Glasses recipe explanation

To make a pair of prescription glasses, we need your prescription. This is a summary of your eye strength that your optician gave you or that is on the invoice of your previous glasses. An eyeglass strength consists of several components that can be found in different ways on your eyeglass prescription.

An eyeglass prescription is structured per eye as follows

Right eye and left eye

Your prescription distinguishes between right and left eyes, denoted by the letters R (right eye) and L (left eye). Sometimes the Latin terms are used: Oculus Dexter (OD) for the right eye and Oculus Sinister (OS) for the left eye.

The spherical value

Your eyes can be nearsighted or farsighted.

• Near-sighted: less sharp in the distance; usually a negative spherical value.
• Long-sighted: good distance vision, less sharp near; usually a positive spherical value.

The spherical value is abbreviated as S or SPH and is given in increments of 0.25 diopters(D or Dpt).

The cylindrical value and axis

Many eyes are not perfectly round, but are shaped like a “rugby ball.” This means that the strength of your eye is different in one direction than in the perpendicular direction.

• Cylinder (C or Cyl): corrects this deviation; value in increments of 0.25 D, positive or negative.
• Axis: indicates the direction of deviation, in degrees between 0 and 180.

Pupil distance (PD)

Pupil distance is the distance between the center of your pupils, measured in millimeters. Sometimes this is indicated per eye, for example 32/33 mm. This measurement determines exactly where the optical centers of your lenses should be, so that your eyes see correctly through the glasses.

Don’t have this value? No problem! After your order, we will send you a link to easily measure it online.

Addition (for progressive lenses only)

For people who have difficulty with close vision, the addition is indicated on the prescription. This value is the same for both eyes and indicates how much reading support is needed in a progressive lens. The addition is usually between 0.75 and 3.00 D, in increments of 0.25.

Is my glasses prescription the same as my contact lens strength

No, your eyeglass prescription is not the same as your contact lens strength. Always ask specifically for your eyeglass prescription before making a new pair of glasses.

Glasses prescription explanation for questions

We understand that an eyeglass prescription is not always clear. Please feel free to contact one of our opticians if you have any questions. Our opticians will review the prescription with you and make sure your new glasses are made in the correct prescription.

You can also send us a copy of your prescription. We will then fill in all the numbers correctly so that your new glasses will be perfectly customized.

Need advice?

Call us at 085 303 26 73, email info@specialspex.com or start a chat with our team!