Optical Transposition Calculator
Transposed Prescription
Understanding Glasses Prescription Transposition
In the world of optics, eyeglass prescriptions can be written in two different formats: plus-cylinder form and minus-cylinder form. While both forms describe the exact same corrective lens, ophthalmologists usually use plus-cylinder, while optometrists and lab technicians typically use minus-cylinder.
How to Transpose Your Prescription Manually
If you want to convert your prescription manually, there are three specific steps to follow:
- Combine SPH and CYL: Add the sphere power and the cylinder power together. This becomes your new Sphere power. Be careful with signs (e.g., -2.00 + +0.50 = -1.50).
- Reverse the Cylinder Sign: Change the sign of the cylinder. If it was a plus (+), change it to a minus (-). If it was a minus (-), change it to a plus (+). The numerical value remains the same.
- Rotate the Axis: Change the axis by 90 degrees. If the original axis is between 1 and 90, add 90. If the original axis is between 91 and 180, subtract 90. The result must always be between 1 and 180.
Real-World Example
Original Prescription: -3.00 +1.50 x 045
- New SPH: -3.00 + (+1.50) = -1.50
- New CYL: Reverse +1.50 to -1.50
- New Axis: 45 + 90 = 135
- Result: -1.50 -1.50 x 135
Why is Transposition Necessary?
Transposition is essential for communication between eye care professionals and lens manufacturers. Most optical labs manufacture lenses in minus-cylinder form because it offers better peripheral vision and aesthetic qualities in modern lens designs. Our transpose calculator glasses tool ensures that whether you are a student or a patient, you can quickly verify the alternative format of your script without error.
Note: This tool is for educational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed optician or optometrist before ordering lenses based on transposed figures.