Glasses and Contact Lens Prescription Explained | Eyes Explained

Optometrist, Dr Pricilla Ho (O.D.), goes through what each part of your spectacle and contact lens prescription mean and why it might be required. We will also explain what short-sightedness (myopia), long-sightedness (hyperopia) and presbyopia are.
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Time Stamps:
00:00 - Introduction
00:17 - How our eyes work
00:59 - Glasses prescription explained
01:12 - Sphere
01:54 - Cylinder/Astigmatism
03:07 - Addition
03:41 - Prism
04:23 - Pupillary distance
04:44 - Contact lens prescription explained
04:52 - Contact lens brand name
05:10 - Base Curve
05:39 - Lens diametre
06:12 - Expiry date & Signature
**Edit at 04:22 I meant base IN and OUT not base left or right**
Thanks for watching!
** Disclaimer: The information in this video is intended to serve as educational information only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images, and information, contained in this video is for general information purposes only and does not replace a consultation with your own optometrist/ophthalmologist/health care provider. **
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Credits:
Music: Chill - Sakura Hz. / sakurahertz
Addition sound effects from: www.zapsplat.com/

[@rosali27]

-4.5 in my right eye and -5.5 in my left I never new that Astigmatisms changed how you see lights at night, I thought the streaks were completely normal! That was really cool to learn about!

[@EyesExplained]

There's so many cool things about the eyes 👀

[@MrsJosephCorica]

I always saw the lines when I was little and would squint.

[@langdonulgar2185]

This was a great video. Thanks for being concise and not dragging things out for over 20 minutes like other people do.

[@EyesExplained]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@rickintexas1584]

Whoever came up with all this information is amazing. I’m just glad they did.

[@jneptune1540]

This is the best description of glass prescription on KZbin. I seen one that just just read the column and that was it. Thank you!

[@EyesExplained]

Thanks for watching!

[@manuela1044]

Wow! Thank you for the explanation. I have OD -4.25 and OS -4.25 so I definitely need to wear my glasses every day but I didn’t really know what it meant. Cool video :)

[@afzalhussain6828]

it means that your eye balls are bigger then normal at horizontally . it is not a disease, it is just bigger size of your eye balls although it is a beauty to have bigger eyes , but it posses less vision. you may get rid of glasses if you go for refractive surgery, lasik or femto lasic , Dr. Pricilla will also guide you soon.

[@elipse0]

I have -4 in my right eye but 1.25 in my left

[@kristenxx]

@@elipse0 I have -4 in my right eye too and -2.25 in my left.

[@nas619]

@@elipse0 I have -4.00 for both eyes

[@MrYikes-dk2mb]

Thank you for this fast and insightful vid! 🙏🏼

[@rxshivamgamer8135]

Everything explained so nicely No more doubt Thanks a lot doctor ✨

[@EyesExplained]

Thanks for your positive feedback! If you ever have any questions on any of our videos don't hesitate to ask!

[@rxshivamgamer8135]

@@EyesExplained sure !

[@a.m826]

I've always been intrigued by how glasses work and all the numbers in my prescription as I go see the doctor. It's good to learn more, thanks for a concise explanation.

[@EyesExplained]

I'm glad you learnt something new! I always find it fascinating to learn more when I visit other healthcare professionals as well. 🙂

[@pops6638]

A fantastic explanation. Thank you.

[@user-hk6zk3tj4w]

Thank you It's useful, concise and to the point

[@momjeans9238]

I just started as an unlicensed optician, and this was so helpful! Eyes are so fun to learn about!

[@EyesExplained]

We agree the eyes are fun indeed!

[@SarahLynn__]

🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️

[@SarahLynn__]

You know optometry is not a joke right? People study for years in a licenced school to become one.

[@momjeans9238]

@@SarahLynn__ Sarah Lynn died so I'm not sure why she's commenting here.

[@SarahLynn__]

@@momjeans9238 Well, at least you're a woman of culture.

[@ivanj7398]

Loved your video! Simple and precise!

[@EyesExplained]

Thank you!

[@toniencheff4046]

Very clearly explained. Thank you

[@jeffcecchini3588]

Fantastic explanation! Thank you.

[@that_girl07j80]

Omg thank you this made so much more since😊

[@EyesExplained]

Glad you found it helpful!

[@gettygets872]

Excellent video! Thanks!

[@MrLincoln07]

great stuff. thanks for the education. Cheers from NYC!!

[@donswords6671]

Thanks for that. Love your voice!

