This tool is for educational guidance only. It does not provide a diagnosis and cannot replace a clinical examination. Written by a consultant ophthalmologist.
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PlainVision
Eye Health · Clearly Explained
Free Educational Tool

Prescription
Decoder

Enter the numbers from your glasses or contact lens prescription and get a plain-English explanation of exactly what they mean.

Step One
Enter your prescription

Find these numbers on the card or printout from your optician. Enter one eye at a time, or both.

👁 Right eye (OD)
👁 Left eye (OS)
Negative = short-sighted, positive = long-sighted
Leave blank if not on your prescription
Only needed if you have a CYL value
Usually for bifocals or progressives

Your results

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This tool is for educational purposes only and explains what prescription values typically mean. It does not constitute medical advice and cannot replace a clinical eye examination. Always consult your optometrist or ophthalmologist for guidance about your individual eye health. Content reviewed by Chris Matthews, Consultant Ophthalmologist.