SPECTACLE LENS PRESCRIPTION GUIDE
Understanding your eyes. Choosing the right lens. Every single time.
One Prescription. One Right Lens.
Every eye is different — and so is every prescription. This guide walks you through exactly what your numbers mean, your lens options, and how to shop with confidence.
1. Decode your prescription
SPH, CYL, AXIS, ADD and PD — explained in plain language.
2. Match your condition to a lens
Myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism or presbyopia, matched correctly.
3. Pick the right index & coatings
Thinner, lighter, and protected — built around your power.
DID YOU KNOW?
A prescription is only half the story. Two customers with the exact same power can need completely different lenses, once you factor in lifestyle, screen time, driving habits and frame choice. That's why Cracia builds every recommendation around the person, not just the number.
Decoding Your Prescription
SPH, CYL, AXIS, ADD and PD — explained in plain language.
SPH (Sphere)
The core power of your lens, in diopters (D). A minus (–) value corrects nearsightedness (myopia); a plus (+) value corrects farsightedness (hyperopia).
CYL (Cylinder)
Corrects astigmatism — an irregular cornea curve that blurs vision at every distance. The higher the CYL, the stronger the correction needed.
AXIS
Axis (0°–180°). Works together with CYL. It tells the lab exactly which direction the astigmatism correction should be aligned.
ADD & PD
ADD: Extra magnifying power (+0.75 to +3.00) for near/reading vision.
PD: Pupillary Distance (mm) between the centres of your two pupils.
TIP
OD refers to your right eye, OS to your left eye — you'll see these on every prescription card.
Reading a Real Prescription
Sample prescription breakdown from Cracia Eye Checks.
| Eye | SPH | CYL | AXIS | ADD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OD (Right) | -2.50 | -0.75 | 180° | +2.00 |
| OS (Left) | -2.25 | -0.50 | 175° | +2.00 |
PD: 61 mm • Presbyopia noted — ADD power required for near vision.
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR LENS CHOICE:
• SPH + CYL present → needs single vision with astigmatism correction, or a multifocal if ADD is also present.
• ADD power present → rules out plain single vision; points to bifocal or progressive.
• Power under ±4.00 → standard or thin (1.56) index is enough.
What's Actually Going On With Your Eyes?
Overview of common refractive conditions.
Myopia (Nearsightedness)
Distant objects look blurry; close-up vision is fine. Corrected with a minus (–) SPH power.
Hyperopia (Farsightedness)
Close-up objects are harder to focus on. Corrected with a plus (+) SPH power.
Astigmatism
Blur at every distance caused by an irregularly curved cornea. Corrected with CYL and AXIS values.
Presbyopia
Age-related near blur. Natural loss of near focus, usually from the 40s onward. Corrected with ADD power.
Single Vision, Bifocal, or Progressive?
Selecting the right lens architecture.
Single Vision
One power, one zone.
One correction across the entire lens — for either distance OR near vision.
Bifocal
Two zones, visible line.
A distinct reading segment sits at the bottom, with distance power above.
Progressive
Seamless, no line.
A smooth gradient from distance, through intermediate, to near with no visible line.
Choosing the Right Lens Index
Thinner, lighter lenses for higher powers.
| Index | Type | Power Range | Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.50 | Standard (CR-39) | ±0.00 to ±2.00 | Thickest, most affordable, excellent clarity |
| 1.56 | Thin | ±2.00 to ±4.00 | ~20% thinner than standard |
| 1.60 | Mid-Index | ±4.00 to ±6.00 | ~30% thinner, more impact-resistant |
| 1.67 | High-Index | ±6.00 to ±8.00 | ~40% thinner, noticeably lighter |
| 1.74 | Ultra-Thin | ±8.00 and above | Thinnest & lightest available — premium tier |
Coatings That Complete the Lens
Enhancing performance and longevity.
Anti-Reflective (AR)
Cuts glare from screens, headlights and overhead lighting for sharper vision.
Blue Light Cut
Filters high-energy blue light from phones, laptops and LEDs, easing eye strain.
UV Protection
Blocks 100% of UVA/UVB rays. Recommended on every single lens.
Scratch-Resistant
A hardened surface layer that extends the everyday life of the lens.
Photochromic
Darkens automatically in sunlight and clears back up indoors — one lens, two jobs.
Anti-Fog
Keeps the lens clear in humid weather or while wearing a mask.
