text: SPH = SPHERE\n The amount of long or short sightedness. It always has a plus (+) or a minus (-) sign in front or above it. If the vision in one eye is very poor, the word 'balance' or 'bal' may be written.  For example, i'm -3.00 in both right and left. So baisically, it tells you how blind you are\n\nCYL = CYLINDER (Astigmatism) This is the measure for astigmatism. Again, there is always a plus (+) or minus (-) sign present\n\nAXIS - This will only appear if there is a value for cylinder, as it relates to the cylindrical lens. It will be a number between 1 and 180. It may or may not be written with a degree 'o' symbol after the number. \n\n\nHope this helps