What Does OD and OS Mean in Your Contact Lens Prescription?
If you’re new to the world of contact lenses, you’ve probably noticed that your prescription includes a lot of abbreviations and numbers that can be a bit confusing. But fear not, we’re here to help you decipher one of the most common abbreviations you’ll come across in your contact lens prescription: OD and OS.
OD, OS, and OU: What Do They Mean?
Let’s start with the basics. OD stands for “oculus dexter,” which is Latin for “right eye,” and OS stands for “oculus sinister,” which is Latin for “left eye.” Your prescription may also include OU, which stands for “oculus uterque,” or “both eyes.”
So, when you see OD or OS in your contact lens prescription, it simply means which contact lens is meant for which eye.
Why Are OD and OS Used in a Contact Lens Prescription?
Now, you may be wondering, why do we use Latin in contact lens prescriptions? Is it to make it sound fancier?
Well, the answer is actually quite simple. Latin has been used in medicine for centuries, and it is still used today as a universal language that doctors and other medical professionals can understand, no matter where they come from or what language they speak. This helps to eliminate any confusion or misunderstandings that could arise from using different languages or dialects.
What Happens If You Mix Up OD and OS?
Now, let’s say you accidentally mix up your OD and OS contacts. What would happen?
Well, you might be able to get away with it for a little while, but eventually, your eyes will start to notice the difference. One contact lens will fit differently than the other, and your vision may be slightly off. So, it’s always best to make sure you’re putting the correct contact in the correct eye.
In Conclusion
So, there you have it! OD and OS simply refer to which contact lens is meant for which eye, and they are used in contact lens prescriptions to convey this information in a universal language that can be understood by medical professionals all over the world.
So, go forth with your newfound knowledge, and may your contact lens wearing days be filled with clear vision and perfectly placed lenses!