When it comes to understanding your eye prescription, here are some important points to know:

🔹 Single Vision Lenses

Best for: Distance vision or reading—not both.

These lenses correct for one field of vision only. If you’re nearsighted (can’t see far away) or farsighted (can’t see up close), single vision lenses do the job.
They’re ideal for everyday wear, driving, using a computer, or reading—depending on your specific prescription.

 One task. One focus. Super clear.

 

 

 

Your prescription may look like:

Right Eye (OD): SPH -2.50 CYL -0.75 AXIS 180  
Left Eye (OS): SPH -2.25 CYL -1.00 AXIS 170

 

🔹 Progressive Lenses

Best for: Seeing near, far, and everything in between.

Progressives are like the luxury multi-taskers of the eyewear world. They correct for multiple fields of vision—distance, intermediate (like your computer screen), and up close—without any visible line like traditional bifocals.

You get a smooth transition between ranges, so your eyes don’t have to work overtime switching glasses all day.

 3-in-1 lens. No lines. All vibes.

 

Your prescription may look like:

Right Eye (OD): SPH +1.50 CYL -0.50 AXIS 90 ADD +2.25  
Left Eye (OS): SPH +1.75 CYL -0.25 AXIS 85 ADD +2.25

 

🔹 Readers

Best for: Up-close tasks like reading, crafting, or scrolling the tea on your phone.

Reader lenses are magnifying glasses in disguise. They're designed for folks who only need help seeing things up close—like the fine print on a menu or text messages in tiny font.

These lenses are usually non-prescription or come in general strengths (+1.00 to +3.00), unless your eye doctor gave you a specific “add power” in your prescription.

Up-close clarity when things start looking sus 

 

 

Components of  Your Prescription

 

An eye prescription typically includes several measurements:

• • Sphere (SPH): Indicates the lens power needed to correct nearsightedness (negative number) or farsightedness (positive number).
  • Cylinder (CYL): Measures astigmatism, which affects how light enters the eye. This value can also be positive or negative.
  • Axis: A number between 1 and 180 that shows the orientation of the cylinder in degrees.
  • Addition (ADD): If you need multifocal lenses (like bifocals), this indicates the additional magnifying power for reading.

An eye prescription may include any of the following abbreviations:

• OD: oculus dexter (right eye)
• OS: oculus sinister (left eye)
• OU: oculus uterque (both eyes)
• SPH: the strength of magnification in the lenses
• CYL: cylindrical correction, or the amount of lens power needed to correct astigmatism
• AXIS: indicates the angle of astigmatism correction
• ADD: addition, used for bifocal and multifocal lenses

Prescription severity: 

• Mild +/-0.25 to +/-2.00 
• Moderate +/-2.25 to +/- 5.00
• Severe +/- 5.00

1. Pupillary Distance (PD): This measurement is crucial for properly aligning lenses with your pupils. It can be measured in millimeters and is often included on the prescription.
2. Validity Period: Eye prescriptions usually have a validity period, often ranging from one to two years. After this, a new exam may be required to ensure your vision hasn't changed.
3. Importance of Regular Check-Ups: Regular eye exams are essential, even if you think your vision hasn't changed. They can detect underlying health issues as well.
4. Understanding Your Needs: Different activities (like reading, computer use, or driving) may require different types of lenses. Discuss your lifestyle with your eye care professional to get the best fit.

When customizing your lens consider your everyday lifestyle and choose the options for your style, comfort and visual needs.

Lens Thickness

1. Weight and Comfort: Thicker lenses can be heavier, which may cause discomfort, especially for stronger prescriptions. Knowing the thickness helps you choose lenses that are comfortable to wear throughout the day.
2. Aesthetic Considerations: Thinner lenses often look more attractive, especially in fashionable frames. If you prefer a sleek appearance, opting for thinner lenses can enhance the overall look of your glasses. The aesthetic can be impacted by the lens thickness including prescription sunglasses. 
3. Durability: Thicker lenses may be more resistant to scratches or impacts, but advancements in lens materials mean that many thinner lenses are also quite durable. Understanding the trade-offs can help you choose what fits your lifestyle.
   

