Understanding your eye prescription seems like a daunting task with the numerous numbers and different letters like SPH? You look down at your eye results and just see numbers and random letters? “What do these numbers mean?”
At Malaya Optical, we believe understanding your eye prescription is just as important as getting one. This guide will walk you through how to interpret your test results, track changes in your eyesight over time, and even monitor your child’s eye health as they grow.
Whether you’re new to glasses or a seasoned wearer, this is your ultimate reference for understanding eye prescriptions and protecting your vision for the long haul.
Comprehensive eye exams available at all Malaya Optical branches, powered by ZEISS and ESSILOR Expert Centre technology.
Understanding Your Eye Prescription: What the Numbers Mean
Your prescription might look like this:
| OD: -3.00 / -0.75 x 180 | OS: -2.50 / -1.00 x 170 |
Let’s break it down:
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| OD / OS | Right eye (Oculus Dexter) / Left eye (Oculus Sinister) |
| SPH (Sphere) | Indicates nearsighted (-) or farsighted (+) power |
| CYL (Cylinder) | Amount of astigmatism (blurred or distorted vision) |
| AXIS | Orientation of the astigmatism (0–180°) |
| ADD | Additional magnifying power for reading or progressives |
| PD (Pupillary Distance) | Distance between your pupils, vital for lens alignment |
Our optometrists take the time to explain these results in detail, ensuring you’re confident about your vision and what your prescription means.
Eye Tests at Malaya Optical – And What They Show You
Here’s what we evaluate during your eye exam:
Visual Acuity
Measures how well you see at different distances. (E.g., 6/6 is perfect vision.)
Refraction Test
Determines your prescription. You’ll compare lens options: “1 or 2?”
Cover Test
Reveals eye alignment issues or lazy eye (amblyopia).
Slit-Lamp Exam
Magnifies the front of the eye to detect dryness, infections, or cataracts.
Tonometry
Measures eye pressure, important for detecting glaucoma.
Retinal Imaging or Dilation
Inspects the retina for signs of diabetic eye disease, macular degeneration, or other conditions.
Tracking Vision Changes Over Time
Your vision can change gradually. Routine exams help you:
- Identify prescription changes early
- Prevent eye strain or incorrect lens usage
- Keep digital eye fatigue or presbyopia in check
- Choose the right time to upgrade lenses or switch to progressive eyewear
We encourage patients to keep a copy of past prescriptions and bring them in during follow-up visits to help us track changes accurately.
Children’s Vision: Why Prescription Tracking Matters
In children, myopia (short-sightedness) can progress quickly. Left unmanaged, it can lead to severe visual impairment in adulthood.
At Malaya Optical, we offer scientifically backed myopia control solutions, including:
- Essilor Stellest™ lenses
- Hoya MiYOSMART™ lenses
- ZEISS MyoCare™ lenses
- Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) night lenses
Regular tracking of your child’s eye test results allows us to:
Detect rapid prescription changes
Identify behavioral patterns (e.g., too much screen time, limited outdoor activity)
Adjust treatment plans early
If your child’s prescription has changed more than -0.50D within a year, it may be time to consider myopia control options.
Start Your Own Vision Record To Better Understand Your Eye Prescription
While we maintain detailed records in-clinic, you can also start a personal vision tracker:
- Record prescriptions year by year
- Track symptoms (headaches, squinting, dry eyes)
- Monitor screen time, sleep, and lifestyle habits
- Bring this data to future eye exams
Ask our optometrists during your visit, we’ll help interpret your past records and offer guidance based on your unique visual needs.
Common Questions We Get About Understanding Eye Prescriptions
Q: My child’s prescription keeps increasing. Should I be worried?
A: If it changes rapidly (especially in younger children), yes. Schedule a consultation to explore myopia control options.
Q: Why does my prescription have an “ADD”?
A: This is an extra reading correction, often added when you’re over 40 and developing presbyopia.
Q: Can I wear glasses with an old prescription?
A: It’s best not to. Vision changes over time, using an outdated prescription can cause fatigue, blur, or even worsen symptoms.
Have Questions About Your Prescription? Visit Us.
You don’t need an appointment to ask questions, just stop by and speak with one of our friendly, experienced optometrists. We’ll help you decode your numbers, track your vision and recommend the right lens solutions.
Available at all Malaya Optical branches
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