Power / SPH / D / Spherical: refers to the strength of vision correction for contact lenses. Measured in diopters, it is scaled in 0.25 increments and is always preceded by a + (plus) or a – (minus). Minus means the prescription is a correction for nearsightedness (shown here) and a plus would mean a corrective prescription for farsightedness. The further away from zero, in either direction, the more correction you need. It is very common to need different corrective powers for each eye.
BC: is the measurement of the "back curvature" of a contact lens and is measured in millimeters. The lower the number, the steeper the curve.
DIA: is the diameter of the contact lens, measured in millimeters.
OD: is the abbreviation for "oculous dexter" which means "right eye."
OS: is the abbreviation for "oculous sinister" which means "left eye."
Plano lenses have no vision correction at all and are meant for those who do not require vision correction. Plano color contact lenses can be worn for cosmetic purposes in conjunction with prescription eyeglasses. If you want non-corrective color contacts, please select the Plano (0.00) option when purchasing your lenses.
The FDA now considers all contact lenses medical devices; this includes Plano (0.00) lenses and can only be sold with the involvement of an Eye Care Professional. Due to new Federal law it is required that you, the customer, see an eye care professional and obtain a valid prescription before purchasing any corrective or Plano contact lenses.
Article ID: 8, Created On: 8/1/2011, Modified: 2/8/2013