Lens Designs
Single Vision – These lenses correct for one field of vision, either near vision or distance.
Multifocals
- Progressive (No-Line) – These lenses correct for distance, intermediate and near vision all in one lens. There is no visible line, so they have the appearance of a single vision lens, which makes these lenses the most cosmetically as well as the most versatile lenses.
- Bifocals – These lenses provide for both distance and near vision with a visible line separating the top (distance) and the bottom (near).
- Trifocals – These lenses are similar to progressive lenses in that they correct for distance, intermediate and near vision. There are two distinct lines separating the three fields.
- Digital Lenses – These lenses are custom surfaced according to both the prescription and the measurements of the frame. They come in both single vision designs and progressive designs. They give the wearer clearer vision in all fields due to the more precise surfacing of the lens.
Lens Materials
- Plastic – plastic lenses are lighter than glass lenses and can be tinted to almost any color. They are also available with a scratch resistant coating.
- Polycarbonate – These lenses are lightweight and yet are the most impact resistant lenses available. We recommend polycarbonate for children, teens, active adults and sport and safely glasses.
- Hi Index – These lenses create a thinner profile for strong prescriptions. They are lighter in weight than standard glass or plastic lenses.
- Trivex – Similar to polycarbonate lenses they are impact resistant. Although they are not quite as thin as polycarbonate, they give superior optics for clearer vision.
- Glass – Glass offers superior optics and the best scratch resistance. However, glass lenses are heavier and must be treated for impact resistance. We do not recommend glass lenses for children, teens or safety and sport glasses.
Lens Options
- Photochromic lenses – These lenses darken and lighten according to ultraviolet exposure. When worn outdoors, they darken as much as the sun is bright. The lenses fade to clear when inside or in the dark. Photochromic lenses are available in most materials and lens designs.
- Scratch Resistance – This is a recommended coating to protect from everyday wear and tear on lenses. Some material, such as polycarbonate, hi index and progressive lenses include this coating.
- Anti-Reflection – We recommend anti-reflectant lenses for most eyeglass wearers. This coating helps to reduce eye strain, particularly when viewing computer screens and while driving at night. They enhance vision by removing distracting reflections and enhance your appearance by having your eyes clearly visible behind your lens.
- Polarized – This lens is the tops in eliminating sun glare. Polarized lenses ease eye stress and fatigue for virtually all eyeglass wearers. They come in several colors and materials. They even come in a photochromic version designed to change colors according to light conditions.