PL on Eye Prescription? Here’s What It Really Means
Have you ever seen the letters PL on your eye prescription and wondered what they mean? No secret code, some optical enigma. PL is only a shortened version of the word Plano, meaning that a section of your lens has no corrective ability. Put in simple terms, there is nothing wrong with your vision there.
I am now writing this guide to let you know what PL means and why you can see it on your prescription. You may consider it nothing to worry about, but these two letters can tell much about the health of your eyes. It is not all the technical stuff you should make use of.
In this blog, I am going to tell you what PL refers to, how it compares to 0.00, when PL shows up, and whether you can call off glasses. All is brought into a plain, simple, useful analysis just as you want it done.
What Is an Eye Prescription?
An eye prescription is the graded entry of the dispensing doctors or opticians that instructs you precisely on the type of corrective glasses that you require to have good sight. It contains the precise details of the amount and nature of correction your eyes ought to have, be it that you are nearsighted, farsighted, astigmatic, or have difficulty in reading.
That scrap of paper has a very particular meaning of every number and symbol thereon, aiding in customizing the lenses to your specific needs.
Key Elements in an Eye Prescription
These are the common elements you will find:
- OD (Oculus Dexter): Right eye
- OS (Oculus Sinister): Left eye
- SPH (Sphere): The power of the lens that should be used to rectify nearsightedness or farsightedness
- CYL (Cylinder): The power of the lens required to get rid of astigmatism
- Axis: Orientation of the astigmatism correction
- ADD: Added reading magnification (bifocals/progressive)
What Does PL Mean?
The letters PL represent Plano, and no, it is not a brand and an abbreviation of something complex. By PL, it means that part of the lens has no prescription power.
In case your prescription has the indication of PL under SPH, this would mean that there is no need to correct your eyes in terms of nearsightedness or farsightedness. It is the optometry version of “all is well.”
Real-Life Example
An example is given below:
| Eye | SPH | CYL | Axis |
|---|---|---|---|
| OD | -1.75 | -0.50 | 180 |
| OS | PL | -0.75 | 170 |
This means:
- Your right eye (OD) requires a correction of nearsightedness and astigmatism.
- There is no nearsighted/farsighted problem in your left eye (OS), but you require astigmatism correction.
PL vs 0.00 Are They the Same?
Good question, and one that I hear a lot. The brief reply? Yes.
Indicators PL and 0.00 are synonymous: there is no need for spherical correction.
Why PL Is Used Instead of 0.00
Optometrists would use PL to maintain the format to be clean and professional format. It does not create confusion between 0.00 and 0.0, and visually can be distinctly seen when scanning a prescription.
- PL = Zero power
- 0.00 = Also zero power
- Neither does it, however, mean normal sight. It may also not solve all your problems, as there are other problems, such as astigmatism or reading close.
Read Also: How to Measure Pupillary Distance at Home for Glasses
Can You Still Wear Glasses with a PL Prescription?
Yes, as a matter of fact, and I want to make this very clear: PL does not imply that glasses are forbidden.
Lots of reasons why you may want to still have glasses even with a prescription of PL.
1. For Astigmatism
Even the SPH may be PL, but you may have cylinder power (CYL) in your prescription. That implies that your eye has problems focusing light properly in the cornea. Eye lenses will help get rid of it, and see clearly.
2. For Blue Light or Computer Use
Even when wearing a PL prescription, you may want to wear a blue light filtering lens if you have lots of screen time. Such lenses do not correct the eyes; they may, however, prevent eye strain and fatigue.
3. For Reading or Multifocal Needs
Even a PL prescription may contain an ADD value, particularly as you grow older. This simply implies that you may have to use reading glasses even though your far vision is healthy.
4. For Style or Eye Protection
Listen, come on now. Other times, you are just seeking to look nice or safeguard your eyes, and you can wear clear or tinted Plano lenses to make a fashion statement, block sunlight, or even dust.
Plano Lenses Are Common in Sunglasses
In the case of off-the-rack designer sunglasses, think Oakley, Ray-Ban, Prada, and Plano lenses.
What Are Plano Sunglass Lenses?
Plano lenses are:
- Non-prescription lenses
- Employed to prevent UV, glare, and fashion
- It is the best product to protect eyes without the need to have vision addressed
Why It Matters
When your optometrist prescribes you PL/PL, it means that you can have non-prescription sunglasses, and don’t forget about the UV protection.
When Should You See PL on a Prescription?
The most common scenarios of seeing PL in your prescription are typically a few. I will take you through when and why you may see it:
1. One Eye Needs No Correction
More frequently, PL is composed of one eye only. Perhaps your right eye wants assistance, but the left sits very well, so:
| Eye | SPH | CYL | Axis |
|---|---|---|---|
| OD | -2.00 | -0.50 | 160 |
| OS | PL | 0.00 | — |
There is nothing wrong with this at all.
2. Post-Surgery or Laser Correction
Your updated prescription may contain PL values, especially in case you had LASIK or cataract surgery, in which case your vision is now stable and sharp without spherical correction.
3. You’re Using Glasses Only for Astigmatism
Once more, PL could be combined with a CYL value. This indicates that you have no overall vision correction required, but instead, you require assistance with your blurred or distorted vision due to astigmatism.
FAQs
What is PL in the eye?
The abbreviation PL means Plano; that is, your eye does not require nearsightedness or farsighted correction.
What does PL stand for in a prescription?
In the prescription, PL designates that no lens power is required in that area of the eye, not in need of vision correction.
What is PL vision?
PL vision is eyesight without the need for spherical correction, but there might be other problems associated with it, such as astigmatism.
What does PL on lenses mean?
Lenses with PL refer to the lens being essentially flat or no prescription, and are typically worn to be fashionable or for sun protection.
Read Also: CYL in Eye Prescription: Does It Mean You Have Astigmatism?
Final Words
The fact that you have “PL” on your eye prescription only indicates that you do not require vision correction in some part of your eyes. It is nothing; it is a suggestion that your eye is perfectly all right in that spot. That does not mean that your eyes do not need care and protection. Other problems, such as astigmatism or being subjected to UV rays, also count, even with PL.
This is a blog I wrote so that you know all the aspects of your prescription. The better informed you are, the better you can take care of your sight.
