Menu Your glasses prescription explained Specsavers optometrist Dr Nigel Best explains the numbers and words on your prescription: How to read your prescription SPH CYL AXIS PRISM BASE DISTANCE +2.25 -1.00 65 - - NEAR ADD +1.50 DISTANCE +2.25 -1.00 65 - - NEAR ADD +1.50 SPH (sphere) A + in the box indicates that you are long-sighted which means you find it difficult to see things close to you. A – shows that you find it hard to see things that are far away without glasses. ADD - If you are over 40, you may have a number here. This is your reading addition and relates to the amount of additional correction needed to focus at close distances. A measurement will mean you have different prescriptions for distance and reading. Sometimes another add for intermediate prescriptions is also required. In some cases the near add is written on the prescription in a different format and is already combined to provide the near prescription. If you have any questions about your prescription or would like a copy of your prescription please contact your local store, or the store where you had your eye test. Find your local store Browse Services COVID-19 Information About © Specsavers 2021 Legal policies Privacy policy International sites Modern Slavery Act 21.10.3 To provide you with a better service, we use cookies on our pages. By using this site, you agree to our Cookie Policy. OK