If you’ve ever looked at your glasses prescription and thought, “What does any of this mean?” you’re not alone. Those numbers and abbreviations can feel confusing, but they play a big role in how well your eyewear supports your vision.
At Väri Eyewear, we believe understanding your prescription helps you choose frames and lenses with confidence. Let’s break it down in a simple, no-stress way.
What Is Prescription Strength?
Prescription strength refers to how much vision correction your eyes need. It’s measured in diopters (D) and written as positive (+) or negative (–) numbers.
- Negative (–) values correct nearsightedness (difficulty seeing far away)
- Positive (+) values correct farsightedness (difficulty seeing up close)
The further the number is from zero, the stronger the prescription.
Key Parts of Your Eyewear Prescription
SPH (Sphere)
This is the main number in your prescription.
- Indicates the level of nearsightedness or farsightedness
- Example: –2.00 or +1.50
CYL (Cylinder)
- This appears if you have astigmatism.
- Measures how much correction is needed
- Not everyone will have this value
AXIS
- Works with CYL.
- Indicates the angle of astigmatism correction
- Ranges from 1 to 180 degrees
ADD
- Used for multifocal lenses.
- Common in reading glasses or progressive lenses
- Adds extra magnification for close-up vision
PD (Pupillary Distance)
- Not always listed on prescriptions, but essential.
- Measures the distance between your pupils
Ensures lenses are centered correctly for your eyes
What Is Considered a “Strong” Prescription?
There’s no bad or good prescription—just what works for your eyes. But generally:
- Low: ±0.25 to ±2.00
- Moderate: ±2.25 to ±5.00
- High: ±5.25 and above
Stronger prescriptions may benefit from thinner, high-index lenses for comfort and aesthetics.
How Prescription Strength Affects Your Frames & Lenses
Your prescription strength can influence:
- Lens thickness
- Frame suitability
- Visual clarity
- Overall comfort
At Väri, our frame designs are crafted to pair seamlessly with a wide range of prescriptions, so you don’t have to sacrifice style for function.
When Should You Update Your Prescription?
Most eye care professionals recommend an eye exam every 1–2 years, or sooner if:
- You notice eye strain or headaches
- Vision feels blurry or uncomfortable
- You’ve had a significant lifestyle change (more screen time, for example)
Still Unsure? We’ve Got You.
Understanding your prescription doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Whether you’re shopping for everyday glasses, blue-light lenses, or prescription sunglasses, Väri's Eyewear is here to help you see clearly—and confidently.
Explore Väri's eyewear collections and find frames that fit your vision and your style.
