How to Get Your Intermediate / Computer Prescription

An intermediate prescription is designed for mid-range distances, typically about 50–80 cm (20–32 inches) — the distance from your eyes to a computer screen.
Unlike single-vision distance glasses or reading glasses, intermediate lenses are optimized specifically for screen use.

These prescriptions are commonly used for:

In most cases, no.
A standard distance or reading prescription does not always provide the correct focus for computer use. While progressive lenses include an intermediate zone, dedicated computer glasses require a specific intermediate prescription for best clarity and comfort.

You have a few options:

When booking your eye exam, let your optometrist know that you want computer or intermediate glasses. They can:

Some prescriptions already include an ADD value (used for reading or progressives). In certain cases, an intermediate prescription can be calculated from this, but it’s best to confirm with your eye care professional for accuracy.

The doctor may sometimes provide an ADD power that is intended for progressive lenses, and if that’s the case, you can calculate your intermediate/computer SPH power by adding half of the ADD to your regular sphere power.

Example:

If your distance sphere is +1.00 and your progressive ADD is +2.00, then:

+1.00 (Sphere) + +1.00 (Half of ADD) = +2.00 intermediate sphere power

When the ADD cannot be divided evenly

If your ADD is something like +2.25, it cannot be split exactly in half.

Half of +2.25 would technically be +1.125, which cannot be used when ordering glasses online.

In this case, you would round to the nearest +0.50 increment.

So instead of +1.12, you would use +1.50 as the intermediate ADD.

When the doctor provides an Intermediate/Computer ADD directly

Sometimes doctors write a separate Intermediate ADD on the prescription.

If that is included, you should use it directly—no calculation or halving needed.

The doctor might also provide your prescription with the intermediate prescription and they would name it as an Computer/Intermediate prescription at the top of the page.

The doctor might also provide your prescription with a dedicated intermediate value. In this case, it will usually be labeled as a Computer or Intermediate prescription at the top of the page. If this is provided, you can use that information directly when placing your order—no additional calculations needed.

If you’ve recently had an eye exam, you can contact your optometrist’s office and ask if they can provide or calculate your intermediate/computer prescription based on your existing records.

When ordering intermediate/computer glasses, make sure you have:

If you’re unsure whether your prescription is suitable for computer glasses or need help entering your details, our customer care team is always happy to assist.