What does a plus (+) or minus (-) mean on an eyeglass prescription?

A minus sign (-) denotes myopia (nearsightedness), meaning difficulty seeing objects far away. A plus sign (+) indicates hyperopia (farsightedness), meaning difficulty focusing on close objects.

What is CYL and AXIS on my glasses prescription?

CYL (Cylinder) represents the lens power needed to correct astigmatism (irregular cornea curvature). AXIS is a degree number from 1 to 180 describing the exact angle of the astigmatism correction.

Is Pupillary Distance (PD) usually written on an optometrist script?

Sometimes Australian optometrists leave PD off the standard script. You can ask your optometrist for it or measure it accurately at home using Unblur online camera tool.

Unblur Optical Guide

How to Read Your Optical Prescription

Demystifying your vision parameters for a tailored, flawless visual experience.

Navigating Your Prescription Grid

Optometrists record vision corrections using standardized optical codes. Below is an example of a typical prescription slip showing where key values are positioned:

Standard optical prescription card layout showing OD, OS, SPH, CYL, Axis, ADD, and PD.

Right Eye

Short for Oculus Dexter (Latin for Right Eye). Values on this row apply to your right lens.

Left Eye

Short for Oculus Sinister (Latin for Left Eye). Values on this row apply to your left lens.

Sphere (SPH)

The core focal power needed to correct shortsightedness (-ve) or longsightedness (+ve), measured in Diopters (D).

Cylinder (CYL) & Axis

The correction needed for astigmatism (CYL), and the exact degree angle (Axis, 1° to 180°) of this correction.

Reading Addition (ADD)

The magnification power required for reading or near vision, which is usually equal in both eyes.

Prism & Base Direction

Prismatic power and directional orientation (Base In, Out, Up, Down) prescribed to correct eye alignment or double vision (strabismus/diplopia).

Transposing Plus (+) Cylinder to Minus (-) Cylinder

Ophthalmologists sometimes write prescriptions in Plus Cylinder format. Unblur uses standard optical Minus Cylinder format. To convert your prescription:

New SPH = SPH + CYL
New CYL = - (CYL)
New Axis = (Axis + 90°) % 180° (if > 180, subtract 180)

Example: SPH +1.00, CYL +0.75, Axis 80° → Transposes to SPH +1.75, CYL -0.75, Axis 170°.

More Information on Sphere Values

Visual focal diagram depicting how minus (-) and plus (+) sphere power values scale across short-sighted and long-sighted corrections.

MINUS (-) VALUES

Shortsightedness (Myopia)

Negative Sphere Values mean that you are short sighted (myopia). Close objects are clear, but the further the distance objects are, the blurrier they become.

The higher the negative number (away from 0.00 / Plano), the stronger the correction needed (e.g. -4.00 is stronger than -1.25).

PLUS (+) VALUES

Longsightedness (Hyperopia)

Positive Sphere values mean you are long sighted (hyperopia). Distance objects are clearer, but close up objects, reading, or screens can be blurry or cause eye strain.

The higher the positive number (away from 0.00 / Plano), the stronger the correction required (e.g. +3.50 is stronger than +1.00).

What is Plano (0.00 / PL)?

Plano indicates zero distance sphere correction is needed. If your SPH column says Plano or 0.00, your distance vision does not require spherical power.

Prescription Precision & Validity

Peak Manufacturing Precision

Our lenses are manufactured with peak optical precision in full compliance with Australian Standards (AS/NZS ISO 21987), ensuring your glasses are crafted accurately to your exact prescription specifications.

Prescription Expiry & Customer Rights

Under Australian professional standards, prescriptions are valid for 1 to 2 years from eye test date. Your registered optometrist is legally obligated to provide a copy of your prescription upon request.