The "s" in an eye prescription stands for sphere. It represents the amount of lens curvature needed to correct nearsightedness (myopia) or farsightedness (hyperopia).
- Nearsightedness: A negative sphere value indicates a concave lens that helps focus light onto the retina.
- Farsightedness: A positive sphere value indicates a convex lens that helps bend light towards the retina.
Example: An eye prescription might read "Sphere: -2.00". This indicates a -2.00 diopter (D) concave lens is needed to correct nearsightedness in that eye.
Practical Insight: The sphere value is crucial for determining the correct lens power for your eyeglasses or contact lenses. It's essential to have your eyes examined by an eye doctor regularly to ensure your prescription is up-to-date.