How do I read an ophthalmological prescription?

Would you like to renew your glasses or order new contact lenses, but don't know how to read your ophthalmological prescription? Would you like to know more about the validity of an ophthalmological prescription? In this article, we'll tell you all you need to know about prescriptions issued by ophthalmologists.

Our tips for reading an ophthalmological prescription

An ophthalmological prescription specifies the contact lenses or corrective lenses needed to correct your vision and see clearly. It's important to know how to read an ophthalmological prescription in order to understand the prescriptions indicated and to be able to order suitable contact lenses or corrective lenses.

Here are the most important things to understand about an ophthalmological prescription:

• OD: Right eye
• OG: Left Eye
• ODG: Right and Left Eyes
• VL: Vision de Loin
• VP: Close Vision
• VI: Intermediate Vision
• VA: Visual Acuity
• ADD : Addition. This is the prescription for presbyopia correction. The value indicated is in dioptres (D).
• SPH: Sphere. This is the prescription for the correction of myopia (blurred distance vision) or hyperopia (blurred near vision). The value indicated is in dioptres (D).
• CYL: Cylinder. This is the prescription for correcting astigmatism (blurred vision at all distances). The value indicated is also in dioptres (D).
• +: this sign is used for hyperopia.
• - This sign is used for myopia.

The numbers following the + and - signs represent the degree of hyperopia or myopia. The higher the degree, the stronger the optical correction. Numbers in brackets indicate astigmatism (image distortion), and the degree indicates the axis of the astigmatism.

There may also be details on the prescription, such as specific lenses to be used (progressive, anti-reflective, photochromic, etc.) or precautions to be taken whenusing contact lenses.
We can tell you more about the validity of such a prescription below.

What is the validity of an ophthalmologist's prescription?

Would you like to know if your ophthalmologist's prescription is still valid? The validity of a prescription depends on the type of prescription and the length of treatment required. At an optician's, a prescription for glasses or contact lenses is valid for :

• 1 year for children under 16
• 5 years for people aged between 16 and 42
• 3 years for over 42s

It is important to note that the optician has the right to refuse to dispense glasses or contact lenses if the prescription is expired or invalid. It is therefore essential to check the expiry date of the prescription before buying glasses or contact lenses. We also strongly recommend that you follow your ophthalmologist's instructions and keep to your scheduled appointments and examinations, to avoid ending up with an out-of-date prescription. Finally, we advise you to consult an ophthalmologist regularly to monitor the evolution of your vision and eye condition.

Would you like to obtain an ophthalmological prescription to change your glasses? We'll explain how in the rest of this article.

How do I get an ophthalmological prescription?

To obtain an ophthalmological prescription, you need to consult an ophthalmologist. You can make an appointment with one of our ophthalmologists in our Klarity center.

During the consultation, our ophthalmologist will perform the examinations necessary to screen for or specifically investigate the indicated or diagnosed pathology. These may include tests such as visual acuity measurement, biomicroscopy, visual field examination and other specific examinations.

Once the examination is complete, the ophthalmologist will draw up a prescription for contact lenses, corrective lenses or other treatments and examinations. He can also give you advice on how to look after your eyes and prevent eye health problems.

Do I need a doctor's prescription to go to the ophthalmologist?

Do you need a prescription to visit an ophthalmologist? A prescription is generally not required to see an ophthalmologist. You can make an appointment with one of our ophthalmologists in our Klarity center without needing a prescription from your GP.

Book an appointment at our Klarity ophthalmology center for a prescription and vision correction!

Would you like to make an appointment with one of our ophthalmologists because you need optical correction? Do you need a prescription for glasses or contact lenses?

We invite you to book an appointment on Doctolib or by telephone. We can arrange appointments with our ophthalmologists and orthoptists as quickly as possible.