What Do All of Those Numbers and Letters on My Eyeglass Prescriptions Mean?

 

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In addition to the basic information like patient name, date, and the doctor's signature there are other terms you may see. The information is set up in columns and rows.

 

OD (Oculus Dexter) - is Latin for the right eye

OS (Oculus sinister)-is Latin for the left eye

OU (Oculi Uterque) - is Latin for both eyes

SPH (sphere)-The correction for nearsightedness or farsightedness is spherical equal in all meridians of the eye. Always has a plus (+) or minus (-).

CYL (cylinder)-This indicates the amount of lens power for astigmatism and the difference in the greatest and weakest powers of the eye usually separated by 90°.

Axis(x 180) Read as “axis 180” this indicates the angle in degrees from 0 to 180.

Add- stands for additional corrections such as additional power or bifocals.

Progressing or multi-focal- If you’ve got an eyeglass prescription for bifocal or multi-focal/progressives, your lens power corrects for near, far, and sometimes intermediate-range vision. You’ll have a number in the ADD column.

Prism – is the correction used for some people with diplopia or double vision.

D (diopter)-The measurement of lens power. The higher the number the stronger the script.

Base-The base relates to the standard curvature of the frame also known as the wraparound effect. The higher your prescription number the more wrap around the frame is. On average, eyeglasses should have no more than a base of 4 to 6.

DS (diopter sphere)-indicates that the left eye’s corrections are totally spherical in nature with no astigmatism.

PD (Pupillary Distance) is the measurement of the distance between the pupils.

 

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Sources:

www.aao.org

www.allaboutvision.com

www.webmd.com

How Vision Affects Driving Abilities

 

Image: www.AAA.com

Driving is a multi-sensory experience that requires careful coordination and mastery of a wide array of skills. 90% of driver information is visual.

Vision is essential for driving. Gathering information with your eyes is called visual perception. Safe driving depends on your ability to notice many things at one time. A drivers eyes must move constantly. Good vision helps to identify road hazards, read signs and see your dashboard.

Drivers of any age with vision issues should take heed of their limitations and make modifications as needed these include:

• Macular degeneration
• Color blindness
• Cataracts

A recent study has shown 1 in 5 drivers suffer from a visual defect. 33% of drivers have uncorrected vision.

If you notice any of the following symptoms in yourself or a loved one make an appointment with an eye care professional ASAP:

• Blurry vision
• Glare or halos when looking at oncoming headlights or street lights.
• A dark spot in your central vision or peripheral vision.
• Difficulty reading road signs or spotting pedestrians.

Aging motorist account for 18% of all traffic crashes in the US. Older drivers can make certain changes to improve their safety on the roadways:

• Take a senior driver improvement course- could lower Insurance rates also
• Reduce driving at night
• Accommodate for glare
• Be especially cautious at intersections
• Get annual vision checks

#eyegotcha

#PittsburghEyeCare

#PittsburghOptometrist

 

Sources:

www.daytonadailynews.com

www.aao.org

www.AAA.com

www.Driversed.com

May is UV Awareness Month

Image: www.forefrontdermatology.com

The beneficial effects of UV radiation include the production of a vital nutrient, vitamin D; however, overexposure may present risks. Sunburn, premature aging, and skin cancer are all risks to overexposure. Keeping you and others protected from UV radiation is an important, year-round responsibility.

The sun releases energy (radiation) in many forms:

• Sunlight is the form we see

• The heat we feel is another form

• Ultraviolet light (UV) rays are a third type that cause sunburn.

    -UV-A can damage the macula

    -UV-B The cornea and the lens absorb the most UV-B rays over time the effects of UV may cause a number of eye problems including:

• Macular Degeneration-Causes loss in the center of the field of vision.
• Cataracts-Clouding of the normally clear lens of the eye resulting in blurred vision.
• Pterygium-Is a pinkish, triangular, non-cancerous growth that starts on the clear tissue of the eye and spreads to the cornea.
• Skin cancer-The abnormal growth of skin cells most often develops on skin exposed to sunlight. Research has shown that getting severe sunburn just once every two years can triple the risk of melanoma skin cancer.
• Corneal sunburn-call photo keratitis is the result of high short term exposure to UV-B rays. It can be very painful and may cost temporary vision loss.

Protect yourself from UV rays by:

   1. Wearing sunglasses with 100% UV protection.

   2. Contacts can help to some types have UV protection.

   3. Be aware of cloudy days UV rays can still travel through cloud cover.

   4. Don’t forget the sunscreen

   5. Wear a wide brimmed hat

Are you at risk?

Some factors may increase risk of eye or skin cancer:

• Family history

•  Having light colored eyes, hair and skin

• Being outdoors for long periods of time

• Spending time around the water or other reflective surfaces without eye protection

• Recent cataract surgery

• Are over the age of 50

#eyegotcha

#PittsburghEyeCare

#PittsburghOptometrist

Sources:

www.optometrystudents.com

www.pvfa.org

www.mayoclinic.org

www.aao.org

www.va.gov

 

Are Women Predisposed to Eye Disease

Studies show that women are more likely to suffer from eye-related problems than men. Women need to be more vigilant with their eye care. Two thirds of blindness and visual impairment worldwide occur in women. That is 66% of blind patients are women.

Top eye related risks for women:

• Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) 65% of cases
• Cataracts
•  Glaucoma (65%)
•  Dry eye occurs at double the rate in post-menopausal women

In general women are more susceptible to auto immune diseases that affect vision, than men.

Diseases like:

• Lupus
• Sjogren’s Syndrome
• Hyper thyroiditis
• Pregnancy can cause changes in vision due to hormonal changes.

Why are women at higher risk? 

•  Women live longer-age plays a role in vision problems.
• Hormones
• Diabetes
•  Medications
• Lifestyle choices-Stop smoking, eat healthier, protect your eyes from UV rays. 

It has been estimated that 75% of blindness and vision loss can be prevented or is treatable.

Prevention:

1. Have a comprehensive eye exam including dial action and a health scan of the eye.
2. Be aware of family history.
3. Switch to a healthy lifestyle.
4. Protect your eye from UV rays with sunglasses and other dangers such as flying debris by wearing Googles.

 

#eyegotcha

#PittsburghEyeCare

#PittsburghOptometrist

 

Sources:

www.aao.org

www.visionsource.com

www.yoursightmatters.com

 

Image: www.focusclinics.com