Have you ever seen a term like “cylinder” or the abbreviation “CYL” on your prescription? Don't worry, this is quite normal. A cylinder on your prescription means that you have a so-called cylinder defect, or astigmatism. This is very common and simply means that your eye is not completely round but has more of an oval shape. As a result, you need a cylindrical correction in your glasses, which is indicated on your prescription by a number next to the cylinder abbreviation.

If you need prescription safety glasses for work, it is important that these glasses also correct your cylinder deviation. In this blog, we explain why this is essential and how you can get the right safety glasses that offer both protection and optimal vision.

What does a cylinder anomaly mean?

A cylinder defect (astigmatism) means that the cornea or lens of your eye is not perfectly round. This causes light rays to be refracted in a different way, causing you to see blurry or distorted. A pair of glasses with cylindrical correction ensures that this deviation is corrected, so that you can see clearly again.

‍

Do you have a cylinder on your prescription? Then you see a number with the abbreviation C whether CYL, which indicates the strength of the correction. Just like normal strength, the cylinder value for your left and right eyes may differ. If there is no cylinder in your prescription, you do not need a cylindrical correction.

Want to know more about how to read a prescription for glasses? Then check out this handy overview of Hans Anders about reading a prescription for glasses.

Why are prescription safety glasses with cylinder correction important?

Safety glasses should not only protect your eyes, but also optimally correct your vision. People with a cylinder anomaly often have more trouble seeing clearly without proper correction. In a work environment where you depend on good vision — for example in construction, the chemical industry or laboratories — blurred vision can be dangerous. Safety glasses without cylinder correction can lead to a number of problems:

1. Blurred or distorted vision: Without the correct cylinder correction, you may not see clearly, which increases the risk of accidents. Being able to see details clearly is essential in work environments with increased safety risks.
2. Tiredness and headache: Constantly straining your eyes to see clearly without proper correction can lead to eye fatigue, headaches, and even neck problems. This can reduce your productivity and negatively affect your comfort at work.
3. Increased safety risk: In work environments where accuracy is required, such as operating machines or handling hazardous substances, reduced visibility can have a direct impact on safety. Properly corrected safety glasses minimize these risks.

How to choose the right prescription goggles for astigmatism

For people with astigmatism, it is important that their safety glasses are specially tailored with the correct cylinder correction. Here are a few points to pay attention to:

• Custom-made glasses: Make sure that the safety goggles is fully adapted to your specific prescription, including the correction for cylinders. Only then can you be sure that you see optimally and are well protected.
• Protective materials: Choose safety glasses that meet the safety standards of your field. This means that the glasses must be resistant to impacts, chemicals or other risks you may face in the workplace.
• Fit and comfort: A well-fitting pair of glasses is essential to ensure that the glasses stay in place while you work. This increases comfort and prevents the glasses from sliding, which can endanger both your vision and safety.

Safety glasses with the right correction

If you have a cylinder defect, it is important to choose safety glasses that not only protect your eyes, but also optimally correct your vision. Glasses without the correct cylinder correction can lead to fatigue, headaches and an increased safety risk in the workplace. Make sure your prescription goggles are fully tailored to your specific needs, including correction for astigmatism.

Are you looking for prescription safety glasses with cylinder correction for multiple employees? Then ask a business account on for your company. Do you only need one pair of glasses? Then visit one of the Hans Anders stores, where you will be helped immediately.