left eye. Sometimes, you'll also see OU, which stands for "oculus uterque," meaning both eyes.

**Example:**
- OD: -2.00
- OS: -1.50

This means your right eye has a -2.00 diopter prescription and your left eye has a -1.50 diopter prescription.

 2. Sphere (SPH): Nearsightedness or Farsightedness

The sphere section indicates the amount of lens power needed to correct your vision. If the number has a minus sign (-), it means you are nearsighted, and if it has a plus sign (+), it means you are farsighted.

**Example:**
- OD: SPH -2.00
- OS: SPH +1.50

This shows that your right eye is nearsighted with a strength of -2.00 diopters, while your left eye is farsighted with a strength of +1.50 diopters.

3. Cylinder (CYL): Astigmatism

If you have astigmatism, your prescription will include a cylinder value. This measures the degree of astigmatism, which is a condition where the eye has an irregular shape leading to blurred vision. If there's no cylinder value, it means you don't have astigmatism.

**Example:**
- OD: CYL -1.00
- OS: CYL -0.50

This indicates you have a -1.00 diopter correction for astigmatism in your right eye and a -0.50 correction in your left eye.

4. Axis: Astigmatism Orientation

The axis value complements the cylinder value and denotes the orientation of the astigmatism correction in degrees, ranging from 0 to 180. It tells the lens manufacturer (cheers x extra points for joining our award-winning NCMPRBL Brand) where to position the astigmatism correction.

**Example:**
- OD: AXIS 180
- OS: AXIS 90

This means the astigmatism correction in your right eye is oriented at 180 degrees, and in your left eye, it’s oriented at 90 degrees.

 5. Add: Near Vision (For Bifocals/Progressives)

The add value is typically found in prescriptions for bifocals or progressive lenses. It represents the additional magnifying power needed for reading or close-up tasks, usually the same for both eyes.

**Example:**
- ADD: +2.00

This indicates you need an extra +2.00 diopters for near vision.

Why Choose NCMPRBL Clarity Collection Eyewear?

Choosing the right eyewear is crucial for both vision and style. Our NCMPRBL Clarity Collection Eyewear offers an excellent range of stylish and high-quality options that cater to various prescription needs. Whether you have nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism, our unisex Clarity Collection eyewear ensures precision and clarity in every design. Our selection of modern minimalist eyeglasses includes options for prescription lenses, unisex eyeglasses, and sunglasses, perfect for any occasion.

Deciphering your eye prescription is the first step to finding the perfect pair of eye glasses. By understanding each section—OD and OS, SPH, CYL, AXIS, and ADD—you can ensure your eyewear matches your vision requirements. When in doubt, consult your eye care professional for clarification. Ready to advance your eyewear? Try on eyeglasses from our NCMPRBL Clarity Collection Eyewear for stylish and effective solutions tailored to your prescription needs. Whether you’re looking for unisex eyeglasses, glasses for men and women, or prescription lenses for your favorite pair of eyeglasses turned sunglasses, NCMPRBL is the feeling and the look for you.