[@Veliota]

Doctor Thank You So Much!! This was Extremely Helpful and informative ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@mail06513]

Thank you. You are so much better than my eye doctor.

[@manyogurt4645]

Great video. Always wondered, but never inquired, and this shows up in my recommendations. Nice.

[@EyesExplained]

The KZbin algorithm works in mysterious ways 😆

[@HeyXinn1997]

Great information. Very informative! Thanks Doc :)

[@EyesExplained]

Glad you found it helpful!

[@cynthiaremorin4677]

Do not buy. It's CHEAP plastic. WASTE of money!!!

[@bulog-kun]

Thanks Doc! I can now understand my prescriptions every visit.

[@EyesExplained]

More power to you!

[@naturallygreencleaning7961]

Awesome vid!💙💚

[@ralphjohnston8237]

Thank you so much for the information

[@KieuPho]

Thank you doc for your clear and informative explanation 😊

[@AllInOne-iy5wg]

Thanks a lot ❤❤❤ for such precise information

[@usaferoz]

Thank you. Helpful and informative.

[@EyesExplained]

You're very welcome 🙂

[@Gawandeakshay18]

Very nicely explained. Thanks for much needed information.👍🙂

[@EyesExplained]

Most welcome 😊

[@316BH]

Thank you for your educational video.

[@StarOpticalGlassFitting]

Clear, informative, to the point.

[@EyesExplained]

Thank you! ❤

[@KaranJesrani]

Amazing simple video.

[@MutarFuqueer]

Very informative! Thank you!

[@EyesExplained]

Thanks for you watching!

[@robbabcock_]

Very interesting! Thanks.

[@hiteshchudasama6468]

Excellent guidline

[@infinitiii11]

Thanks for giving us this video

[@kalijasin]

Thank you Dr. Ho

[@yoshclements6951]

Wow, you explained all the complexity of understanding prescription reading. Thank you so much Dr. Pricilla. I appreciate this information

[@EyesExplained]

Thank you for your kind words.❤

[@jakebe4915]

Excellent presentation. BRAVO

[@EyesExplained]

Thank you!

[@havanadaurcy1321]

Thank you! I have suffered with lazy right eye which only got worse with bi focals, and my prescription I am wearing now actually makes sense to me and my eye doctor (actually the chief overseer of the board, will remain anonymous) has been the first to help.

[@EyesExplained]

I'm glad you found a good eye doctor that has helped you!

[@ramiaissaoui3611]

hi. I'm suffer from lazy eye too , pleas , do you wear contact lenses ? , is it good for you ?, because Im wearing glasses but it makes troubles for me

[@digitalfaruque5693]

So useful knowledge

[@user-wg5bk9dl4k]

Thank every helpful 👍🏻👍🏻

[@khue6377]

You’re the best girl … amazing video…THANK YOU

[@EyesExplained]

You're welcome :)

[@thirstfast1025]

I learned! Thank you!

[@EyesExplained]

You're welcome!

[@sudipchatterjee]

Thanks much for this excellent and concise content!

[@EyesExplained]

You're very welcome!

[@LisaLisa-ui4iu]

Thank You🤗🤗🤗

[@otiebrown9999]

Thank you.

[@bernadettegrant6326]

Thx doc I subbed bcuz u answer bk wen asked questions. Appreciate as I learnt more from that

[@EyesExplained]

Thank you for subscribing!

[@amandafox8603]

Thank you! This helped me understand my eyes better and to be able to get some nice glasses online.

[@EyesExplained]

You're welcome!

[@swamy5215]

Very good

[@ichimarugin3352]

Came here because I see a beautiful girl in the thumbnail..., and now I know how to read prescription.., even though I'm not wearing glasses. Thanks Dr. Priscilla 😉

[@Yunix_King]

😂😂

[@leafruna98]

Just got glasses for the first time in my life, no idea what the numbers meant and on the web it was more confusing for me. Thank you for the easy explanation ^-^

[@EyesExplained]

I'm happy to hear it helped you!

[@kevinbradleyofficial]

Very helpful!! R -0.25 -1.50 173.0 L 0.00 -1.25 7.0

[@EyesExplained]

👓

[@sarayehia3649]

Very informative dr thanks a lot , next videos kindly add medical terminology if appropriate.

[@nichmon3221]

Thank you!

[@ankushjindal760]

nice explained

[@cavevah3433]

Excellent

[@vijayarangan2890]

Congratulations and best wishes

[@susandecastro2187]

Thank you, Dr. Ho. I learned a lot. After every eye exam, I just took gladly the glasses Rx without asking what the numbers meant.

