Find the labels for each eye: OD, OS, or OU
OD means right eye
OS means left eye
OU means both eyes
Look for SPH or Sphere
SPH shows the lens power needed for nearsightedness or farsightedness
A minus sign means nearsightedness
A plus sign means farsightedness
Look for CYL or Cylinder
CYL shows the amount of astigmatism correction
Look for AXIS
AXIS shows the angle for astigmatism correction
Look for ADD
ADD shows extra magnifying power for reading or close work
Look for PRISM if listed
PRISM shows correction for eye alignment problems
Look for PD or Pupillary Distance
PD shows the distance between your pupils
Check the numbers for each eye separately
Compare the right eye and left eye values
Note that higher absolute numbers mean stronger lens power
Check the expiration date if provided
Confirm whether the prescription is for glasses or contact lenses