Your Power, Matched to the Right Build
General reference matrix for power and index selection.
| Power Range (SPH/CYL) | Recommended Index | Suggested Lens Type | Essential Coatings |
|---|---|---|---|
| ±0.00 – ±2.00 | 1.50 Standard | Single Vision / Bifocal | UV + Scratch-Resistant |
| ±2.00 – ±4.00 | 1.56 Thin | Single Vision / Progressive | UV + AR |
| ±4.00 – ±6.00 | 1.60 Mid-Index | Progressive recommended | UV + AR + Blue Light Cut |
| ±6.00 – ±8.00 | 1.67 High-Index | Progressive recommended | UV + AR + Photochromic |
| ±8.00 and above | 1.74 Ultra-Thin | Progressive recommended | UV + AR + Photochromic |
Your Lens Choice Affects Your Frame Choice
Balancing frame style with lens thickness.
Low to Moderate Power
Almost any frame shape and size works well. Rimless and half-rim frames are a great fit.
High Power (±6.00+)
Smaller, compact frames reduce visible lens thickness. Full-rim frames hide edges better.
Progressive Wearers
Frames need enough vertical height for all three viewing zones. Min height 30mm.
Caring For Your New Lenses
Best practices for daily lens upkeep.
DO
• Rinse with water before wiping to remove grit.
• Clean with a microfibre cloth or lens spray.
• Store in a hard case when not worn.
• Hold frames with both hands when removing.
DON'T
• Wipe lenses dry with a t-shirt or tissue.
• Leave them face-down on any surface.
• Use household cleaners or saliva.
• Leave them in a hot car or direct sun.
Still not sure which lens is right for you?
Walk into any Cracia store with your prescription, or speak to our team — we'll match it for you, free of charge.
Speak to an ExpertSPECTACLE LENS PRESCRIPTION GUIDE[cite: 1]
Understanding your eyes. Choosing the right lens. Every single time[cite: 1].
One Prescription. One Right Lens[cite: 1].
Every eye is different — and so is every prescription. This guide walks you through your numbers, options, and how to shop with confidence[cite: 1].
1. Decode your prescription[cite: 1]
SPH, CYL, AXIS, ADD and PD — explained in plain language[cite: 1].
2. Match your condition to a lens[cite: 1]
Myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism or presbyopia, matched correctly[cite: 1].
3. Pick the right index & coatings[cite: 1]
Thinner, lighter, and protected — built around your power[cite: 1].
DID YOU KNOW?[cite: 1]
A prescription is only half the story. Two customers with the exact same power can need completely different lenses based on lifestyle, screen time, driving habits, and frame choice[cite: 1].
Decoding Your Prescription[cite: 1]
SPH, CYL, AXIS, ADD and PD — explained in plain language[cite: 1].
SPH (Sphere)[cite: 1]
The core power of your lens, in diopters (D). Minus (–) corrects nearsightedness (myopia); plus (+) corrects farsightedness (hyperopia)[cite: 1].
CYL (Cylinder)[cite: 1]
Corrects astigmatism — an irregular cornea curve that blurs vision at every distance. Higher CYL means stronger correction[cite: 1].
AXIS[cite: 1]
Axis (0°–180°). Works together with CYL to show lab the exact direction for astigmatism alignment[cite: 1].
ADD & PD[cite: 1]
ADD: Reading power (+0.75 to +3.00)[cite: 1].
PD: Pupillary Distance (mm) between pupils[cite: 1].
TIP[cite: 1]
OD refers to your right eye, OS to your left eye on every prescription card[cite: 1].
Reading a Real Prescription[cite: 1]
Sample breakdown from Cracia Eye Checks[cite: 1].
| Eye | SPH | CYL | AXIS | ADD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OD (Right)[cite: 1] | -2.50[cite: 1] | -0.75[cite: 1] | 180°[cite: 1] | +2.00[cite: 1] |
| OS (Left)[cite: 1] | -2.25[cite: 1] | -0.50[cite: 1] | 175°[cite: 1] | +2.00[cite: 1] |
PD: 61 mm • Presbyopia noted — ADD power required[cite: 1].
WHAT THIS MEANS[cite: 1]:
• SPH + CYL present → single vision with astigmatism correction or multifocal[cite: 1].
• ADD power present → points to bifocal or progressive[cite: 1].
• Power under ±4.00 → standard/thin (1.56) index[cite: 1].
What's Actually Going On With Your Eyes?[cite: 1]
Overview of common refractive conditions[cite: 1].
Myopia (Nearsightedness)[cite: 1]
Distant objects look blurry; close-up vision is fine. Corrected with minus (–) SPH[cite: 1].
Hyperopia (Farsightedness)[cite: 1]
Close-up objects are harder to focus on. Corrected with plus (+) SPH[cite: 1].
