Lens Materials

Plastic Lenses
Conventional hard resin lenses are half the weight of glass lenses and can be tinted to almost any color and density. Hard resin lenses are more easily scratched than glass but can have an optional scratch protection applied. More impact resistant than glass, hard resin lenses do not require tempering.

Lighter Thinner Lenses
Modern technology has created lenses that are called “high index” lenses. The stronger corrections are more attractive because they are slimmer. Glass lenses are also available with the slimming advantages of high index but are considerably heavier. High index plastic uses less material so they are often lighter in weight High index lenses absorb all harmful LW light and can be tinted to any shade or color.

Photochromatic Lenses
These are lenses that darken as you go from indoors to outdoors. They are available in glass, plastic and polycarbonate. Originally made to darken to a
moderate shade, new versions are available that darken to a true sunglass.

Polycarbonate
Polycarbonate lenses are the most impact resistant lenses available and are always the lens of choice for young people and active patients. Polycarbonate lenses are high index and usually provide the lightest most comfortable lenses. They absorb all harmful UV light and can be made ultra thin because of their unique strength.

Glass
For years glass was the only lens material available and glass still offers
superior optics. The most scratch-resistant material, the primary disadvantage of glass is its weight, generally twice that of plastic. Glass lenses are heat or chemically tempered to increase impact resistance.

Lens Designs

Single Vision Lenses
Single vision lenses function as all-purpose glasses for the correction of one particular distance especially in myopia or hyperopia. Persons who normally wear bifocals or trifocals can use single vision for distance or near glasses. Single vision lenses can be ordered in all materials.

Aspheric Lenses
These new lenses provide special visual and cosmetic benefits for stronger corrections and increase edge-to-edge clarity. Flatter than conventionallenses, aspheric lenses eliminate the “bulgy” appearance of strong plus lenses (farsighted corrections) and improve the appearance of finished eyewear. Near-sighted persons also benefit from thinner, lighter weight glasses when the lenses are aspheric. Aspheric lenses are positioned closerto the face so there is less eye magnification with farsighted corrections and less “small eyes” look with nearsighted corrections. Aspheric lenses can be ordered in high index materials for the ultimate in attractive thin lenses.

Flat Top Bifocals
This is the most popular bifocal form and is available with the bifocal portion made in a variety of widths to aid in various close-up occupations. Flat top bifocals can be ordered 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, that middle area that is often blurred for bifocal wearers. Trifocals can be ordered in all lens materials.

Progressive Bifocals
These modern lenses provide all the benefits of bifocals but add the feature continuous clear vision at all distances, including mid-range distance (arm’s length). People like Progressives because they look like single vision lenses, never revealing the need for bifocals. Progressives are available in all lens materials and also made in aspheric form. Because of all these advantages, they are becoming the lens of choice for bifocal and trifocal wearers.

Computer Glasses
Them are a variety of special lenses for computer users. These include special filters tints and anti-reflection coatings.

Polarized Sun Lenses
These are the exciting sunglasses that eliminate reflected glare. They are especially appropriate for drivers, fisherman, hunters and all types of outdoors activities.

Optional Lens Treatments

Scratch Resistant Coating
Lightweight plastic lenses can be mare easily scratched than glass lenses. Special coatings have been developed to help protect lenses tram normal scratching. The modest additional cost for such scratch coating is usually a prudent investment. Some of the newest lens materials include scratch coating.

UV Protection
The ultraviolet rays found in sunlight can pose potential harm to the eyes. Special treatment is available for plastic lenses that completely blocks hazardous UV light. Lenses like polycarbonate, high index and photochromic lenses include built-in UV protection at no extra cost.

No Glare (Anti-Reflection) Coatings
Special anti-reflective coatings are now available for spectacle lenses, much like those used tar fine camera lenses. These coatings are particularly effective for reducing eye fatigue for computer operators and anyone driving at night And, of course, AR lenses enhance appearance by removing all distracting reflections.