Eye prescriptions contain a series of letters and numbers that act as a shorthand code detailing the specific lenses required to correct vision. One common marking is DVO, which is a concise instruction to the lens laboratory about the intended function of new glasses. Understanding this term helps clarify exactly what the lenses are designed to do for eyesight.
Decoding the DVO Abbreviation
DVO stands for Distance Vision Only. This designation communicates that the calculated lens power is intended solely for improving the clarity of objects far away. This correction is typically needed for conditions like myopia (nearsightedness) or astigmatism, which primarily affect the ability to see distant targets clearly.
The DVO marking usually appears on the prescription form in a field labeled ‘Lens Type’ or ‘Type’. It may also be noted next to the Sphere (SPH) or Cylinder (CYL) power values, which measure refractive error. The presence of DVO signals that the lens will have a single, uniform power across its entire surface.
Purpose of Distance Vision Only Correction
A DVO prescription results in a single-vision lens, meaning it has only one focal power. This design contrasts with multifocal lenses, which incorporate different powers for distance, intermediate, and near viewing. The entire lens is manufactured with the power needed to optimize vision for remote viewing, such as driving or watching television.
This type of lens is frequently prescribed for individuals under the age of 40 to 45 who have not yet experienced presbyopia. Their eyes still possess adequate accommodation, the natural ability of the internal lens to change shape, allowing them to focus clearly on near objects without additional optical aid. The power calculation is fully dedicated to bringing distant images into sharp focus on the retina.
DVO and the Absence of Reading Power
The defining characteristic of a DVO prescription is the omission of an “ADD” power, which stands for Addition. The ADD power represents the extra magnifying power needed for close-up tasks, such as reading a book or a phone screen. It is required for presbyopia, the age-related loss of focusing ability that generally begins after age 40.
A prescription marked DVO confirms that the patient does not need this additional correction. Prescriptions that include an ADD power are used to produce multifocal lenses, such as bifocals, trifocals, or progressive lenses. These multifocal designs strategically place the ADD power in the lower portion of the lens, while a DVO lens remains a single, continuous optical surface correcting only for the distance.