What does the prescription OD +1.25 OS -1.25 represent?

The prescription OD +1.25 OS -1.25 indicates that one eye is hyperopic (farsighted) while the other eye is myopic (nearsighted). Specifically, OD (right eye) is prescribed +1.25, which signifies a positive convex lens to correct for hyperopia, where distant objects appear clear but close objects are blurred. In contrast, OS (left eye) is -1.25, indicating a negative concave lens to correct for myopia, where nearby objects are seen clearly, but distant ones are blurred.

This combination of hyperopia in one eye and myopia in the other characterizes antimetropia, which is a specific condition where the refractive errors of the two eyes are opposite in nature. Understanding this distinction is important for optometrists and ophthalmologists when fitting glasses or contact lenses to ensure proper vision correction for both eyes.