Understanding Plano Lenses: When Do You Need Them and Why?
Apr 09 2025
Have you recently got a prescription only to see the word Plano written and wondered what it means? Plano means there is no corrective power needed in your prescription, they are essentially plain lenses in your glasses or contact lenses. Below, in our guide, we will explain what Plano might mean in different eye prescriptions, why they are used, who might need them, and where to shop for the best ones.
What Does Plano Mean on an Eye Prescription?
Plano also written as PL on your prescription means that there is no refractive correction needed for a particular eye or both eyes. It is written as 0.00 on your prescription, meaning zero prescription power.Plano In Sphere (SPH)
If your prescription says PL under the sphere section, it means you don’t need correction for near or far vision. If PL is written under cylinder, it means no astigmatism correction is needed.Plano In One Eye
It is possible one of your eyes might have Plano while the other eye needs a prescription.This means only one of your eyes is far or short-sighted and needs correction with glasses or contact lenses. For example, your right eye prescription might be written as 0.00 while your left eye has -1.00 meaning your right eye has perfect vision and left needs correction.Plano For Reading Glasses
People who have age-related presbyopia might see Plano in their distance vision prescription since they don’t need corrective lenses to see far away. They do need help with reading, therefore will see an ADD value that means additional magnification to assist with reading.Why Are Plano Lenses Used?
Plano lenses are used for a variety of different reasons, some for fashion and others for eye protection.
Eye Protection
Plano lenses are used in sunglasses, blue light glasses, and safety glasses to help protect eyes from harmful UV rays with UV protection or blue light exposure with special blue light blocking technology.They can also be used in everyday glasses to prevent physical damage to the eye from dust or wind.
Cosmetic Purposes
They can be used for fashion or to achieve a more professional look in the office for example. They could also be used to complete an outfit or even as colored lenses to change the look of your eyes.If you are already wearing prescription contact lenses they can provide comfort for contact lens wearers as they could be used to protect your eyes while wearing lenses or provide comfort when looking at screens if you use blue light-blocking glasses.
Safety & Occupational Use
Plano safety glasses provide essential eye protection for professionals in construction, manufacturing, and laboratory settings. They can protect against flying debris, chemicals, or light exposure.Who Should Consider Plano Lenses?
Most use Plano lenses in everyday situations without knowing, whether as sunglasses or for fashion.They would most benefit the following people - Anyone who spends long hours in front of digital screens and needs to reduce blue light exposure to help with eye strain or headaches.Outdoors adventurers who do activities for long periods and need UV protection. Choosing Plano lenses with UV protection can help with this. Anyone working in environments where you need safety glasses to shield your eyes. People who want to enhance their professional or stylish look without needing glasses that have a prescription correction. If you have undergone LASIK or other vision correction surgery but still need protection from glare or harmful UV rays.
How To Choose The Right Plano Glasses
There are so many non-prescription glasses to choose from for your needs, the most popular are -
· Blue Light Blocking Lenses - Helps prevent eye fatigue from prolonged screen exposure.
· UV Protection Lenses - Essential for outdoor activities to block harmful UV rays.
· Photochromic (Transition) Lenses - Adapt to changing light conditions, darkening in bright sunlight, and lightning indoors to help reduce eye strain and enhance vision.
· Anti-Reflective (AR) Coating - Reduces glare, enhancing clarity for reading, driving, and computer usage.
· Polarized Lenses - Reduces glare from reflective surfaces which can improve vision in bright environments.
We have over 1800 frame styles to choose from and a huge range of customization options for your Plano lenses at GlassesShop. You can find high-quality, stylish, and functional Plano glasses for all your needs.
Use our virtual try-on or home try-on services to test up to five different styles before making a purchase. All our glasses come with a 365-day guarantee and 30-day exchange.
