Your Lens Choices

There are many different lens designs available today. Our experienced Opticians will work with you to understand all of the options available.

Single Vision
This type of lens is an all purpose lens, mainly used for either distance or near vision and is available in all materials.

Bifocal Lenses
Lined bifocals are used for viewing both near and distance within the same lens; a visible line separates the viewing areas.

Progressive (No-Line Bifocals or PAL’s)
Progressive lenses have an invisible bifocal with a transition zone, which allows the patient to see; distance to near and everything in between, without the distracting visible line, giving them the appearance of single vision lenses. Progressive lenses are available in most materials.

Trifocal Lenses
Lenses which allow the patient to see three different distances in one lens, typically distance, intermediate and near, all separated by a line.

Computer Lenses
Computer lenses are similar to a progressive lens, having no line; however, this lens has no distance portion. Computer lenses or Occupational lenses are designed for near and mid-range viewing. By adding a tint and/or anti-reflective coating, can reduce computer syndrome eye fatigue.

Aspheric Lenses
Reduce the amount of magnification of the eye, produced by higher plus prescription lenses. The curve of an Aspheric lenses flattens towards the edges producing thinner edges and better acuity as the eye moves from the center of the lens toward the edges of the lens.

Once you have decided on a lens design, it will be important to select the proper lens material for your frames, lifestyle, and usage.  Take a look at some of the options below.

Glass
Glass is the heaviest and most scratch resistance of all the lens materials. Glass is the least impact resistant of all the lens materials.

Plastic (CR-39)
Plastic is much lighter than glass, but is also less scratch resistant. Plastic can be easily tinted to meet most patient’s needs.

Polycarbonate
Polycarbonate (“Poly”) is made from a tough High Index material, used in making Compact Discs, is one of the most shatter resistant lens materials available today. Recommended for use in safety glasses, it is the perfect material for the active life style of today’s children and, or adult.

Trivex
This is the newest material to be used in prescription eyewear. Being tough, light-weight, and shatter resistant, makes this material perfect for today’s active patients.

High Index
Lighter and thinner than standard plastic, this material is a perfect choice for strong prescriptions, especially high minus prescriptions. High Index material allows for thinner center thickness and thinner edges.

Photochromic
Allows the lens to darken outdoors and lighten indoors.

Polarized
Reduces the amount of glare caused by reflected light from horizontal surfaces, like water, snow and car hoods. Therefore, polarized lenses are the perfect lens for outdoor activities and daytime driving.

Your last choice is whether you would like optional treatments added to the lenses. Take a look at the available treatments from the choices below.

Tinting
A cosmetic coloring of the lens, any number of appealing colors can be achieved.

Scratch Resistant Coating
A coating that is applied to the surfaces of the lens to increase the durability of the lens to resist scratching.

UV Coating
A sunscreen for the eyes, as sunscreen is for one’s skin. The sun’s ultra-violet rays can damage the eye over time increasing the risk of age related diseases. UV coating can be added to plastic lenses. High Index and Polycarbonate lens material filters UV, therefore is not needed.

Anti-reflective (AR) Coating
Nearly eliminates all reflections of the surface of the lens, increasing visual acuity and appearance. Anti-reflective coating is applied to camera and binocular lenses to eliminate unwanted reflections.

Mirror Coating
A cosmetic coating that is applied to the front surface of the lens, which is available to many different colors, from silver to rainbow, solid or gradient.