How to Read Your Eye Prescription — Complete Guide for Bangladesh
You’ve just had your eyes tested and the doctor handed you a paper with strange abbreviations. How do you read your eye prescription? What does OD, SPH, CYL, AXIS — all of it mean?
This guide explains every part of your prescription glasses slip in plain language — specifically for patients in Bangladesh ordering glasses online or at an optical shop.
1. OD and OS: Right Eye vs Left Eye
OD (Oculus Dexter) = right eye. OS (Oculus Sinister) = left eye. Some doctors write R and L. Your right eye and left eye almost always have different prescriptions. Always double-check which values apply to which eye when ordering prescription eyeglasses in Bangladesh.
2. SPH (Sphere): Your Basic Power
SPH or Sphere is the main power of your prescription. Minus (-) SPH: You are nearsighted — you see close things clearly but blur at distance. Plus (+) SPH: You are farsighted — you see far things better but struggle up close. 0.00 or Plano: No sphere correction needed. Common values in Bangladesh range from -0.25 to -6.00 for myopia.
3. CYL (Cylinder): Astigmatism Correction
CYL or Cylinder indicates whether you have astigmatism — a condition where the cornea is not perfectly round. Not everyone has a CYL value. If your CYL column is blank or shows 0.00, you have no astigmatism. If you do have a CYL value, it will always be accompanied by an AXIS value. Both are required together to correctly grind your custom power glasses in Bangladesh.
4. AXIS: Direction of Astigmatism
AXIS is a number between 1 and 180 degrees. It tells the lens maker the exact angle for the cylindrical correction. The AXIS has no power of its own — it only tells the direction for the CYL correction. Example: SPH -2.00 / CYL -0.75 / AXIS 180 means nearsighted with mild astigmatism at the horizontal meridian.
5. ADD: Reading Power for Progressive Lenses
ADD (Addition) is the extra magnifying power for reading. It’s always positive, typically ranging from +0.75 to +3.50. If your prescription includes ADD, you need progressive lenses in Bangladesh, bifocal lenses, or separate reading glasses.
6. Sample Eye Prescription Explained
| Eye | SPH | CYL | AXIS | ADD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OD (Right) | -2.50 | -0.75 | 90 | +1.50 |
| OS (Left) | -3.00 | -1.00 | 180 | +1.50 |
This person is nearsighted in both eyes with astigmatism and needs reading addition — meaning they need progressive lenses for both distance and near vision.
7. PD (Pupillary Distance): Often Forgotten
PD (Pupillary Distance) is the distance in mm between your pupils. It’s critical for accurate lens placement. An incorrect PD causes eyestrain and blurry vision even with the right power. When ordering prescription glasses online in Bangladesh, always provide your PD.
8. Which Lens Type Does Your Prescription Require?
SPH only: Single vision lenses. SPH + CYL + AXIS: Single vision with astigmatism correction. SPH + ADD: Progressive or bifocal lenses. SPH + CYL + ADD: Full progressive lenses.
9. High Power Prescriptions
If your SPH is above ±4.00 or CYL above -2.00, you have a high-power prescription. Standard lenses will be thick and heavy. Ask for high-index lenses (1.67 or 1.74) which are thinner and lighter. Nine Optic offers high-index lens options for all power ranges in Bangladesh.
10. How to Order Glasses Online with Your Prescription
Ordering prescription glasses online in Bangladesh at Nine Optic is simple: choose your frame, select lens type, upload your prescription photo, and enter your PD. Our optical team reviews every order before production. WhatsApp consultation available for any prescription questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does OD and OS mean in an eye prescription?
OD stands for Oculus Dexter (right eye) and OS stands for Oculus Sinister (left eye). Some prescriptions use R and L instead.
What does SPH mean in my glasses prescription?
SPH (Sphere) indicates the lens power needed to correct nearsightedness (minus) or farsightedness (plus).
What is CYL and AXIS in an eye prescription?
CYL (Cylinder) indicates astigmatism power. AXIS (0–180°) tells the angle at which the cylinder must be placed. Both values are always used together.
What does ADD power mean?
ADD (Addition) is the extra magnification for reading added to progressive or bifocal lenses. It’s prescribed for people over 40 with presbyopia.
Can I order glasses online with my prescription?
Yes. Nine Optic allows you to upload your prescription when ordering online in Bangladesh. Our optical team reviews and crafts custom-power lenses for you.
How do I know if I need single vision or progressive lenses?
If you only have SPH and CYL values, you need single vision lenses. If your prescription includes an ADD value, you need progressive or bifocal lenses.
How often should I update my prescription in Bangladesh?
Adults should have an eye test every 1–2 years. Children and teenagers should have yearly checkups. Update your glasses when your prescription changes by 0.50 or more.
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