If you thought the trickiest part of choosing a new pair of glasses was finding the perfect frame, think again. There are almost as many choices of lenses and lens options!
Your prescription will help determine the overall lens type that is right for you. Your prescription will help determine the overall lens type that is right for you. Read on to learn more about how each type helps correct your specific vision needs and leads to a crisper view.
Single Vision lenses have one power. They can only be used to correct either distance or near vision. They can be made for reading or seeing far distances but are not recommended for those who frequently alternate between the two.
Bifocal lenses correct two viewing areas, most commonly reading and distance. The change in power for the reading segment is visible on the lens. Trifocal lenses are like bifocals, except that they correct three viewing areas: reading, intermediate, and distance.
Progressive lenses are the best lens for complete vision correction at all distances – near, intermediate, and far. Progressive lenses gradually change your prescription from distance at the top to reading at the bottom, which allows you to adjust your focus more easily from one viewing distance to another. Best of all, they are discreet! With no visible lines, no one will even know you are wearing multi-focal lenses.
High Definition (or HD) lenses are the ultimate vision experience. Available in both single vision and progressive, they offer the widest fields of view for all distances, making the transition from one to another even more seamless as you move your eyes.
Once you have your Rx in hand, there are many other lens options you can add, depending on your lifestyle and other preferences. Some of the most popular needs are addressed below:
Higher prescriptions often require thicker lenses, so opting for an aspheric or high index lens (which is thinner) helps to minimize the weight and thickness of your eyeglasses.
Are you tough on your glasses? Some materials, like polycarbonate, are more durable and shatter-resistant than basic plastic, which can be useful for children or more active adults.
Want one pair for both indoors and out? Photochromic lenses can serve as eyeglasses and sunglasses. The lenses darken when exposed to sunlight, then return to normal when inside.
Spend a lot of time outdoors or in the car? Polarized lenses are a popular choice for Rx sunglasses. They provide greater eye comfort by reducing glare from water, snow and other reflective surfaces.
A thin film applied to the surface of the lens that reduces glare. While helpful at all times of day, this option is great for reducing glare from oncoming headlights while driving at night.
A clear coating that increases surface hardness of the lens, making it more resistant to scratching from ordinary usage. Comes standard with polycarbonate lenses.
Filters out harmful UV rays from reaching the eye. Comes standard with polarized sunglasses, but can also be requested for clear or tinted (non-polarized) lenses.
Each pair of eyeglasses is truly customized for you! Overwhelmed by it all? Our doctors and opticians are experts in their field. They can recommend the best options for your eyewear based on individual Rx, style preferences, and budget – so that you leave with your perfect pair!