Guide to Lenses
Lens Types
Single Vision:
Single Vision lenses are prescribed for someone that needs correction for either distance or near.
Bifocals/Trifocals:
Bifocal lenses are prescribed for someone that needs correction for both distance and near. Trifocals are prescribed for someone that needs distance, intermediate and near correction. When there is more than one field of vision that needs to be corrected, these types of lenses are called multi-focal lens.
Progressives:
The latest technology today is a multi-focal lens without lines. This lens provides the most natural vision, without any interruptions from lines as in traditional multi-focal lenses. The lens is more cosmetically pleasing because no one can tell you are wearing bifocals.
Computer Progressive Lenses:
This is a very unique lens design for the person that works on computers most of the day. The design is very similar to the regular progressive lenses except the intermediate and near has a much larger area for viewing the computer monitor and key board. This lens has minimal distance vision.
Treatments
Anti-Reflective Coatings (Non-Glare):
Ordinary lenses reflect some light away from your eyes, forcing them to work harder. This causes eyestrain and fatigue. With anti-reflective coating, you see clearer and you experience less eye fatigue. The lenses also have a superior scratch coating to reduce scratches.
UV Coating:
UV coating is a coating that is applied to your lenses to reduce the rick of cataracts and cancer of the skin around the eyes. UV works as a sun biocker for your lenses. There is no visible color to the lenses.
Transitions:
This is a remarkable technology that enables you to see clearly and more comfortably in virtually any light condition. These lenses are light weight lenses that automatically darken with the varying light conditions.
Tints:
Cosmetic tints for your eye glasses can reduce light that enters your eyes. These tints can have beneficial health benefits by reducing eye strain.
Polarized Sun Lenses:
These lenses help reduce glare with a special polarized film. They come in many colors and they block out 100% of the UV rays. They are great for outdoors sports such as fishing and boating. Polarized lenses are very beneficial for driving.
Lens Materials
Plastic:
Plastic is one of the most widely used lens materials. It is much lighter than glass and safer. Most plastic lenses come with scratch coating from the manufacturer.
Polycarbonate:
This lens is a revolutionary lens that delivers lightweight, impact and scratch-resistant thin lens for superior comfort and UV protection. This lens is the most impact resistant lens material on the market today. Patients that only have vision in one eye or children under the age of eighteen should be wearing this lens.
High Index:
High Index is the up and coming lens material of choice. The lens is thinner and lighter and produces a more attractive lens for patients with high prescriptions.
Glass:
Glass is the original lens material that was used to make eye glass lenses. All lens prescriptions are available today in plastic, polycarbonate or high index to accommodate all patients. Glass is the least impact resistant lens material on the market.
Frames
Plastic:
Acetate plastic frame material is used quite commonly today. There are unique laminating processes available to make the frames very colorful. The frames saddle your bridge to make a very comfortable pair of glasses.
Titanium:
Titanium is a silver-gray metal that's lightweight, durable, strong and corrosion resistant. Titanium has been used for everything from the space capsules to medical implants such as heart values. Titanium can be produced in a variety of colors.
Stainless Steel:
Stainless steel is an alternative to titanium. Many frames are nickel-free and thus hypoallergenic. Most stainless steel frames contain an alloy of chromium which is an excellent resistance to corrosion, abrasion and heat.
Safety:
Safety frames can be made of any of the materials above. They must meet OSHA standards for both the frames and the lenses.
Sports:
Active patients need more protective eyewear. The frames are made from high impact resistant plastic material that meets FDA standards for safety. The lenses are made from polycarbonate materials as well.
