How to Read Your Toric Contact Lens Prescription (SPH, CYL, AXIS)
Ordering colored contacts for astigmatism means copying a few numbers from your contact lens prescription. This page explains what each one means, so you can order the right lenses the first time.
A sample toric contact lens prescription
| Eye | SPH (PWR) | CYL | AXIS | BC | DIA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| OD (right) | −2.50 | −1.25 | 180 | 8.6 | 14.2 |
| OS (left) | −2.75 | −0.75 | 170 | 8.6 | 14.2 |
This is an example only. Always use the values on your own prescription.
What each value means
- OD and OS: right eye (OD) and left eye (OS). Your eyes often have different values, so check each row.
- SPH or PWR (sphere / power): corrects nearsightedness (a minus number) or farsightedness (a plus number).
- CYL (cylinder): the amount of astigmatism correction. If your prescription has a CYL value, you need toric lenses.
- AXIS: the direction of the astigmatism correction, a number from 0 to 180. It always comes with a CYL value.
- BC (base curve) and DIA (diameter): the lens fit. Each Misaki product page lists the lens's base curve and diameter; ask your eye doctor if they differ from your prescription.
- Expiration date: in the US, a contact lens prescription is usually valid for at least one year. You need a current one to order.
Glasses and contact lens prescriptions are different
A glasses prescription is not the same as a contact lens prescription. Glasses sit in front of your eyes and contact lenses sit on them, so the powers can differ, and a glasses prescription has no base curve or diameter. To order contact lenses you need a contact lens prescription from your eye doctor. If you only have a glasses prescription, book a contact lens exam.
Common questions
My prescription has no CYL or AXIS. Do I need toric lenses?
No. Without a CYL value you don't need astigmatism correction, so regular colored lenses in your sphere power are the right choice.
My CYL is a plus number. What should I do?
Most contact lens prescriptions write cylinder as a minus number. If yours shows a plus cylinder, ask your eye doctor for the contact lens version of your prescription rather than converting it yourself.
Can I use one prescription for both eyes?
Only if your prescription shows the same values for both. Enter the values for each eye exactly as written.
Which lenses can I order with my prescription?
Made-to-order colored contacts for astigmatism are made to your sphere, cylinder and axis, and currently take 28 to 35 days. If your prescription is within SPH 0.00 to −7.00, CYL −0.75 to −5.00 and AXIS 10, 20, 30, 160, 170 or 180, Cotton Brown Ready Stock Express ships within 3 to 5 business days.
How to order
- Choose your shade in the toric collection.
- Enter your SPH, CYL and AXIS on the product page, exactly as written on your prescription.
- Upload a clear copy of your current contact lens prescription at checkout.
Not sure which shade to pick? Read our guide to colored contacts for astigmatism.
This page is general information, not medical advice. Your eye doctor is the best person to answer questions about your prescription.