Lenses and Lens Technology
With the explosion of new lens technology in the last few years we now have lenses that can help you see better than ever, but with so many new choices it can be confusing. Let us help you determine what works best for you.
Lens Design
Single Vision - this all-purpose lens is available in all materials, and can be used for either distance vision intermediate vision or near vision correction.
Progressives (No Line) - corrects distance vision, intermediate vision, and near vision all in one lens, while providing the most natural vision of any multi-focal lens. Progressives are available in all lens materials.
Bifocals - provide both distance and near vision correction in one lens.
Trifocals - corrects distance vision, intermediate vision, and near vision all in one lens but with visible lines.
Thinner, flatter lenses - are recommended when a prescription is strong. Flatter lenses enhance lens appearance by reducing edge or center thickness. They are lighter weight and can provide edge-to-edge visual clarity by utilizing an aspheric or atoric design.
Specialty lenses - are recommended when certain work-related and hobby or other recreational uses require task-specific viewing for the best visual protection and / or performance. Some examples would include computer glasses, safety glasses, or sports glasses.
Lens Materials
Plastic - plastic lenses are the standard, and can be tinted to almost any color and shade.
Thinner, lighter high index - available in several different indexes (different degrees of thinness) high index lenses create a thinner profile for those with strong prescriptions. These lenses are more comfortable as well as more attractive since high-index lenses are thinner and lighter in weight than standard plastic lenses.
Phoenix or Polycarbonate - dispensers recommend Phoenix or polycarbonate lenses for two good reasons: they are lightweight, yet are the most impact-resistant available. While both are very safe lenses Phoenix lenses offer superior clarity and lighter weight compared to polycarbonate.Your optician will likely suggest phoenix lenses for everyday wear for the lightest and safest lenses with superior vision.
Lens Treatments
Photochromic Lenses - photochromic lenses darken and lighten according to light exposure. If the wearer is in the sun, they get darker; if indoors, the lenses get clearer.
UV protection - the sun’s ultra-violet rays pose potential harm to your eyes. UV protection on lenses accomplishes the same thing as sunscreen lotion does for your skin - it shields your eyes from harmful ultra-violet rays. Plastic lenses require UV coating, while high index and phoenix lenses provide UV protection inherently in the lens material.
Scratch-resistance coatings - protect lenses from everyday wear-and-tear. Some materials, such as Phoenix, high-index lenses, and several new plastic lens designs include scratch protection.
Anti-reflection - let people see your eyes and not your glasses. An anti-reflective treatment not only makes you look better, it makes you see better, by removing distracting reflections, A-R lenses are great for computer use, and also improve night driving by reducing glare from headlights and street lights.
Sun Lenses
Polarized lenses - are the top pick for eliminating glare. Hunters, boaters and fisherman, golfers, and drivers all can benefit from polarized lens’ glare-cutting properties. They also offer 100% UV protection while increasing visual clarity and depth perception. For driving or outdoor activities, there are no better lenses than polarized.
Tinted lenses - the majority of lenses can be tinted from light to very dark. Tints for sun lenses are usually medium to dark shades, and can be solid throughout the whole lens, or gradient, darker on top fading to lighter, or clear at the bottom of the lens. Tints also come in a rainbow of color options.
Mirrored lenses - not only look cool, they are cool. Mirrored coatings provide a reflective surface that keeps the wearer's eyes protected form glare and heat. For the ultimate in sunglass performance, this coating is unbeatable.
