A 0.5 cyl (cylinder) prescription is a very mild prescription and is usually not enough to cause any noticeable change in vision. However, depending on the individual's specific eye condition, there are certain cases where 0.5 cyl may need glasses. If a person has astigmatism, for example, even a mild prescription can improve vision. Astigmatism is caused by an irregularly shaped cornea, which causes light to enter the eye in an uneven way and blur vision. Even with a 0.5 cyl prescription, glasses can help to reduce the blurriness and improve vision.
In addition, some people may experience presbyopia, a condition that affects the ability to focus on up-close objects, even with perfect vision. While a 0.5 cyl prescription may not be enough to correct vision, it can still help to reduce the strain on the eyes when trying to focus on close objects.
In conclusion, it is possible that someone with a 0.5 cyl prescription might need glasses. This decision should be made on an individual basis, depending on the person's specific eye condition and their individual needs.