This tool converts a prescription for eyeglasses or contact lenses from plus-cylinder notation to minus-cylinder notation, or vice versa. For instance, a prescription written as +2.00 +1.00 x 90 can be converted to +3.00 -1.00 x 180. While both notations represent the same corrective lens power, different manufacturers and practitioners prefer one form over the other. This conversion ensures compatibility and facilitates accurate lens fabrication.
The ability to readily translate between these notations is essential for opticians, ophthalmologists, and optometrists. Historically, different regions and manufacturers have favored one notation, creating potential confusion and errors in lens ordering and dispensing. Such a conversion tool minimizes ambiguity, ensuring the patient receives lenses matching the prescribed corrective power, regardless of notational preference. This is particularly relevant with the increasing globalization of lens manufacturing and online eyewear sales.