How to Read Your Prescription for Sunglass Lenses
By Valley Eyewear / ANZ | Published: 2026-10-18
Category: How-to Guides
Learn to decode your eyeglass prescription numbers so you can order prescription sunglasses lenses with confidence. Step-by-step guide for Valley Eyewear customers.
Quick Answer
Your eyeglass prescription contains three key numbers per eye: sphere (SPH), cylinder (CYL), and axis. For prescription sunglasses lenses, you need the same values you use for clear glasses. Just choose a tinted or polarised lens option to add sun protection.
What You Need from Your Prescription
To order prescription sunglasses lenses, you only need the numbers your optometrist provides for distance vision. These are typically listed under headings like SPH, CYL, and Axis for each eye (OD for right, OS for left). The prescription also includes an Add value if you need progressive or bifocal lenses.
Your prescription for sunglasses is exactly the same as for clear glasses — there is no separate sunglass prescription. The difference is the lens tint and, optionally, polarization. You can use your current eyeglass prescription as long as it is up to date (usually within two years).
Understanding the Numbers
Sphere (SPH) measures nearsightedness or farsightedness. A minus sign (-) means nearsighted; a plus sign (+) means farsighted. Cylinder (CYL) measures astigmatism, and Axis is the angle of the astigmatism correction (0 to 180 degrees). If CYL is blank or zero, you have no astigmatism correction.
The Add number is only present for progressive or bifocal lenses. It indicates the extra magnifying power for reading. If you want progressive prescription sunglasses, you need this value. For single-vision sunglasses, you can ignore it.
Step-by-Step: Decode Your Prescription
- Find the SPH Number for Each Eye: Look for the column labeled SPH or Sphere. It will have a plus or minus sign followed by a number (e.g., -2.50). This is your main correction. Write it down for both OD and OS. Common mistake: Confusing OD and OS. OD is always your right eye, OS your left.
- Check for CYL and Axis: If there is a number in the CYL column, you have astigmatism. The Axis number (0-180) tells the orientation. Copy both exactly as written. If CYL is blank or says DS, you have no astigmatism correction. Checkpoint: A missing CYL is normal — you do not need to guess or fill in zero.
- Note the Add Value for Progressives: If you want progressive sunglass lenses, find the Add or Near Add field. It is usually the same number for both eyes (e.g., +2.00). Single-vision sunglasses do not require this value. Common mistake: Ordering single-vision sunglasses when you need progressive lenses. If you use progressive glasses daily, choose a progressive sunglass option.
Lens Options That Use Your Prescription
- Polarised Progressive Prescription Sunglass Lenses: Tinted lenses which offer style and protection from the sun's harmful UV rays, with additional glare protection. High sun glare protection from polarization. 100% UVA & UVB protection. Scratch resistant & anti-reflective. If you need both distance and reading correction in one lens, these polarised progressive lenses let you see clearly at all distances while blocking glare and UV rays.
- Polarised Prescription Sunglass Lenses: Tinted lenses which offer style and protection from the sun's harmful UV rays, with additional glare protection. High sun glare protection from polarization. 100% UVA & UVB protection. Scratch resistant & anti-reflective. For single-vision wearers, these polarised prescription sunglass lenses provide the same UV and glare protection without the progressive segment, making them simpler and more affordable.
