Understanding Your Prescription

Prescription Types

Single Vision - You have a Single Vision prescription if "Progressive" or "Bifocal", is not indicated on your prescription. This type of lens is used for one field of vision across the entire lens. Single Vision prescriptions are standard.

Bifocal - is a dual vision lens where a line is used to separate near vision indicated on the lower portion lens and distance vision indicated on the upper portion of the of the lens.

Progressive - a multi-focal lens. This lens provides for a smooth transition from near correction to distance correction without the line segmentation in bifocal lenses.

Plano Lens - A corrective lens with a power of zero is called a plano lens. These lenses are used when one or both eyes do not require correction of a refractive error.

Eye Measurements

Pupillary Distance (PD) -Your PD is the distance between your right pupil to your left pupil. In some instances, you may have a dual PD depending on your prescription. An Optometrist may not include your PD on your prescription. You can obtain your PD from your Optometrist, take the measurement yourself, or grab a friend to assist. Check out our Measure your PD page for a how to guide.

Right/Left Cylinder (CYL) - This indicates astigmatism, a condition in which the cornea is causing blurred or distorted vision. It also provides the lens strength needed to fix the astigmatism.

Right/Left Sphere (SPH) -This indicates the power in your eyeglass prescription, or how strong your lenses need to be to correct your vision

Right Axis (not always applicable) - This indicates in which direction to position the cylindrical power. This is required for prescriptions with astigmatism

Lens Materials

 Polycarbonate - This is a shatter and scratch resistant lens most commonly used in optical wear. This lens helps block harmful UV rays.

High Index (Plastic 1.67) - This type of plastic allows for thinner lenses, which are perfect for those with strong prescriptions.

Lens Finishes

Clear - A great lens without additional finishes

Blue Block - Protects harmful blue light rays emitted from computers and gaming devices.

Photochromic - This finish allows your lens to adapt to indoor lighting as well as transition into a darker lens in the presence of sunlight.

Polarized - Eliminate reflections and reduce glare and enhance overall visibility in sunglasses.

Anti-Reflective Coating - AR is a coating applied to the surface of lenses to reduce reflection

Additional Information

Birth Year - This is used to ensures age appropriate frame fitting