You look at your eye prescription and see letters like SPH, DS and DC. They look like code, but each one has a simple meaning. This guide explains them in plain words. For the full slip, see our guide to reading every box.
What does DS mean?
DS means diopter sphere. A diopter is the unit used to measure lens power. A sphere lens has the same curve in every direction, like a part of a ball.
When you see DS written in the cylinder (CYL) box, it means: this eye needs only a sphere power, nothing extra. There is no astigmatism to correct in that eye.
Example: SPH -2.00 / CYL DS means a power of minus 2.00, with no cylinder.
What does SPH mean?
SPH means sphere. It is the main power of your lens.
- Minus (-) is for short sight. Near things look clear, far things look blurry.
- Plus (+) is for long sight. It helps with focusing, and is common in reading glasses.
- A bigger number means a stronger lens. -4.00 is stronger than -1.00.
Powers go up in small steps of 0.25, like -0.25, -0.50, -0.75.
What does DC mean?
DC means diopter cylinder. It is the same thing as CYL. It is the extra power used when the front of the eye is shaped a little like a rugby ball and not a football. That shape is called astigmatism. If you have a DC number, you will also have an AXIS number. Read more in our guide to what CYL means in glasses.
What do plano and PL mean?
Plano or PL means zero power. You may see it in the SPH box when only the cylinder needs correction.
Quick table
| You see | It means |
|---|
| SPH | Sphere power, the main lens power |
| DS | Diopter sphere, no cylinder in this eye |
| CYL or DC | Cylinder power for astigmatism |
| AXIS | The angle of the cylinder, from 1 to 180 |
| PL or plano | Zero power |
| ADD | Extra reading power, for bifocal or progressive lenses |
Do not guess. Check it.
A wrong sign (+ or -) changes the lens completely. Always copy the numbers exactly as written, and match the right eye (OD) and left eye (OS) rows. If your slip is hard to read, see how to read the prescription slip, or ask us.
This article is general information, not medical advice. For persistent symptoms or any sudden change in your vision, see an eye-care professional.
Not sure what your prescription says?
Send us a photo of your slip. One of our opticians will read it back to you in plain words and check it with you before any lens is cut.
Send your prescription to Deepak Optical.
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