Understanding Your Prescription and LASIK
Vision impairments such as Myopia, Hyperopia, Astigmatism, and Presbyopia are measured in units called diopters. A diopter is one whole number, and a diopter represents the amount of correction you need to normalize your vision. The more nearsighted, farsighted, or astigmatic you are, the higher your prescription will be represented in diopters, or rather the farther away from zero your prescription will be.
Typical Prescription -4.00 -1.50 X 90 +2.0
- -4.00 The Sphere column identifies the severity of nearsightedness or farsightedness. The sign identifies whether you are nearsighted (-) or farsighted (+).
- -1.50 The Cylinder column identifies degree of astigmatism. The sign can be either (+) or (-).
- 90 The Axis column identifies where the astigmatism is positioned. This astigmatism is located at ninety degrees, or in the vertical axis.
- +2.0 The Add column identifies the severity of presbyopia. The sign is always (+).
Your Prescription Numbers ...
... are used to help determine the appropriate Laser Eye Surgery plan for you, as an individual. These numbers provide information to LasikPlus, your LASIK team, that helps determine the best prescription, the best laser, and how much and in what pattern the laser evaporates corneal tissue during your LASIK Procedure.
It is not necessary for you to bring a prescription with you to Your LASIK Exam; we will measure these aspects of your vision when you get here.
