Prescription Guide

What do I need to do to order a pair of Sight Station glasses?

All you need is your up to date prescription. Please note that we cannot accept prescriptions that are older than two years.

Single Vision, bi-focal and Varifocal

Please note that Sight Station only supplies SINGLE VISION glasses. If you require bi-focal or varifocal glasses then you should consult an optician in person.

How do I obtain my prescription?

Your optician is required by law to supply you with your clear, legible prescription details when you have an eye examination. This should be provided at no additional charge. You are not obliged to buy glasses from this optician in order to receive your prescription.

How do I understand my prescription?

Your prescription is a technical description in numbers and symbols of the type and strength of lens you need to give you good vision.

This is how your prescription will break down:

• Sphere (SPH)
  This refers to the amount and type of prescription you require. If you are long sighted your prescription will be preceded by a + sign. If you are short sighted your prescription will be preceded by a - sign. The higher the number, the stronger the prescription required. THIS MEASUREMENT IS RELEVANT TO ALL PRESCRIPTIONS. Please note that we are only allowed to glaze glasses up to a dioptre of 7.75.
  
  
• Cylinder (CYL)
  This measurement is only relevant if you have an astigmatism (or visual distortion). This is quite common and is caused by an irregular shaped cornea. This measurement is also preceded by a PLUS or MINUS sign.
  
  
• Axis
  This measurement refers to the direction of the astigmatism. You will only have an axis measurement if you have an astigmatism shown by a CYL measurement. This is measured in degrees and is a number between 0 and 180.
  
  
• Near addition (NEAR ADD)
  This shows the amount of additional correction required to focus at NEAR or close up distances. (e.g. reading). This requires you to wear different glasses or ready readers for reading in addition to your normal glasses. You can also choose bifocal or varifocal lenses.
  
  
• PD (Pupillary Distance)
  This is the measurement from the centre of the pupil in one eye to the centre of the pupil in the other. This measurement improves the positioning of your lenses within their frame. You can ask for this measurement when you have your eye examination. If it is not on your prescription, don't worry as most people conform to an average PD of 63mm. If you do not have this information an average PD will be selected for you.