Eyeglass Lenses
Posted by: Invision Optometry in Category Lenses
For anyone who wears prescription glasses, choosing the right eyeglass lenses is more important than you might think. In fact, it is probably the most important part of the eyewear buying process. Unfortunately, a common mistake people make when choosing their frames is not spending time to consider the choices of lens materials and treatments offered. Both of which have an impact on how happy you will be with your eyeglasses. So, whether you are an athlete, CEO, or student, buying a pair of glasses is not just about choosing the right frames, it’s also about optimizing your vision. For this reason, it’s important for you to understand your options. With this in mind, we offer some insight into the types of eyeglass lenses, materials, and treatments available.
Buying A New Pair of Eyeglasses
Eyeglasses are very personal and unique items that should be tailored to your vision needs and lifestyle. But there are many factors that influence how well you can actually see. The eyeglass lenses you choose influence four factors: comfort, appearance, vision, and safety. Whether you need single vision lenses to correct astigmatism, myopia, hyperopia, or you need progressive lenses, bifocals or other multifocal lenses to correct presbyopia make sure to consider the following points when making your selection:
- The Intended use for your new glasses
- The Conditions which you will be wearing your glasses, during work and after work
- The Lens Coatings materials and enhancements
Types of Eyeglass Lenses
Whether you need to see near, far, or at your computer, there are eyeglass lenses to help you see with clarity and comfort. From multiple distances to task-specific, based on your lifestyle, personal preference, prescription, and job duties there are various eyeglass lens options to suit your needs:
Single Vision Lenses made for one consistent focal power to correct a single vision condition- Bifocal Lenses made for two consistent focal powers to correct near and far vision (has a visible line)
- Multifocal Lenses made for three consistent focal powers to correct near, far, and mid-range vision (has a visible lines)
- Progressive Lenses correct more than one vision condition, with the focal power progressing from top to bottom (without a visible line separating them)
Single Vision Lenses made for one consistent focal power to correct a single vision condition
Bifocal Lenses made for two consistent focal powers to correct near and far vision (has a visible line)
Multifocal Lenses made for three consistent focal powers to correct near, far, and mid-range vision (has a visible lines)
Progressive Lenses correct more than one vision condition, with the focal power progressing from top to bottom (without a visible line separating them)Computer Lenses
Designed to wear when doing computer work, allowing you to focus your eyes on a computer screen and contain one or more of the following:
- Slight Magnification
- Anti-Reflective Treatment
- Blue Light Filter
Types of Eyeglass Lens Materials
Materials matter, in fact they matter so much that by not choosing the right one you could be impacting you vision. Your personal lens material selection will depend on your level of activity, vision needs, and comfort. Eyeglass lenses can be made out of the following materials:
- Plasticone of the most commonly prescribed due to their low cost and provide comfort, durability, and impact resistance (good for mild or minimal prescriptions)
- Polycarbonate thinner and lighter than plastic, polycarbonate (impact-resistant) lenses are shatter-proof and provide 100% UV protection (good for kids and active adults)
- High-Index vision can be corrected with less material, making the lens much thinner, lighter, and more comfortable for long-term wear (designed for people with stronger prescriptions)
- Trivexthin, lightweight, impact-resistant, 100% UV protection, this material offers sharper central and peripheral vision than polycarbonate lenses (but not widely available in many lens types)
Types of Eyeglass Treatments (Enhancements)
Eyeglass treatments are functional enhancements that are incorporated into the lens. Lens treatments can improve your vision, protect your eyes, enhance performance, and increase your comfort. In addition to your lens type and material, you can add the following treatments to your lens:
- Scratch-Resistant Treatment can prevent scratches extending the life of your lenses
- Anti-Reflective Treatment blocks reflected light, which means less squinting while driving or working at a computer
- Photochromic is clear indoors but darkens when exposed to sunlight and lightens when sun exposure is reduced
- Polarized Treatment reduces glare while driving, and improves contrast and visual clarity
- UV Protection treatment adds another layer of protection and completely shields eyes from UV rays
- Tints or Filters enhance your eyewear’s effectiveness in different lighting conditions
Eyeglass Options Available at Invision Optometry
When it comes to finding the perfect eyeglasses or prescription sunglasses, choosing the frame is only half of the equation. Finding the perfect pair of eyeglass lenses to match your style and lifestyle is the other half of the equation. Our showroom proudly features extraordinary and distinctive designs from the world’s best designers and an excellent selection of lens and sunglass lens options. Our team of ABO-certified eyewear professionals will provide you with lens options that best meet your visual needs and lifestyle. Contact us today at (619) 222-2020 to learn more about our selection of lens and sunglass lens options.
