In the context of an eye prescription, the term signifies “zero” or “neutral” power. This indicates that no refractive correction is needed for that eye. For instance, if an individual’s prescription lists “plano” for the sphere (SPH) measurement of one eye, it means that eye does not require any corrective lens power to improve distance vision.
The significance of this designation lies in its clear communication of the eye’s refractive state. It confirms that the eye focuses light correctly onto the retina without the aid of lenses, indicating healthy visual acuity for that particular eye. Historically, the introduction of standardized prescription terms like this one helped ensure clarity and precision in optometry, facilitating effective communication between eye care professionals and patients regarding their visual needs.