Understanding Your Prescription and Lens Options
When you collect your glasses prescription from your optometrist, you might notice a few unfamiliar terms and numbers. But what do they actually mean?
At Bright Eyes Optics, we believe understanding your prescription and lens options helps you make the best decisions for your vision, comfort, and lifestyle. Whether you need glasses for reading, distance, or everything in between, your lenses can be tailored perfectly to you.
Let’s break down what your prescription means, and the different lenses available to bring your world into focus.
What Your Prescription Means
Each number on your prescription corresponds to how your eyes focus light. The goal of corrective lenses is to help light focus properly on the retina, so you see clearly.
Myopia (Nearsightedness)
If you see clearly up close but distant objects look blurry, you likely have myopia. This happens when the eye is slightly longer than normal or the cornea is too curved, causing light to focus in front of the retina.
Correction: Glasses or contact lenses with minus (-) lenses bring distant objects into clear focus.
Example:
R: -2.00
L: -1.75
Hyperopia (Farsightedness)
If you see distant objects clearly but struggle with near vision (especially when reading or using a computer), you may have hyperopia.
Correction: Plus (+) lenses help light focus correctly on the retina, improving close-up clarity.
Example:
R: +0.75
L: +1.50
Astigmatism
Astigmatism occurs when the cornea or lens is irregularly shaped, more like a rugby ball than a soccer ball. This causes light to focus at multiple points, leading to blurred or distorted vision at all distances.
Correction: Cylindrical lenses balance the uneven curvature, providing clear, sharp vision.
Example:
R: -0.25/-0.50x150
L: +0.25/-0.25x10
Presbyopia
After about age 40, the natural lens inside your eye becomes less flexible, making it difficult to focus on near tasks like reading or checking your phone.
Correction: Multifocal lens designs (like bifocals, progressive, or occupational lenses) help you see clearly at multiple distances without constantly swapping glasses.
Example:
R: +0.50/-0.50x10 +1.50
L: +0.75 +1.50
Lens Types Explained
Your prescription is only part of the equation, the type of lens design you choose determines how well your glasses fit your vision needs and lifestyle.
Single Vision Lenses
These lenses correct vision at one distance, either near, intermediate (computer), or far.
Spherical lenses: Have a uniform curvature and are suitable for mild prescriptions.
Aspherical lenses: Flatter and thinner, providing a lighter, more natural look and reducing distortion at the lens edges, ideal for higher prescriptions.
Bifocal Lenses
Bifocals combine two prescriptions in one lens: one for distance (top section) and one for near (bottom segment). You can usually see the visible dividing line between the two.
While bifocals remain functional, many patients now prefer progressives for a smoother transition between distances.
Progressive Lenses
Progressive lenses provide seamless vision at all distances (distance, computer, and reading) with no visible line.
They’re ideal for those with presbyopia who want one pair of glasses for everything.
Occupational (Office) Lenses
These are a type of progressive lens specifically designed for intermediate and near work, such as computer use, reading, or working at a desk.
They provide a wider, more comfortable viewing area for close tasks, perfect for office workers or anyone spending long hours on screens.
Choosing the Right Lens Material
The material of your lenses affects thickness, weight, durability, and optical clarity. Higher index lenses are thinner and lighter, which can make a big difference in comfort and appearance, especially for stronger prescriptions.
Lens Index Options:
1.50 – Standard Plastic (CR-39)
Ideal for mild prescriptions
Affordable and good optical clarity
Thicker and heavier in stronger prescriptions
1.60 – Mid-Index Plastic
Ideal for moderate prescriptions
Thinner and lighter than standard lenses
Great balance of cost and comfort
1.67 – High-Index Plastic
Ideal for higher prescriptions
Slimmer and lighter than mid-index lenses
Reduces the “bug-eye” effect in plus lenses
1.74 – Ultra High-Index
Ideal for very high prescriptions
Thinnest and lightest lens available
Premium comfort and aesthetics
Lens Coatings and Treatments
Modern lenses can be enhanced with special coatings that protect your eyes, improve vision quality, and extend the life of your glasses.
Anti-Reflective (AR) Coating: Reduces glare from screens, headlights, and overhead lighting. Improves contrast and comfort, especially for night driving or digital work.
UV Protection Coating: Blocks harmful UV rays to protect your eyes from long-term sun damage — just like sunscreen for your lenses.
Blue Light Filter: Helps reduce eye strain from prolonged screen use by filtering high-energy blue light. Ideal for office workers and students.
Scratch-Resistant Coating: Makes lenses more durable and helps prevent everyday wear and tear.
Hydrophobic & Anti-Smudge Coating: Repels water, dust, and oils, keeping your lenses cleaner and clearer for longer.
Combining these coatings provides sharper, more comfortable vision and prolongs the life of your glasses.
Your Vision, Your Lifestyle
Your prescription is unique to you, and your lenses should be too.
At Bright Eyes Optics, our experienced optometrists and dispensing team will guide you through the best lens design, material, and coatings for your vision, lifestyle, and budget.
Whether you’re looking for thin, lightweight lenses for everyday wear or specialised office lenses for digital comfort, we’ll help you find the perfect combination for clear, comfortable sight.
See the Difference with Bright Eyes Optics
Understanding your prescription is the first step, but finding lenses that enhance your daily life makes all the difference.
Visit Bright Eyes Optics in Mona Vale today for a personalised consultation and discover how the right lenses can transform your vision and comfort.