SPH (Sphere)
Shows the lens power needed to correct nearsightedness or farsightedness. A minus sign (-) usually indicates nearsightedness, while a plus sign (+) indicates farsightedness.
Understand your eye prescription, learn what each value means, and feel more confident when choosing your contact lenses.
Explore the guideUnderstand the important values that describe your vision correction.
Illustrative example only, not a prescription.
An eye prescription records the measurements recommended by your eye care professional to correct your vision. For contact lenses, the prescription may also include lens brand, base curve and diameter.
These details help determine which lenses are suitable for your eyes. Your glasses prescription alone may not provide everything needed to order contact lenses safely.
Here are the common abbreviations you may see on an eye prescription.
Shows the lens power needed to correct nearsightedness or farsightedness. A minus sign (-) usually indicates nearsightedness, while a plus sign (+) indicates farsightedness.
Indicates the amount of correction required for astigmatism. This field may be blank if you do not have astigmatism.
A number between 1 and 180 degrees that specifies the orientation of astigmatism correction. It is generally used when CYL is present.
Shows the additional magnifying power needed for near vision. It is commonly found on multifocal or presbyopia prescriptions.
Important: Prescription formats vary. Do not interpret, convert or guess values yourself. Ask your eye care professional if anything is unclear.
They are not always interchangeable. Contact lenses rest on your eye, so their measurements and power can differ from glasses.
Always follow a current contact lens prescription and the fitting advice provided by your eye care professional.
Check that your prescription is current.
Confirm the prescribed lens brand and type.
Match the specified power for each eye.
Verify base curve and diameter where applicable.
Ask your eye care professional about missing values.
Keep a copy of your valid prescription nearby while shopping. Check your lens details carefully before proceeding with your order.
Locate your current contact lens prescription.
Review the power and lens specifications.
Confirm the details before checkout.
A few helpful answers before you choose your lenses.
Not always. Contact lenses sit directly on your eyes, so their power and fit may differ from your glasses prescription. Use a valid contact lens prescription from your eye care professional.
Follow the validity period recommended by your eye care professional and applicable local requirements. If your prescription has expired, arrange an eye examination before ordering.
These fields may be blank when astigmatism correction is not required. Enter only the values specified on your prescription and do not guess missing information.
For prescription contact lenses, use a valid contact lens prescription and consult your eye care professional to confirm the correct lens power and fit.