What Does Plano Mean on Glasses Prescription?
When you receive your eyeglasses prescription, you may see terms like "plano," "PL," or "0.00" in the Special Vision Power (SPH) box. This reference is speaking to the power of the lens to correct for myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism. In the context of plano glasses, " plano , PL, or 0.00" means that the lens does not have a corrective power, meaning it does not aid in correcting your vision for distance, intermediate, or near vision.
Understanding Your Prescription
When you see numbers and letters like " 1.00" or " -0.50" in the SPH box, these numbers represent the power of the corrected lens. If you notice "plano" or any variation of this term in your prescription, it indicates that your vision is already well corrected and does not require a corrective lens to see clearly at any distance.
However, if you have astigmatism, you might hear mention of " cylinders" or "axis" in your prescription, which are additional pieces of information needed to properly orient the cylinder power within your lenses. The "axis" number tells your optometrist the rotational position where the cylinder power should be applied within your eyeglasses.
In some cases, your optometrist may use the term "plano-convex" or "plano-concave" lenses, which refer to the shape of the lenses. A planoconvex lens is flat on both sides and does not refract light, while a planoconcave lens has a convex (round) surface on one side and a concave (flat) surface on the other, which focuses light.
Using Non-Prescription Lenses
Non-prescription or "demo" lenses are similar to plano lenses in that they provide no corrective power and are designed to fit into spectacle frames. However, demo lenses are typically used for demonstration purposes and are softer and lighter than regular plano lenses. They often have printed brand names or other design elements and are intended to give customers an idea of what the corrective lenses might look like on their eyes.
While both types of lenses provide protection and add visual interest to眼镜 frameworks, plano lenses, which do not require a prescription, are generally more versatile and can be worn for a variety of purposes, including:
- Fashion statement
- Eye protection from dust or debris
- UV protection
- Safety eyewear for certain industries or activities
- Anti-reflective or blue light-blocking coatings
It's important to note that while plano lenses can be a great choice for these purposes, they should always be paired with a prescription eyeglasses frame that provides the proper power and fit for your specific vision needs. If you have questions about your prescription or are considering getting eyeglasses, it's a good idea to consult with a qualified optometrist to ensure you receive the best care and advice for your visual requirements.