[@EyesExplained]

Now you know! 😁

[@ginnoautotalk110]

@@EyesExplained ooo

[@ginnoautotalk110]

@@EyesExplained 9iooiiiiiiiiiiiioiiiiiioiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii

[@ginnoautotalk110]

@@EyesExplained 9iooiiiiiiiiiiiioiiiiiioiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii

[@ginnoautotalk110]

Ii

[@ankitbisaria]

Thank you so helpful

[@EyesExplained]

You're welcome!

[@mtlstreets]

Great great video love it thx a lot now I know I need to go take a test because my prescription was just for glasses 👓 and it was for 1 years

[@EyesExplained]

Happy to hear it helped you!

[@kathleenpearson1040]

Dr. Ho Yes, this is informative and useful. It may require a few times thru to catch points. I had a injury recently and require a new exam. Kathleen

[@EyesExplained]

The content is quite info dense. Doesn't hurt to watch it a few times 🙂

[@optiTHOMAS]

Interesting! Very informative! So my astigmatism is a little more strong than the other number! Also, wow! You're absolutely gorgeous! Beautiful! Great video! 😅😁☺️😅 My Rx OD: -2.00 -3.50 x012 OS: -2.75 -4.00 x166 Pd 33.5 in each

[@lucymanyara8266]

Well explained. A great way to learn. .very helpful for students. How often do you use prisms?

[@EyesExplained]

It's dependent on the practice demographic (if they see more neuro or paediatric patients) but in general practice prisms are not used that often. Hope that answers your question!

[@lucymanyara8266]

@@EyesExplained Thank you! I am in the eye profession as well in Africa. We don`t use prisms much as well. You can check my channel here kzbin.info/door/E07oIGEQqLHozQdmw8jtMA

[@EssexCountyPhoto]

Nice video, thank you. I'm nearly 50, my left eye sees "higher" than my right. When I was 10 my mum took me to a specialist where I was seeing two pictures, typically a bird and a cage, and I was told to train my eye muscles to "line up". For over 30 years I get laughed at every time I ask opticians why no one offers these exercises any more. Any advice? Thank you.

[@dawarscupid]

jazakallah ,, nice explanation

[@EyesExplained]

Thank you!

[@dabombcra]

I wish my eye doc explained this to me. First time getting percription glasses, this is great information.

[@EyesExplained]

Unfortunately sometimes consultation times may not permit us to really explain the numbers in great detail. You can wow your eye doc with this new knowledge!

[@dabombcra]

@@EyesExplained I understand what your saying, but as someone that has never had glasses, a little explanation would be nice. Everything in this video didn't pertain to me. About 3 minutes did. The customer pays enough to have a 3 minute explanation on what the percription means.

[@burkhamwills3778]

great explanation

[@EyesExplained]

Thank you ❤

[@arlenebustamante7709]

That was informative video. I just switched from eyeglasses to contact lenses, and I'm wondering if I can get a 8.5 and 14.2 Dia coz most of colored contacts don't have my fitting size which is 8.5 and 14.1 Dia. Thanks in advance.

[@jamesnguyen3497]

Thanks

[@samhearts_192]

Thank youuuuuu!!!!! 🤩🤩🤩🤩

[@zoemeow7677]

Is important aha yes🌸✨

[@cameraman9906]

Thank you so much mam 😍😍

[@EyesExplained]

You're welcome. 😊

[@iPlayOnSpica]

Now I know why my cylinder and axis changed. In my exam 2 years ago, I strained my eyes to focus in on the figures better, and in my recent exam earlier this week, I made sure to avoid doing it because I naturally want to see the world with relaxed eyes. So that's why objects aren't out of focus (sphere unchanged), but I feel a little dizzy or off balance. Can't wait for my new glasses to arrive!

[@samsammy9289]

How's your new glasses

[@iPlayOnSpica]

@@samsammy9289 I got two frames. One of the them feel more or less normal, but the other has the lenses angled pretty far down (I didn't notice this during frame selection) so I need to if possible get the frame warped so the lenses are more perpendicular.

[@cattailer1077]

Very helpful👍

[@EyesExplained]

Glad it's helpful to you!

