The Jackson cross cylinder (JCC) is an instrument used by ophthalmologists, orthoptists and optometrists in their routine eye examination, particularly in determination of corrective lens power in patients with astigmatism.

The Jackson cross cylinder is used to determine corrective lens power and its axis in patients with astigmatism.

[2] The uniocular and binocular cross cylinder findings at 40 cm give information about near point of accommodation and near addition needed to correct presbyopia.

[5] In 1837, English mathematician and astronomer George Biddell Airy invented the cylindrical lens and used it to correct astigmatism.

[6] This lens consisted of two cylindrical lenses, one plano-convex and one plano-concave, which be rotated in opposite directions.