What is ADD on an Eye Prescription?

Introduction

While you receive an eye prescription, you might feel confused because of ADD. What is it? Is it important?

Undoubtedly, ADD is an important item in most prescriptions, especially for people 40 years old.

This article deeply explains the definition of ADD, the target user, the specific location displayed on the prescription, and the impacts on your eyewear options. Besides, ADD is greatly important for reading and progressive lenses.

What Does ADD Mean in an Eye Prescription?

Firstly, it needs to know that ADD stands for addition, which refers to the added magnifying power so as to achieve clear near vision. However, it's different from correcting vision at a regular distance. It's an extra boost to correct vision for smartphone use, reading, or other near-vision needs.

The additional power is mainly for people who have presbyopia, which is a natural age-related condition that elders have bad near vision. It shows more details about ADD.

1. The regular value of ADD is between +0.75 and +3.0.

2. ADD values are regularly the same for both eyes, but there is still a special situation.

3. It is commonly prescribed for bifocals, reading glasses, and progressive glasses.

Why is ADD Important and Needed?

Normally, people around 40 years old might begin to notice changes. The typical symptoms of presbyopia include clearer distance vision, unclear vision in dark light, and eye strain caused by long-term use of digital screens.

The main function of ADD is recharging your near vision so as to regain the ability to focus on nearby objects. But if you don't have ADD, you need to switch frequently between glasses with hyperopic lenses and reading lenses, and even that might cause headaches and blurred vision.

Moreover, it's different from traditional vision correction; ADD cannot change your ability to see distance. ADD means adding near vision support to the existing prescription, which is essential for multifocal lenses.

How to Read the ADD Value?

Firstly, you need to know some basic details about ADD value. On the standard eye prescription, ADD value is usually shown as ADD, and ADD is usually positive, reading ADD or NV (NV refers to near vision). You can find it in the same row as SPH (Sphere), CYL (Cylinder), and AXIS. Moreover, if you have different ADD, they will be shown separately in the OD and OS values.

For ADD, you have to know that it's not an absolute value; it will change over time or personal visual habits. Therefore, you need to do the comprehensive eye exam before buying new glasses, especially for people who need bifocals and progressive glasses.

What Kind of Glasses Need ADD Value?

It's important to know the purpose of ADD, which helps you choose the specific lens types. It shows detailed information of different glasses needing ADD values.

1. Reading

A kind of single-vision lens that only includes ADD value for reading and activities with near vision.

2. Bifocals

There are two distinct segments: the top is for distance vision, and the bottom is for near vision, and it has a visible line to divide the different vision needs.

3. Progressive

Instead of the visible line, it gradually increases in power from distance vision to near vision. So, it can meet all vision ranges.

4. Office and Computer

Actually, it is designed for ADD power in the immediate range, which is suitable for spending lots of time on digital screens or all-day use.

Therefore, it's very important to know your personal ADD value, which is helpful to your lens options and lifestyles. If you are the people who will spend a long time reading or on digital screens, it's extremely important for you.

FAQs of ADD

1. Is ADD value the same as reading power?

No. ADD belongs to an additional power that helps improve vision. It's different from the regular power for distance vision, but it also works with both bifocals and progressive lenses.

2. Is ADD different for each eye?

Although it's not a common situation, it's correct. Actually, almost all people have the same ADD value for eyes. But in some special cases, there is a distinct difference in near vision needs for both eyes. For this situation, the eye doctor will provide different ADD values in your prescription.

3. Can the ADD value be used for sunglasses?

Yes. If you have needs to correct the near vision, ADD can be added to your sunglasses prescription. However, ADD value is more usually used for reading and multifocal glasses.

4. If I am under 40 years old, do I need ADD?

Generally, it's not needed for people under 40. Because it's usually for people with presbyopia, which is a near vision issue related to age. However, if you need near vision correction due to other reasons, the eye doctor might add the ADD value to your prescription.

5. How to ensure whether I need ADD?

Based on age, symptoms, and near vision ability, the eye doctor will make a judgment. In the meantime, if you figure out you need to hold further reading or always feel eye strain, you can tell your eye doctor to ensure whether you need ADD in your prescription.

Conclusion

You need to know understanding ADD doesn't just mean knowing a number. The more important thing is you need to know your vision changes and ensure you have the suitable glasses. Therefore, if you are going to shop for glasses with reading or progressive lenses, the study of ADD is essential, which will help you make the right choice.