How Eye Prescriptions Work from an Optometrist Near You in Sacramento, CA

Understanding your eye prescription can feel like deciphering a foreign language. It's a collection of numbers and abbreviations that seem to hold the key to your vision, but the meaning can be elusive. At Arena Eye Care Optometry, your optometrist in Sacramento, CA, we believe in empowering our patients with knowledge. This article aims to shed some light on the intricacies of your eye prescription and help you understand what those numbers truly signify.

The Basics

Your eye prescription is a blueprint for your corrective lenses. It provides the necessary information to your optician to craft lenses that compensate for any vision impairments you may have. Think of it as a recipe for your vision, with each ingredient playing a crucial role in achieving the desired outcome.  

Breaking Down the Numbers

•             Sphere (SPH): It indicates the overall power of the lens required to correct your nearsightedness (minus numbers) or farsightedness (plus numbers). Imagine it as the foundation upon which your vision correction is built.  

•             Cylinder (CYL): This number addresses astigmatism, a common condition where the eye doesn't focus light evenly in all directions. It's like correcting a slightly warped lens to ensure clear vision across the entire visual field.  

•             Axis: This number works in conjunction with Cylinder to specify the orientation of the astigmatism. It's like aligning the correction to the specific angle of the visual distortion.  

•             Add: This number is relevant for those needing bifocals or progressive lenses. It indicates the additional power required for near vision tasks, such as reading or using a computer.

Understanding the Abbreviations

•             OD: Right eye (from the Latin "oculus dexter")

•             OS: Left eye (from the Latin "oculus sinister")  

•             OU: Both eyes (from the Latin "oculus uterque")  

Get Prescription Glasses, Eyeglasses, and an Eye Exam Near You from an Optometrist Near You and Eye Doctor Near You

Your eye prescription is more than just a collection of numbers and abbreviations. It's a reflection of your unique visual needs. At Arena Eye Care Optometry, your eye doctor in Sacramento, CA, we take a personalized approach to vision care. We carefully analyze your individual needs and preferences to ensure you receive the most suitable vision correction. Call us at (916) 419-8167 for prescription glasses, eyeglasses, and an eye exam near you from an optometrist near you and eye doctor near you.