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Home > Ask the Optician > Meaning of axis on a prescription

Ask the Optician

Meaning of axis on a prescription

On 3 March 2011 by Nigel Best

Question

What does axis mean on my prescription?

Answer Video and written answer:
Qualified optometrist Nigel Best BSc (Hons) MCOptom FBCLA FAAO answers this question:

Axis is part of your prescription, and tells an optician in which direction they must position any cylindrical power in your lenses (required for astigmatism). The number shows the orientation or angle (in degrees) from 1 to 180. The number 90 means vertical position, and180 horizontal. A higher number for the axis does not mean that your prescription is stronger it simply describes the position of the astigmatism.

For more information about your prescription, see our video below:

Optician's Biography

Nigel Best BSc (Hons) MCOptom FBCLA FAAO has worked as an optometrist at Specsavers for 18 years. He is currently the Director of Specsavers Optometrists in Darlington and Richmond (N.Yorks), a College of Optometrists supervisor and a member of the Optometry in Practice editorial board. He has written papers published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at national and regional training events. He has written a number of contributions to optical and medical publications for the public, including sections on eyes and eye diseases for a Reader’s Digest guide.

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