Astigmatism[cite: 1]
Blur at every distance caused by irregularly curved cornea. Corrected with CYL and AXIS[cite: 1].
Presbyopia[cite: 1]
Age-related near blur, usually from 40s onward. Corrected with ADD power[cite: 1].
Single Vision, Bifocal, or Progressive?[cite: 1]
Selecting the right lens architecture[cite: 1].
Single Vision[cite: 1]
One power, one zone[cite: 1].
Correction across the entire lens for distance OR near vision[cite: 1].
Bifocal[cite: 1]
Two zones, visible line[cite: 1].
Reading segment at the bottom with distance power above[cite: 1].
Progressive[cite: 1]
Seamless, no line[cite: 1].
Smooth gradient from distance to near with no visible line[cite: 1].
Choosing the Right Lens Index[cite: 1]
Thinner, lighter lenses for higher powers[cite: 1].
| Index | Type | Power | Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.50[cite: 1] | Standard[cite: 1] | ±0.00 to ±2.00[cite: 1] | Thickest, most affordable[cite: 1] |
| 1.56[cite: 1] | Thin[cite: 1] | ±2.00 to ±4.00[cite: 1] | ~20% thinner[cite: 1] |
| 1.60[cite: 1] | Mid-Index[cite: 1] | ±4.00 to ±6.00[cite: 1] | ~30% thinner, tougher[cite: 1] |
| 1.67[cite: 1] | High-Index[cite: 1] | ±6.00 to ±8.00[cite: 1] | ~40% thinner, lighter[cite: 1] |
| 1.74[cite: 1] | Ultra-Thin[cite: 1] | ±8.00+[cite: 1] | Thinnest & lightest[cite: 1] |
Coatings That Complete the Lens[cite: 1]
Enhancing performance and longevity[cite: 1].
Anti-Reflective (AR)[cite: 1]
Cuts glare from screens, headlights and overhead lighting[cite: 1].
Blue Light Cut[cite: 1]
Filters high-energy blue light from phones and laptops[cite: 1].
UV Protection[cite: 1]
Blocks 100% of UVA/UVB rays. Recommended on every lens[cite: 1].
Scratch-Resistant[cite: 1]
Hardened surface layer extending lens lifespan[cite: 1].
Photochromic[cite: 1]
Darkens in sunlight, clears up indoors[cite: 1].
Anti-Fog[cite: 1]
Keeps lens clear in humidity or masks[cite: 1].
Your Power, Matched to the Right Build[cite: 1]
General reference matrix for power and index selection[cite: 1].
| Power Range | Index | Type | Coatings |
|---|---|---|---|
| ±0.00 – ±2.00[cite: 1] | 1.50[cite: 1] | Single Vision / Bifocal[cite: 1] | UV + Scratch[cite: 1] |
| ±2.00 – ±4.00[cite: 1] | 1.56[cite: 1] | SV / Progressive[cite: 1] | UV + AR[cite: 1] |
| ±4.00 – ±6.00[cite: 1] | 1.60[cite: 1] | Progressive[cite: 1] | UV + AR + Blue[cite: 1] |
| ±6.00 – ±8.00[cite: 1] | 1.67[cite: 1] | Progressive[cite: 1] | UV + AR + Photo[cite: 1] |
| ±8.00+[cite: 1] | 1.74[cite: 1] | Progressive[cite: 1] | UV + AR + Photo[cite: 1] |
Your Lens Choice Affects Frame Choice[cite: 1]
Balancing frame style with lens thickness[cite: 1].
Low to Moderate Power[cite: 1]
Almost any frame shape works. Rimless and half-rim frames are great[cite: 1].
High Power (±6.00+)[cite: 1]
Smaller, compact frames reduce thickness. Full-rim hides edges better[cite: 1].
Progressive Wearers[cite: 1]
Frames need enough height for all 3 zones. Min height 30mm[cite: 1].
Caring For Your New Lenses[cite: 1]
Best practices for daily lens upkeep[cite: 1].
DO[cite: 1]
• Rinse with water before wiping grit[cite: 1].
• Clean with microfibre cloth[cite: 1].
• Store in a hard case[cite: 1].
• Hold frames with both hands[cite: 1].
DON'T[cite: 1]
• Wipe dry with t-shirt or tissue[cite: 1].
• Leave face-down on surfaces[cite: 1].
• Use household cleaners[cite: 1].
• Leave in hot car/sun[cite: 1].
Still not sure which lens is right for you?[cite: 1]
Walk into any Cracia store with your prescription, or speak to our team — we'll match it for you, free of charge[cite: 1].
Speak to an Expert[cite: 1]