[@johnvargo5695]

My Dr. can't seem to get my Rx correct. I started with lined bifocals. Then changed out for progressives. The bifocal wasn't good for reading and distance was slightly blurry. The intermediate range of the distance viewing was good. The distance of the progressives is perfect. The bottom reading part is good but down too low in the lens to be useful. The intermediate view middle section is almost useless. I can make out the computer screen but can't read what I'm typing. She says I have a slight astigmatism. Does that create my problem with getting a proper fit? I'm spending a couple weeks wearing the progressives attempting to get "used" to them They make my eyes hurt. It looks hopeless for me.

[@chrismaguire8165]

Can Distance Vision portion of prescription has +2.0 for Sphere ?I thought it would always be negative number , is that right ? Question -IF THE SPHERE IS +1.5 AND THE ADD COLUMN IS +2.0. DOES MY SPHERE THEN BECOME +3.5=+1.5+2.0 like combination of two values . i want to buy just over the counter Reading Glass but not sure how to read eye prescription .Could you help. so like in the above example , am i suppose to get reading glass of +3.5 or just +2.0 ? Thanks

[@maqula8535]

Nailed it!.

[@EyesExplained]

🔨

[@truebeauty13x]

Not so coincidental that I just had my eye appointment yesterday to update my prescription. I’ve always wondered what everything meant though! I knew I had astigmatism but now I know I’m nearsighted as well. My left eye being worse off in terms of my astigmatism lol. The more you know!

[@EyesExplained]

Great! glad we could help.

[@guccigolden1511]

Hi! Thank you for this video. It really helped me understand my prescription. I work on computer for 8 hours and I have been seeing my eyesight change. My left eye is fine and the other is sph: -1 cyl: -1.5 axis: 20, should I wear these glasses or should I also go for -0.5 with my left eye to balance everything? Also I was wondering if I should have anti glare glasses or a blue cut one. Please reply to this, I'm so confused

[@EyesExplained]

Your optometrist would have worked out the correct prescription for you so you do not need to do any further tweaking of your script. Antireflective coating helps to reduce glare from light and reflections from surfaces. This is something that I would recommend most people to have. While a blue light filter only reduces blue light which MAY help with eye strain on screens but currently there is no conclusive evidence to say it really helps. So it is more of an optional extra.

[@flextha]

Hello! Do you recommend lasik? I heard it goes from 5000 where I am. I be wearing glasses since 7th grade, I am now 22

[@tajanunyaa]

I have astigmatism and I want to order contacts online it’s only asking for strength so would I just put the number that is on my glasses prescription on CYL or SPH would that be correct prescription for my contacts? pls reply

[@pavanguru3613]

Thank u Doctor

[@EyesExplained]

You're welcome Pavan Guru 😄

[@kadystar382]

Hi, great video. But can you explain and tell me how what does N V/A 6/9 mean in decimal numbers?

[@indercool1]

Great video, very useful information. But doctor 1 question I had, I have had spectacles since many years now. In my recent eye test I noticed that my spherical number and cylindrical number is same but my axis changed from 70 to 180 degrees. So, this could be due to what circumstances? Thanking you in advance.

[@notsuredc]

i’m not a doctor but a student orthoptist. it’s good that you’re getting regular eye tests because everyone’s eyesight changes as time goes on. the increase in axis means that the front shape of your eye has changed. it’s nothing to worry about. your axis is now adjusted better!

[@jube42]

When I put my contacts in my left contact feels as though its not there (comfortable). However, when I put my right contact in, it feels awkward like it is not setting correctly. I can almost feel the contact edges. Now with that said, I've doubled check to make sure the contact hasn't flipped inside / out. Bottom line is the right contact I can feel but the left contact is comfortable. Any explanation for this discomfort?

[@dahliaanderson4788]

Thank you so much. I'm now able to read my prescription. Are you supposed to be seeing streaks from lights at nights with your glasses or contacts on?

[@EyesExplained]

Lights should be less streaky with your glasses or contacts. How much streakiness is left will depend on how good your vision can be corrected to.

[@Marreroortiz]

Hi Dr. I'm an Optometrist and I do not know how I arrived here. Very well done explanation! I also, subscribe.

[@EyesExplained]

Thank you for your support and we appreciate that our video has our fellow optometrist's approval!😄

[@Marreroortiz]

@@EyesExplained always!

[@missmosvegankitchen8238]

Thank you for this! I'm a -475/-400 been wearing glasses about 45 years now

[@EyesExplained]

My prescription is very similar to yours!

[@azharmuhammad5780]

good information just explain how we can determin th retinal problem or symptoms in patient?

[@EyesExplained]

I'm not sure if I understand your question. But the best way to determine if there are retinal problems is to have an eye test regularly. If you have new symptoms such as blurry vision, flashing lights or floaters in your vision etc then see your eye care provider earlier to investigate. I hope that helps.

