Guide to Reading Your Eyeglass Prescription

Understanding your eyeglass prescription can feel a little confusing at first, but once you know what each section means, everything starts to make sense. Whether you’re visiting an optometrist near you for your first pair of glasses or updating your prescription at Total Eye Care Centre here in Coquitlam, BC, learning how to read the details helps you feel more confident about your vision and your care.

What Each Part of the Prescription Means

OD and OS

These are simple abbreviations: OD refers to your right eye and OS refers to your left eye. Some prescriptions also include “OU,” which means both eyes.

Sphere (SPH)

This number shows whether you’re nearsighted or farsighted. A minus sign (–) means nearsightedness, while a plus sign (+) indicates farsightedness. The higher the number, the stronger the correction needed.

Cylinder (CYL) and Axis

These two numbers relate to astigmatism, which is a very common condition caused by an irregular curvature of the cornea. CYL tells you the degree of astigmatism, and Axis shows where the irregularity is located. If you require astigmatism treatment, this part of the prescription helps guide the best corrective approach for your eyes.

Add

If you need multifocals or reading glasses, you’ll see a number in the “Add” column. It provides extra magnifying power to help you see clearly up close.

Why Understanding Your Prescription Matters

Knowing how to read your prescription not only helps you choose the right lenses but also gives you a clearer understanding of your overall eye health. For patients looking for astigmatism treatment near you, understanding the CYL and Axis portions can be especially helpful during conversations with your eye doctor.

At Total Eye Care Centre, the team focuses on giving you clear explanations and making sure your vision needs are fully supported. Whether you’re managing astigmatism, updating your eyewear, or searching for an optometrist near you who truly listens, we’re here to help you see comfortably and confidently.

Ready for Clearer Vision? Call Our Optometrist Near You!

Schedule an eye exam with Total Eye Care Centre in Coquitlam, BC. Call (778) 285-6972 to book your appointment and get the personalized care your eyes deserve.