Lens Materials

Plastic: Conventional plastic lenses can be tinted to almost any color and density. Plastic lenses can be scratched but can have an optional scratch protection applied. On impact, they will splinter.

Polycarbonate: This is the most impact resistant lens material available and are always the lens of choice for young people and other 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.

High-index: Modern technology has created lenses that bend light differently so that stronger corrections are thinner and lighter weight than when made in conventional materials. Such lenses used for stronger corrections are more attractive because they are thinner. They absorb all harmful UV light and can be tinted to any shade or color. These are excellent for people who have high prescriptions.

Trivex: A material similar to polycarbonate but thinner and more dense. We specifically recommend this lens to wearers of drill mount frames, where the ear pieces and bridge are mounted directly to the lens.

Polarization: Most sunwear is ineffective in reducing the blinding and painful effects of sun glare and the health risks of UV exposure, at any time of year. Unlike ordinary sunglasses that do little more than darken or reduce brightness, polarized lenses actually eliminate dangerous sun glare. They are the top pick for a wide variety of outdoors activities and sports such as sailing, fishing, skiing, golfing, biking and jogging. They are also highly recommended for driving in daylight and in fact can greatly reduce the glare that comes off a long, flat surface such as the hood of the car or a highway. Polarized sunglasses can also be used indoors by light-sensitive patients or by those exposed to bright light through windows. The lenses come in several colors and materials. Many polarized lenses feature AR coating on the back of the lens for even better clarity and reduced back glare.

Lens Designs

Single Vision: Single vision lenses function as all-purpose glasses for persons who have normal accommodation. Persons who normally wear bifocals or trifocals can use single vision for distance or near lenses (Readers). They can also function as occupational glasses for certain types of work. Single vision lenses are available in all lens materials

Aspheric: These lenses provide special visual and cosmetic benefits for stronger corrections and increase edge to edge clarity. Flatter than conventional lenses, aspherics eliminate the "bulgy" appearance of strong plus lenses and greatly enhance the appearance of finished eyewear. Persons with strong nearsighted corrections also benefit from thinner, lighter weight glasses when their lenses are aspheric. Because aspheric lenses are positioned closer to the face, there is less eye magnification with farsighted corrections and less of the "small eyes" look with nearsighted corrections. Aspheric lenses are often made of high index materials for the ultimate in thin lenses.

Flat-top Bifocals: This is the most popular bifocal format and is available with the bifocal portion 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 blurred 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 that the wearer is using bifocals. They are available in all lens materials and also made in aspheric form. Because of their many benefits, they are becoming the lens of choice for bifocal and trifocal wearers. A progressive lens designed for all-round use has three zones of vision: the distance, mid, and near zones. The transitions between these zones are smooth and invisible.

Lifestyle Options

Computer Lenses: The human vision system is not designed for long hours of computer viewing. Display images are made up of pixels—tiny dots of light on which our eyes cannot focus accurately. The typical symptoms of a computer-user include:

• Eyestrain

• Headaches

• Slow focusing

• Tired, burning eyes

• Neck and shoulder pain • Blurred vision at distance

With these lenses you can see everything within your computer workspace clearly, out to a distance of several feet. Your best, clearest, biggest focus area is right where you need it to be, on your computer screen and closer. Not just for the computer but for anyone who does close work within 18" such as artists, musicians, crafts persons and so on.

Office or Business Lenses: These are computer lenses with a larger zone at the top to allow clear vision within about 10 feet. This feature offers flexibility in seeing beyond your computer and while walking around the room.

Sports Glasses: All sorts of special lens designs and colors are available for the needs of specific outdoor activities. Polycarbonate is the material of choice for active sports. Polarized sun lenses that eliminate reflected glare are especially appropriate outdoors. Sport lenses come in a range of specialized tints for golf, tennis, water sports, hunting, etc.

Lens Treatments

Anti-reflective Coatings (AR, Non-glare): Special anti-reflective coatings, much like those used for fine camera lenses, are available for spectacle lenses. These coatings are particularly effective for reducing eye fatigue for computer operators and anyone driving at night or working under fluorescent lighting. And, of course, AR lenses enhance appearance by removing all distracting reflections, therefore we highly recommend it for no-frame drill mounted glasses to complete the "invisible" look.

UV Protection: It is generally accepted that the ultraviolet rays in sunlight pose potential harm to the eyes. Special treatment for plastic lenses completely blocks hazardous UV light. Lenses like polycarbonate and high-index include built-in UV protection.

Tints: It is generally accepted that the ultraviolet rays in sunlight pose potential harm to the eyes. Special treatment for plastic lenses completely blocks hazardous UV light. Lenses like polycarbonate and high index include built-in UV protection.

Scratch Protection: Light weight plastic 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 a prudent investment.