If you’ve ever received a prescription for glasses, it probably looked confusing – full of numbers, plus and minus signs, and abbreviations that seem like a medical code. In reality, each of these symbols has a clear meaning. Here’s a simple guide to understanding prescriptions for distance, near, and intermediate vision, as well as the most common abbreviations you’ll see.

1. Distance Vision Prescription

A distance vision prescription can include both minus (–) and plus (+) values.

• Minus (–) = Myopia (nearsightedness):
  You see clearly up close, but distant objects appear blurry. On your prescription, this will be shown as a negative number (e.g., –2.00).

• Plus (+) = Hyperopia (farsightedness):
  You see more clearly at a distance, but your near vision is blurry. On your prescription, this will be shown as a positive number (e.g., +1.50).

Both cases fall under distance glasses, although they are corrected with different lenses.

2. Near Vision After 40 (Presbyopia)

Most people after the age of 40 experience presbyopia – a natural need for reading glasses and correction for close-up tasks.

• On the prescription, this is usually shown with a plus (+) sign.

• First signs include blurry text and the need to hold books or a phone farther away from your eyes.

• This is not a disease, but a normal change in vision that comes with age.

3. Intermediate Vision Prescription

This prescription refers to working distance – computer screens, desks, or objects about 50–70 cm away from your eyes.

• On the prescription, this is often marked as ADD.

• ADD indicates the additional lens power added to your base prescription.

What Do the Abbreviations Mean?

• SPH (Sphere): Base prescription. Minus (–) means myopia (nearsightedness), plus (+) means hyperopia (farsightedness).

• CYL (Cylinder): Correction for astigmatism, caused by an irregular curvature of the cornea.

• AXIS: The angle of astigmatism, measured in degrees (0–180°).

• ADD: Additional power for reading or intermediate distance.

• PD (Pupillary Distance): The distance between your pupils in millimeters. Essential for accurate lens fitting.

Why Is It Important to Understand Your Prescription?

Knowing what your prescription means helps you:

• understand whether you need correction for near vision, distance, or both,

• recognize the difference between plus and minus values,

• choose the right lenses for maximum comfort and clarity.

If you need additional help, feel free to contact us at contact@mystaroptic.com