Lenses

We offer a complete selection of lens options that will address your visual needs and your style! You can be assured that your glasses will address your needs and with style!

Purchasing new glasses can be overwhelming. With so many options, understanding your choices may seem confusing. We have provided a link that will direct you to “The Eyeglass Guide”, where you can take a five-minute profile for customized eyewear information. The site is provided by Transitions™ lenses. As you will learn below, Transitions™ lenses are clear indoors and turn to sunglass-dark outdoors. They provide protection from UV radiation and glare, and work well for many of our patients.

We are sure this information will give you some ideas to discuss with our staff regarding your eye care options.

LENS TREATMENT OPTIONS

Anti-reflective coatings – dispensers suggest anti-reflective, or AR lenses, to help reduce eye fatigue in all situations, particularly while viewing computer screens, working under fluorescent lighting and driving at night. In addition to enhancing vision by removing distracting reflections, AR lenses are cosmetically desirable, as the wearer’s eyes are clearly visible behind the lenses.

UV protection – The sun’s ultraviolet rays are associated with cataracts and macular degeneration. UV protection on lenses accomplishes the same thing as sunscreen lotion on your skin –– it shields your eyes from harmful ultraviolet rays. Plastic and glass lenses may require UV coating, while high-index and high impact resistant lenses provide UV protection inherently in the lens material.

Scratch-resistance coatings – recommended to protect lenses from everyday wear-and-tear. Some materials, such as high impact resistant, high-index lenses, and several new plastic lens designs, include scratch protection.

Photochromic lenses - Sometimes called "comfort" lenses, photochromic lenses darken and lighten according to light exposure. If the wearer is in the sun, photochromics darken, if indoors, the lenses are light. Photochromic lenses are available in virtually all lens materials and lens designs. Ask us for a demonstration.

Polarized lenses – are the top pick for eliminating outdoor glare. Hunters, boaters and fishermen, golfers, and drivers will all benefit from polarized lens’ glare-cutting properties. Any surface can create glare in sunlight, including water, sand, snow, windows, vehicles, and buildings. Polarization eases eye stress and fatigue in the sun, and comes in several color and density options.

Tinted lenses – the majority of lenses can be tinted from light to very dark. Tints for sun lenses are usually medium to dark shades, and can be solid through the whole lens, or gradient, darker on top fading to lighter or clear at the bottom of the lens. Tints also come in a rainbow of color options.

Mirrored lenses – not only look cool, they are cool. Mirrored coatings provide a reflective surface that makes the eye virtually invisible to viewers, while keeping the wearer's eyes protected from glare and heat. Mirrors come in a variety of colors to enhance tints and visual performance.

LENS MATERIALS

Plastic – plastic lenses are lighter than glass lenses, and can be tinted to almost any color and shade. The most popular lens for over 20 years, it is now being replaced by polycarbonate.

High-index – technologically advanced high-index lenses create a thinner profile for those with strong prescriptions. These lenses are more comfortable, cosmetically appealing, provide better vision, better optics and lighter in weight than standard glass or plastic lenses.

Polycarbonate lenses - a specific type of high-index lens. Tough, lightweight, UV protection, scratch protection and affordable lens choice. The safest lens available.

Glass – Glass offers good optics and the best scratch-resistance. However, glass lenses must be specially treated for impact resistance and can be heavier to wear than other lens materials. These are the least safe of the lenses. We do not recommend glass.

LENS DESIGNS

Single Vision – this all-purpose lens is available in all materials, and can be used for either distance or near vision correction.

Multifocals (bifocals and trifocals) –when both distance and near correction are needed together in a single lens.

No-line progressives – correct for far (driving a vehicle), intermediate (viewing the dashboard), and near (reading a map) vision all in one lens. Because there is no visible line, progressives have the appearance of single-vision lenses and are, therefore, the most cosmetically desirable multifocal. Progressives are available in all lens materials.

Aspheric – offers less magnification or minification. Edge-to-edge visual clarity means that as the eyes move, vision will remain clear rather than "blur out" when viewing towards the edge of the lenses.

Specialty lenses – are recommended when certain work-related and hobby or other recreational uses require task-specific viewing for the best visual protection and/or performance. There are special lenses for industrial and occupational purposes, computer users and sports activities.