Single Vision Lenses

Single vision lenses are intended for one specific distance. This may be glasses for distance, for reading and near work, or for computer distance only. Single vision lenses come in a variety of materials and can be utilized in sunwear, safety or sports glasses.

Bifocal Lenses

For many people, different lenses are needed for seeing at different distances. Bifocal lenses allow the wearer to look through two areas of the lens. One area focuses on distant objects. The other is used for reading.

Most of the time the “reading” area is smaller, shaped like a sideways “D”, and found in the lower hemisphere of the lens. These bifocals are called line bifocals or flat-tops. If you are focusing on distant objects, you look through the top half of the lenses. To read a book, magazine, or newspaper, you look through the “reading” area. The advantage of a bifocal is that there is no confusion about what part of the lens you are using, the top or the bottom, however, the disadvantage is that these can be set for only two distances, distance and near for example, which leaves the individual without intermediate correction, for the computer and dashboard. Another difficulty with bifocals is dealing with the line between the two vision areas as there is a magnification “jump” when the eyes travel from the distance portion of the lens to the near portion of the lens. Fortunately, the newer progressive addition lens, also known as no-line bifocal, eliminates the disadvantages, offering correction for distance, intermediate and near all in the same lens.

Trifocal Lenses

Bifocals allow the wearer to read through one area of the lens, and to focus on distant objects through another area of the lens. As the eyes age, though, a stronger prescription is often needed to read. This would be fine, but the stronger prescription that allows for reading makes it difficult to focus on objects at intermediate distances, such as grocery items on a shelf or your speedometer. Thus, trifocals are necessary for a third prescription for intermediate focusing.

Trifocals, also known as line trifocals, feature three areas of focusing power, each separated from the other by a distinct line. The three windows allow for focusing on distant objects, intermediately distanced objects, and for reading. The downside of trifocals is dealing with the lines between the different focusing powers. Fortunately, recent advances in technology have led to developments in no-line, or progressive lenses.

Progressive Lenses

As discussed above, it is a disadvantage of the bifocal to have only two powers and of the trifocal to have such small and severe power zones. It is difficult to switch from one focusing power to another. It can make your eyes tired, and it can even lead to a headache, sore neck and sore back.

The more technologically advanced lens option is the progressive lens, or no-line bifocal. Progressive lenses provide a smooth transition from focusing on distance objects to focusing on intermediate and near objects because they do not have a distinct line separating the focusing powers. Instead, a gradual change in power allows the wearer to focus on objects at all distances. Distant objects are viewed through the upper portion of the lens, while near and intermediate objects are viewed through the middle or lower portion of the lens. These are also great for computer users and patients generally adapt quickly to the new lenses.

Anti-Reflective Coating

Normal eyewear creates glare, reflections, and “ghost images.” Now all that can be greatly reduced with an anti-reflective coating.

What you see is a result of light being sensed by your eyes. With normal glasses, much of the light is reflected off the lenses, producing glare and reduced vision.

Anti-reflective coatings increase light transmission through the lenses to 99.5 percent. They make it easier to see and easier for others to see you. These coatings are especially useful for those viewing computer screens and driving at night. Anti-reflective (AR) coating makes improves your vision and makes your glasses more attractive as well. AR is for everyone!

Cosmetic and Specialty Tints

Eyeglasses can be a stylish accessory, a part of your personality, or a way for you to be unique. There are a variety of frames to choose from, and there are also many ways to improve the appearance of the lenses. Cosmetic tints are available in a variety of colors and shades.. There are many ways to adjust your lenses to whatever style suits your personality.

Tinted lenses are also functional. Increase contract in macular degeneration with a yellow tint; night driving can be improved with and amber tint; follow and find your golf ball better with a golf tint; make your sunglasses super-cool with a mirror coating. There are many options to choose from and our well-trained staff will guide you to the best options for you.

Lens Materials

There are several choices in lens materials as well. Regular plastic lenses may be too thick or heavy in a higher prescription. Let our dedicated team direct you toward the best materials for your eye wear.

Polycarbonate
Polycarbonate lens materials are is very strong, thinner, and lighter than regular plastic. Polycarbonate is shatter resistant which makes it the recommended choice for all of our kid’s glasses. Additionally, polycarbonate is has scratch resistance already added and is UV resistant as well.

Trivex

Trivex lenses are similar in thickness and have similar shatter resistance, scratch resistance and UV properties of polycarbonate, but have better “optics” which means that light travels through the trivex lens with less distortion than through a polycarbonate lens.

High-Index
High index lenses, may be described as “1.60, 1.66, 1.67 or 1.71” these numbers indicate the degree of density of the material. The higher the number, the thinner and lighter the lens. Talk with your doctor and frame and lens specialist to decide which high index lens is right for you.

Photochromics

Photochromic lenses darken when exposed to UV rays. The change is caused by photochromic molecules that are found throughout the lens or in a coating on the front of the lens. When the wearer goes outside, the lenses darken or tint. When the wearer goes back inside, the glasses become clear. These are called Transitions lenses or previously called Photogrey in older, glass lenses.

Transition lenses work well for in direct sunlight, but not as well in the car as the windshield blocks a significant amount of the UV light needed for the lenses to change. Transition lenses work well for indivduals that spend time outdoors or want the convenience of sunwear without having to have two pairs of glasses on hand.

Polarized Lenses

Glare from wet roads, water or snow, light reflecting off other vehicles, and glare from your own windshield can be annoying and dangerous. Polarized lenses eliminate almost glare, reducing eye strain and increasing visibility.

Most glare comes from horizontal surfaces, so the light is “horizontally polarized.” Polarized lenses feature vertically-oriented “polarizers.” These polarizers block the horizontally-polarized light. The result is a glare-reduced view of the world. Polarized lenses can make a great difference for any outdoor enthusiast. Fisherman can eliminate the bright reflections from the water and actually see into the water more easily than with other sunglasses, golfers can see the green easier, and joggers and bikers can enjoy reduced glare from the road. In addition, drivers can enjoy the safety and comfort that polarized lenses provide while driving.

Scratch Resistant Coating

Plastic lenses (CR-39), are susceptible to scratches and you should consider adding a scratch resistant coating to your plastic lenses. Scratches damage the cosmetic look of the lenses and compromise their performance. With a scratch resistant coating, you do not have to worry as much about minor scratches on your lenses.

Another advantage of scratch resistant coatings is that most coatings come with a one-year warranty. They are a great investment to prevent minor scratches. However, it is important to remember that scratch resistant does not mean scratch-proof. All lenses are susceptible to scratches and you should utilize proper cleaning and care of your lenses, even when they have a scratch-resistence coating.

Specialty Lenses

There are many, many other specialty lenses that are of benefit to individuals with specific eye care needs. Lenses with computer lenses, prism lenses, high-power plus lenses for low vision, sport-specific lenses are just a few of the options available to you. Your doctor will recommend specific specialty lenses as needed to enhance your vision, your performance, and your life.