OD = right eye
OS = left eye
OU = both eyes
SPH = sphere power for nearsightedness or farsightedness
Minus sign (-) = nearsightedness
Plus sign (+) = farsightedness
CYL = astigmatism correction
Axis = direction of astigmatism correction, from 1 to 180
ADD = extra magnifying power for reading
Prism = lens shift for eye alignment
Base = direction of prism
PD = pupillary distance
Example: OD -2.00 SPH -1.00 CYL 180 AXIS
Example: OS +1.50 SPH -0.50 CYL 090 AXIS
Higher numbers = stronger lens power
Plano or PL = no lens power
NV or Near = reading prescription
DV or Distance = distance prescription