 

Here are the lens indexes that you should know:

1.5 Index Lens – Standard/Regular Lenses

It’s the thickest lens that is recommended for prescription with SPH – 2.5, +2.5 and below. To prevent cracking of the lenses, go for full-rimmed frames. The CR 39 lenses are conventional plastic lenses.

1.56 Index Lens – Mid Index Thin and Light Lenses

Convenient lenses for stronger prescription, they are 15% thinner than 1.5 index. They work for prescriptions with SPH +4.00, -4.00. 1.56 index is a blend of superior optics, thin and light design.

1.59 Index Lens – Polycarbonate Lenses   

Polycarbonate lenses were initially used for safety glasses and now this material is actively used in making kids glasses, sports glasses and for almost every prescription. 1.59 index offers optical clarity and also 100% UV protection. It can be fitted in rimless glasses.

1.6 High-index Lens – Super-thin Lenses

From this number starts the high-index lenses. It’s super, almost 20% thinner than 1.5 index. It’s  ideal for stronger prescriptions with SPH that range around +3.00, – 3.00 to +6.00, – 6.00 and above. The lenses have thinner edges with overall reduced weight. Full rim or semi rim frames are recommended.

1.67 High-index Lens – Ultra-thin Lenses:

These ultra thin lenses are 20% thinner than polycarbonate lenses and 30% thinner than the regular lenses. Higher prescriptions with SPH correction +6.25, – 6.25 to +8.00, – 8.00 and for CYL correction +3.25, -3.25 and +4.00, -4.00, 1.67 index lenses are highly recommended. The reduced weight and thickness make it an ideal choice.

1.74 High-index Lens – Thinnest and Lightest Lenses

You will almost feel it’s invisible, the lenses are that thin. The stylish, lightweight high-index lenses with cosmetic benefit are suitable for strong prescription with SPH +8.25, – 8.25 to +10.50, – 10.50. It is aspheric in design and reduces magnification of the eyes.

Lens Type

CR-39 (Standard Plastic)
💡 Best for: Low prescriptions
✔️ Lightweight, good optical clarity, budget-friendly
❌ Not impact-resistant or ideal for kids/active wear

Polycarbonate
💡 Best for: Active lifestyles, kids, safety eyewear
✔️ Impact-resistant, thin, lightweight, 100% UV protection
❌ Slightly less optical clarity than CR-39 or Trivex

Trivex
💡 Best for: Everyday wear with high impact protection
✔️ Superior clarity, ultra-lightweight, impact-resistant, UV blocking
❌ Slightly pricier than polycarbonate

High-Index (1.67 / 1.74)
💡 Best for: Strong prescriptions (±3.00 and up)
✔️ Thinner, flatter, sleeker lenses that reduce distortion
❌ More reflective—anti-glare coating highly recommended

Glass
💡 Best for: Optical purists who prioritize visual clarity
✔️ Unmatched clarity and scratch resistance
❌ Heavier and more prone to shattering—not recommended for kids or sports

Liberated Eyewear does not use glass lens.

Lens Enhancements

1. Functionality: Lens enhancements like anti-reflective coatings, blue light filtering, or photochromic properties (transition lenses) can significantly improve your visual comfort and quality. Knowing these options allows you to select lenses tailored to your needs.
2. Protection: Some enhancements provide additional protection against harmful UV rays or digital eye strain, which is increasingly important in today’s screen-heavy environment.
3. Performance in Different Conditions: Enhancements can improve vision in specific conditions, such as night driving (anti-glare) or outdoor activities (polarized lenses). Knowing the available enhancements helps you choose the best lenses for your activities.

Anti-fog lens treatment    

Anti glare/anti reflective lens treatment 

 

🧠 Pro Tip:

• If your prescription has only one number per eye, you likely need single vision.
• If you see something like "ADD" or a second set of numbers, that means you need progressives or readers.

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Still unsure what your prescription means? Please review your visual needs with your eye doctor. We're happy to offer lens recommendations. Liberated Eyewear does not offer medical advice nor interpret prescriptions. Lens recommendations should not supersede your eye doctor's recommendations or prescription.

 

Addition resources: Your rights when buying prescription glasses: