Step into any MOSCOT Shop – from Orchard Street to Columbus Avenue – and you’ll hear it:
“How do I read my glasses prescription?”
That little slip of paper full of letters and numbers? It’s not science fiction – it’s the blueprint for how you see the world. And like any good New York story, it’s got character, precision, and purpose.
Here’s your official MOSCOT guide to understanding what a glasses prescription means, how to read it, and why it matters when finding the perfect pair of frames.
What Is a Glasses Prescription?
Think of your eye prescription as a recipe crafted just for you – by your optometrist, not your bubbe. It tells the lab how to shape your lenses so you can see clearly, whether you're people-watching on Delancey or reading the fine print on a Broadway playbill.
Every pair of eyes is unique, so your prescription will list measurements for each eye separately. In other words: one face, two masterpieces.
When you ask, “What is my glasses prescription?”, just know it’s the secret sauce behind every custom-cut LEMTOSH, MILTZEN, or ZEV. It’s what makes your MOSCOTs yours.
How to Read Your Glasses Prescription
Let’s break it down. Here's how to read an eye prescription – line by line, lens by lens:
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Abbreviation
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What It Means
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OD / OS
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Right Eye / Left Eye (Latin for oculus dexter and oculus sinister)
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SPH
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Sphere: Indicates nearsightedness (–) or farsightedness (+)
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CYL
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Cylinder: Corrects astigmatism (if your cornea isn’t perfectly round)
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AXIS
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Orientation for CYL correction (measured in degrees)
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ADD
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Extra magnification for reading or multifocal lenses
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PD
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Pupillary Distance: How far apart your eyes are, center-to-center
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PRISM
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Corrects eye alignment issues (less common – and we’ll help in-Shop if you’ve got this!)
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Note: CYL and AXIS are a packaged deal – if one’s there, the other must be too.
Example Eye Prescription Chart:
|
Eye
|
SPH
|
CYL
|
AXIS
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PD
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OD
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–2.00
|
–0.75
|
180
|
31.5
|
|
OS
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–1.50
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–0.50
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170
|
31.5
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Once you know what each number means, reading your glasses prescription is as easy as crossing Houston Street at rush hour – just less stressful.
How to Measure Your PD (Pupillary Distance)
Whether you’re shopping online or getting new lenses, knowing your PD – the distance between your pupils – is essential for proper lens alignment and visual clarity.
Here’s a quick DIY method:
- Close your right eye and align the ruler’s zero with the center of your left pupil.
- Look straight ahead, close your left eye, and open your right.
- Read the mm line that lines up with the center of your right pupil – that’s your PD.
A few things to note:
Measure your PD 3–4 times to ensure consistency.
Adult PD range: 54–74mm
Child PD range: 43–54mm
If a friend is helping you measure:
Keep both eyes open.
Have them align the zero of the ruler with one pupil, then measure to the center of the other.
Look at a point 10–20 feet away – not at your friend!
Stay still and have your friend crouch slightly to stay out of your line of sight.
Where to Get an Eye Prescription
Need to get your eyes tested? Here’s how:
Visit a licensed optometrist or ophthalmologist. Many MOSCOT Shops partner with trusted professionals, so you can get your exam and try on frames in the same visit.
By law, your doctor must give you a copy of your prescription after your exam. Whether you fill it at MOSCOT (good choice) or somewhere else (we won’t take it personally), it’s yours to keep.
How often should you get an eye test? Most adults should go every 1–2 years. If you spend a lot of time staring at screens, once a year is ideal.
Reading an Eye Prescription Chart: Quick Lens Tips by Strength
Wondering “How bad is my eye prescription?” Here’s a simple scale:
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Prescription Range
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What It Means
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Lens Tip
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±/-0.25 to ±/-2.00 D
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Mild correction
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Standard lenses work well
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±/-2.25 to ±/-5.00 D
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Moderate correction
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Consider polycarbonate for thinner, lighter lenses
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±/-5.00 D and up
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Strong correction
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Hi-index lenses recommended (additional fee may apply)
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At MOSCOT, we’ll help you find the perfect lens for your prescription, style, and lifestyle – no squinting required.
Eye Prescriptions and Change Over Time
Just like the city, your vision evolves.
How often does your eye prescription change?
Usually every 1–2 years, but screen time, age, or health factors may speed things up.
Can the AXIS in my prescription change?
Yep. Tiny shifts in your eye’s shape can change your axis. Totally normal.
When do your eyes stop changing?
Most stabilize in your early 20s – but annual checkups are key to keeping things clear.
Signs it’s time to update your prescription:
You’re holding menus at arm’s length.
Headaches after screen time.
Street signs look like abstract art.
Additional Fees & Support for Complex Prescriptions
Just so you know: If your prescription falls outside the standard range or includes prism values, our Frame Fit Specialists are just a call away at 1-866-667-2687 – we're here to help!
For high cylinder powers (+/-2.00 or above) or high prescriptions (+/-10.00 or above), a processing fee of $25–$150 will apply. No surprises – it'll be calculated right at checkout.
Fit Starts with Clarity
Whether you’re rocking a LEMTOSH, a MILTZEN, or something more avant-garde, it all begins with one thing: a clear, accurate prescription. That’s the heart of every MOSCOT lens.
Your glasses prescription isn’t just a jumble of abbreviations – it’s a map to better vision, handcrafted just for you.
So the next time you glance at those numbers, remember: it’s not just a prescription. It’s the start of something sharp.
Discover Optical Eyeglasses at MOSCOT
Explore our full collection of optical eyeglasses at MOSCOT.com, and pair your prescription with frames built from over 100 years of New York know-how.
Because when it comes to vision – clarity never goes out of style.
