Polarized Lenses

See Lens, Polarized.

Polished Edge

A cosmetic service to make the sides of a cut lens look clear rather than a milky white. This service can be used on any minus lens and on most plus lenses. It is not beneficial to polish the edges of a lens when:

  • An Anti-Reflective Coating has been applied, because polished edges may let light in through the sides, which causes glare negating this feature.
  • Lenses are thin, in which case the polished sides can affect the structure of the lens.

Polaroid

Two lenses that are laminated to remove glare. Polaroid lenses are especially useful for boaters and pilots.

Photosensitive Lenses

Lenses that darken when exposed to the sun’s ultraviolet rays.

Plano

Eyeglasses to which no prescription has been applied.

Pinnacle Lens

The trade name of a private-label series of ophthalmic lenses available only at Davis Vision point-of-service locations. The lens is an aspheric design in polycarbonate material with anti-reflective coating and improved scratch resistance.

Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK)

Refractive surgery to eliminate myopia by flattening the central portion of the cornea with a laser.

Photogrey

Glass lenses that turn grey when exposed to the sun.

Plastic Photochromic Lenses

See Lens, Plastic photochromic.

Photobrown

Lenses that turn brown when exposed to the sun.

Peripheral Vision

Side vision. That which an eye can see to the side while looking straight ahead.

Patient

An alternative term used to refer to the plan member or end user.

Oversize

A larger-than-standard lens required to fabricate eyeglasses.

Optometrist

A doctor of optometry, who provides all ophthalmic services except surgery. In most states, they are licensed to treat ocular diseases. Title is O.D.

Optician

A fabricator and dispenser of eyeglasses. Some opticians also fit contact lenses. An optician is skilled in the application of the science of optics, including optical lens and/or instrument designing or manufacturing.

Optical Center

A point on the lens axis midway between the nodal points.

Optical Axis

The line connecting the centers of curvature of a lens or system of lenses. The cardinal points lie on this line or its extensions. This is also referred to as the anterior-posterior axis of the eye.

Optic Nerve

The nerve that carries impulses from the eye to the brain.

Optic

Pertaining to light or the sense of sight.

Ophthalmoscopy

A test for internal health of the eye.

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