How can I tell what type my vision problem is?
This is quite simple to do by looking at your distance eyeglass prescription.

Sample Prescription



  • Your eyeglass prescription has a main number called the "sphere".
  • If your sphere has a + sign, you are far-sighted or hyperopic.
  • If your sphere has a - sign, you are short-sighted or myopic.
  • If you have any astigmatism, the prescription will then have 2 more numbers: the "cylinder" is the amount of astigmatism, and the "axis" describes its orientation.
  • Your prescription may also have a last number called the "add". This is the amount of bifocal you require to compensate for presbyopia.
  • The sphere, the cylinder and the add are measured in units called "diopters". The axis is measured in degrees.



Laservue Clinic, ophthalmology and lasik eye correction: 1100, Ave Beaumont, Second Floor, Montreal, Quebec, H3P 3H5
Tel.: 514-738-6666 Toll Free:1-888-734-6666 Fax: 514-738-1769 Email: laservue@laservue.net