[@lorireece1930]

I had cataract surgery just a couple of months ago. I just saw my eye doctor yesterday to get a prescription for eyeglasses. I have something at the end of my prescription labeled VA. What does this mean? She told me I now have 20/20 vision. But the prescription says that my right eye is 20/20 -2. What does this mean? 6:40

[@hockeyrd99]

I'm in my 60s, and my contact prescription just changed from -4.5 to -3.5. How long should it take to get adjusted to the new prescription? I tried to find information on the internet with no luck. Left eye lens is pretty good, but right eye lens seems to go in and out of focus (in focus 80% of the time). The prescription is fine as long as the lens is sitting in the right spot. Been a week. Should I give it a few more weeks or ask the dr to look into it now?

[@fernandamejia-salazar]

Thanks for the video! I can now understand better my eyeglasses prescription! I have a quick question... I have some numbers under Sphere, Cyl and Axis, so I now understand that is for correcting my 'far' vision (OD: -2.00, nothing, nothing; OS -0.75, -0.25 and 065). I also have something under Add (both eyes +1.00). Does that mean I can go get some of those simple reading glasses at the pharmacy with +1 on each eye? I'd only use them at night when reading before falling asleep. The other pair, from the frames/optometrist shop would have the Sphere, Cyr and Axis measurements, and I'd use them during the day while walking, working on the computer, driving, etc. Just want to make sure I can separately buy the ones with +1 on each eye for reading at night. It will be cheaper than buying two pairs at the frames store. Many thanks!

[@EyesExplained]

+1.00 readers from the shops unfortunately would not work the best for you. You need to combine your distance prescription with your Add. So your reading prescription is OD -1.00DS, OS +0.75/-0.25x65. Since there is a discrepancy between the two eyes, it is best to get a prescription pair of reading glasses.

[@fernandamejia-salazar]

@@EyesExplained Many thanks for the explanation!

[@ziadkhalid8888]

Are sphere and cylinder values independent? What if sphere was overcorrected and we need to take away a -0.5. do we have to change the cylinder values to compensate for the change in the sphere value?

[@Jazztho_]

What if my sph says PL Nvm found it it means 0.00 yay your video gave me so much information thankyou !!!

[@merryjeanellesolivas6347]

Hi! Thank you for your informative video which really let me understand about my prescription glasses. By the way can i ask about my migraine with aura cause when I have it anytime of the day I can see lines that appear in my vision does it is related to any eye problem or any special prescription glasses? Thank you

[@EyesExplained]

You can get migraines with the aura or without. Sometimes people get the aura without the headache. You will need to find the trigger for your migraines. Sometimes if the prescription is incorrect it can be a migraine trigger. If your prescription is up to date then it should be unrelated to your eyes and glasses. Hope that helps!

[@lettuce1626]

Not trying to be an eyeglasses worker but with these prescriptions, how do they use the info? So if the sphere says -1.50 what will they do to the glasses to fit that requirement Etc for the rest (cyl, axis, etc) Axis is the way the glasses tilt right? Does cylinder mean the thickness? Or is that the sphere

[@guriausa]

This was informative as I get prescription glasses for the first time in my late 40s. I'm curious about your accent, mostly American with a little Australian lilt 🙂.

[@EyesExplained]

A good pick up. It's a mixed Canadian/Australian accent 😅 😁

[@mychannel2054]

Thanks so much! I have a question; my prescription has all the OD/OS Sphere Cylinder and Axis information but also has the "Add" +2.25 OD and +2.25 OS but that was for progressive lenses. If I just want to order "Distance" glasses (not progressives) online, do I still need to add the "Add" in the prescription or was that just for progressives?

[@EyesExplained]

You don't need the add part of the prescription for distance glasses. You can still input the entire prescription because the people that does your glasses will know which part to use for the particular lenses you want whether they is distance or progressive lenses.

[@mychannel2054]

@@EyesExplained Thanks so much! :)

[@younglee157]

Choose single vision lens, You don't need the add part of the prescription for distance glasses. BTW, recommend acelool.

[@archaicrapture]

Thank you so much for this video. Informative. I'm bothered by my axes not being the same - 150 degrees & 15 degrees. I'm just confused. An error may be on my prescription. I wonder if it's normal.

[@EyesExplained]

It is very common that the direction of the astigmatism (ie. Axis) won't be the same in both eyes. Don't worry!