If you've recently had an eye exam and saw -1.50 written on your prescription, you might be wondering: How bad is that? Is it considered mild, moderate, or severe? And more importantly — do you need glasses all the time? Let’s break it down in simple terms.

What Does -1.50 Mean?

A prescription with a minus sign (–) indicates myopia, also known as nearsightedness. This means you can see objects up close clearly, but distant objects appear blurry. The number that follows shows the strength of correction you need — the higher the number, the stronger your nearsightedness.

In the case of -1.50, this is considered mild to moderate myopia.

Is -1.50 Considered Bad?

Good news — a -1.50 prescription is not considered severe. Here's a general guide to help you understand where it falls:

With a -1.50 prescription, you likely experience some blur when looking at distant objects like street signs, whiteboards, or TV screens. But for close-up tasks like reading, using your phone, or working on a computer, your vision is generally fine.

Do You Need Glasses for -1.50?

Most people with -1.50 myopia benefit from wearing glasses or contact lenses for distance vision. You might not need to wear them all the time, but they can help with:

✅ Driving (especially at night)
✅ Watching movies or TV
✅ Seeing presentations in class or meetings
✅ Recognizing faces from afar

If your job or lifestyle involves a lot of distance vision tasks, your eye doctor will likely recommend wearing correction regularly.

Can -1.50 Get Worse Over Time?

Myopia can progress, especially during childhood, teenage years, or early adulthood. That’s why regular eye exams are important. Good vision habits — like limiting excessive screen time and taking breaks — may help slow down progression.

Is -1.50 the Same for Everyone?

Keep in mind, every person’s experience with -1.50 can vary. Some factors that affect how noticeable it feels include:

• Age — Younger eyes often adapt better

• Pupil Size — Larger pupils can make blur more noticeable

• Lifestyle — If you mostly do close-up work, you may not notice it as much

Final Thoughts

A -1.50 eye prescription is considered mild to moderate, and while it's not severe, it still impacts your distance vision. Luckily, it’s easily corrected with glasses or contact lenses, and many people with this prescription live comfortably with proper eyewear.

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