An eyeglass prescription is an order written by an eyewear prescriber that specifies the value of all parameters the prescriber has deemed necessary to construct or dispense corrective lenses appropriate for a patient. Using a phoropter, the prescriber determines the corrective lenses which to approve for your eyes. If an examination indicates that corrective lenses are appropriate, the prescriber generally provides the patient with an eyewear prescription at the conclusion of the exam.
The parameters specified on spectacle prescriptions vary, but typically include the patient’s name, power of the lenses, any prism to be included, the pupillary distance, expiration date and the doctor’s signature. The prescription is typically determined during a refraction using a phoropter and asking the patient which of two lenses is better, or by automated refractor, or through the technique of retinoscopy. A dispensing optician will take a prescription written by an optometrist and order or assemble the frames and lenses to then be dispensed and sold to the patient.
Modern prescription glasses are extremely lightweight, durable and much more accessible and affordable. Based on the prescription, each lens will be ground, beveled and edged into the shape and size required for improved vision. An optical prescription includes values such as Axis-a number between 0 and 180 degrees indication the orientation of astigmatism, Spherical base strength-a negative or positive value measuring nearsightedness or farsightedness and Cylinder base strength-a negative or positive value measuring the degree of astigmatism.
What to know about prescriptions
There are a few types of eyeglass prescriptions many people might be familiar with. First, nearsightedness or myopia, a common refractive disorder. If you’re nearsighted it means you can see objects that are close clearly but objects that are farther away will look blurry. For a nearsighted prescription, the strength of the lenses will be marked with a minus sign. The more nearsighted you are, the higher the numbers will be.
Farsightedness or hyperopia is a refractive disorder that makes close objects harder to see than distant objects. For a farsighted prescription, the strenth of the lenses will be marked with a plus sign. The more farsighted you are, the higher the numbers will be.
Astigmatism is an irregular curve in either the lens or the cornea of your eye, this blurs images you see by bending the light that enters your eye. Your prescription will indicate how severe your astigmatism is and determine if you need prescription glasses or contact lenses.
Benefits of prescription glasses
Protecting your eyes should be your number priority from harmful rays and direct light and prescription glasses do just that. Having prescription lenses help you eliminate danger on your day to day living, seeing clearly means allowing yourself to react a fraction of a second faster in a critical situation, especially when it comes to driving or a fast pace activity. Prescription lenses also help the eye development of kids by getting them checked as to immediately apply corrective prescription glasses. When it comes to cleaning and maintenance, prescription glasses require minimal attention, and on top of that, they offer protection against dust and other microorganism.
Taking care of your prescription eyewear
Taking care of your eyeglasses is very important because it can ensure a lasting term of use of your glasses. Always rinse your glasses off with water before wiping or cleaning them. It is imperative that you never use paper towels, towels or napkins to dry your lenses, that can cause damage to your glasses. Also, store your glasses when you’re not wearing them and don’t lay your glasses lens down.
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