• Sphere (SPH)

This indicates the strength of the lens power, measured in Diopters (D). Most typically this is written in ¼ diopter increments (I.E. 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, 1.00). This value is the prescribed amount of correction for Near Vision (Myopia) or Far Vision (Hyperopia). If the number appearing under this heading has a minus sign (–), you are nearsighted; if the number has a plus sign (+) or no sign, you are far sighted. If there is no spherical correction, it could be written as 0.00 or Plano (PL).

• Cylinder (CYL)

This indicates the strength of the lens power to correct Astigmatism. If nothing appears in this column, the value is 0 or “SPH” is written, it indicates that there is no astigmatism.

Optometrists usually write the astigmatic correction with a minus sign (-). Ophthalmologist usually write the value with a plus sign (+). These represent two different ways of determining the correction.

Astigmatism basically means the light coming into the eye comes to two focal points. To correct this, the lens uses the SPH power to move one of the focal points to the retina and the CYL power to move the other focal point to the retina.

• Axis

The Axis number will be a value between 1 and 180. The diagram below demonstrates where those meridians are located. As you can see above, the number 90 corresponds to the vertical meridian of the eye, and the number 180 corresponds to the horizontal meridian. To avoid mistakes, the axis is typically written as 3 digits. For example, an axis value of 45 is usually written as 045.

• Near Add or NV-ADD

This is the added magnifying power applied to the bottom part of Bifocal, Trifocal or Progressive lenses to correct presbyopia. The number appearing in this section of the prescription is always a plus power, even if it is not preceded by a plus sign (+). The add power is usually the same for both eyes, however in certain rare occasions it could be different between the 2 eyes.

A brief description of presbyopia is the acquired inability to focus on close objects. Presbyopia is a natural aging change within the eyes. There is no way to prevent it and it happens progressively over time. Presbyopia typically starts to affect people around age 40.

What Lens Index is Best For You

The lens thickness you should get depends on your prescription and your lifestyle.

Thicker lenses are more affordable, but can only accommodate lower vision correction needs.

Thinner lenses are lightweight (and more stylish!) and can accomodate ALL kinds of vision needs,

including higher prescriptions!