Understanding Your Prescription

After your eye test at Blink we'll give you your prescription - it might look like a secret code but don't worry, once you know what the numbers mean, it’s much easier to understand your vision needs and what goes into your glasses.

Prescriptions from Blink include the following for each eye:

Sphere (SPH)

This number tells you whether you are short-sighted (myopia) or long-sighted (hyperopia). A minus (-) number means short-sighted (you see near clearly but distance is blurry). A plus (+) number means long-sighted (distance is clear but near vision is blurry).

Cylinder (CYL) and Axis

These two numbers always go together and relate to astigmatism - a common condition where the eye is shaped slightly like a rugby ball instead of a football, causing vision to be blurred or distorted. Cylinder (CYL) tells you the degree or amount of astigmatism you have (how much correction is needed), while Axis (measured in degrees from 0–180) shows the exact angle or orientation where the correction needs to sit in your lens.

Addition (ADD)

If you need glasses for reading or close-up work alongside your distance correction, you’ll see an ADD power. This number indicates the extra magnifying power needed for reading or close-up work which is added to the bottom of varifocal or bifocal lenses.

Prism

This is rare in most prescriptions. If your eyes don't naturally work together in perfect alignment, a small amount of Prism is added to help bend light slightly so your eyes don't have to strain, preventing muscle fatigue or double vision.

Numbers are only half the story!

A prescription gives us the technical blueprint, but crafting the perfect pair of glasses is about much more than maths. We use your prescription to recommend lenses whilst also taking into account your lifestyle and your choice of frames.

When you choose your frames at Blink, we combine your prescription with your lifestyle. Whether you spend hours staring at computer screens, drive a lot at night, or enjoy outdoor sports like cycling and golf, we’ll guide you through the options to find what works best for you.

Any questions?

If you have any questions about your prescription book an appointment or give us a call on 01786 832061 and we can talk you through it - and the different lens options available.