Selecting Lenses

Selecting Lenses

We offer a variety of lens designs. The prescription determines whether a lens is single-vision or progressive. The design technology determines the level of optical performance.

Lens Designs

Single Vision Lenses
Single vision lenses function as all-purpose glasses for people who have normal accommodation. People who normally wear bifocals or trifocals can use single vision for distance or near lenses. Single vision lenses can also function as occupational glasses for certain types of work. Single vision lenses are available in all lens materials.

Flat Top Bifocals
This is an older style bifocal form and has limited compatibility with many of today’s lens upgrades. The bifocal portion is made in a variety of widths to help with various close-up occupations. Flat top bifocals are made in every type of lens material.

Trifocals
Trifocals come in a variety of designs. Flat-top trifocals are the most widely used form. The added segment provides clear vision at arm’s length distance, the area that is usually bluffed for bifocal wearers. Trifocals are available in all lens materials.

Progressives (no line bifocals)
These lenses provide all the benefits of bifocals but add the feature of continuous clear vision at all distances, including mid-range distance (arm’s length). Progressives have the cosmetic advantage of appearing to be single vision lenses so they never reveal the user wears bifocals. Progressives are available in all lens materials and also made in aspheric form. Because of their many benefits, they are the lenses of choice for bifocal and trifocal wearers.

Computer Glasses
There are a variety of options for those who use computers. These include special filters and anti-reflection coatings.

Lens Materials

We offer lenses in a variety of materials. The material is the foundation of a lens. Thickness, weight, and impact resistance are all variables to consider.

Hard Resin (plastic)
Conventional hard resin lenses are half the weight of glass lenses and can be tinted to almost any color and density. Hard resin lenses are more easily scratched than glass but can have an optional scratch protection applied. More impact resistant than glass, hard resin lenses do not require heat treating.

Lighter, Thinner Lenses
Modern technology has created lenses that bend light differently so that stronger corrections are thinner than when made in conventional materials. Such lenses are called “high index” and stronger corrections are more attractive because they are slimmer. Glass lenses are also available with the slimming advantages of High index but are considerably heavier. High index plastic uses less material so they are often lighter in weight. High index lenses absorb all harmful UV light and can be tinted to any shade or color.

Polycarbonate
Polycarbonate lenses are the most impact resistant lenses available and are always the lens of choice for young people and active patients. Polycarbonate lenses are high index and are usually the lightest, most comfortable lenses. They absorb all harmful UV light and can be made with ultra thin edges because of their unique strength.

Glass
For years glass was the only lens material available and glass still offers superior optics. The most scratch-resistant material, the primary disadvantage of glass is its weight, generally twice that of hard resin. Glass lenses are heat or chemically treated to increase impact resistance.

Lens Treatments

We offer a variety of lens treatments. The treatment protects both the lens and the eyes, and can be customized to accommodate the wearer’s way of life.

Polarized Sun Lenses
These are the exciting sunglasses that eliminate reflected glare. They are especially appropriate for drivers, fisherman, hunters and all types of outdoors activities.

Anti/Reflection Coatings
Special anti-reflective coatings are now available for spectacle lenses, much like those used for fine camera lenses. These coatings are particularly effective for reducing eye fatigue for computer operators and anyone driving at night. And, of course, AR lenses enhance appearance by removing all distracting reflections.

Lenses That Darken in the Sun
These are lenses that darken as you go from indoors to outdoors. They are available in both glass and lightweight hard resin. They darken to a moderate shade of gray. Ask for a demonstration of photosensitive lenses.

Scratch Protection Coating
Lightweight hard resin lenses can be more easily scratched than glass lenses. Special coatings have been developed to help protect lenses from normal scratching. The modest additional cost for such scratch coating is usually a prudent investment.

UV Protection
It is generally accepted that the ultraviolet rays in sunlight pose potential harm to the eyes. Special treatment is available for hard resin lenses that completely blocks hazardous UV light. Lenses like polycarbonate and high index include built-in UV protection at no extra cost.