Find the right lenses for you Ophthalmic lens technology has advanced to cater the varying needs of visual correction. There are more than a few types of spectacle lenses to choose from to fit the conditions of wearer’s activities. If you need a spectacle prescription, there are several factors to consider when choosing the right lenses for you; which types of lenses to pick, the materials made in, and some optional coatings to maximize the comfort when wearing.
Types of Lenses The types of lenses you choose depend on whether you want the spectacles to suit all activities or single activity.
Single Vision Lens If you are under age 40 and need a prescription glasses, then single vision lenses may be sufficient enough for your visual correction. Single vision lenses have the same focal power throughout the lens to provide a single focus. Progressive Lenses (Multifocal Lenses) Progressive lenses provide a gradual transition in power within the lens to view all distance from near at hand to far across the room. If you are in your 40s or older and have presbyopia, wearing progressive lenses have an advantage to see all distances clearly without taking the eyeglasses off and on.
Lens Materials Standard Plastic Standard plastic lenses, also known as 1.50 index is the most commonly used material for low pwer prescriptions. Mid-Index Plastic Mid-Index lenses range in material index from 1.53 to 1.56. This material is thinner and lighter than standard plastic lenses. Ask your eye care professional which material will be est for you based on your individual Rx and your selection of frame style. High-Index Plastic High-Index lenses are typically have a material index of 1.60. High index lenses are thinner than mid-index and an excellent option for drill mount frames. Ultra High-Index Plastic This category of lenses ranges in material index from 1.67 to 1.74, the highest index currently available. Ultra High-Index lenses are the thinnest and lightest materials currently available for higher power prescriptions. Ask your eye care professional what material will be best for you, based on your individual prescription and the frame style you select. Remember, the higher the material index the thinner the lens.
About Coatings Application of coatings provides various benefits for the wearer.
Anti-reflective coatings help transparency in the lens and glare from various lightings.
UV coatings protect eyes from absorbing harmful UV rays. Long term exposure can damage DNA and it’s cumulative and irreversible. The UV coating blocks the transmission of light in the ultraviolet spectrum.
Blue light filter coating can be incorporated into anti-reflective coatings. Due to the reduced amount of blue light entering the eyes, contrasts are improved by reducing screen brightness, flickering and eye fatigue to provide a strain-free visual experience while providing the most complete protection.
Other optional coatings such as scratch resistance, smudge and water resistant surface applications extend the lifespan of the lenswear.
About Sun Protection There are many types of sunwear options that provides various benefits for the wearer and protect eyes from absorbing harmful UV rays. Long term exposure can damage DNA and it’s cumulative and irreversible. The UV coating blocks the transmission of light in the ultraviolet spectrum.
Transitions lenses will change color when you go out into the sun, and will revert back to clear once you are out of the UV rays that activate it.
Tinted sunwear
Polarized sunwear helps cut out the extra glare from the sun, and provides the best benefits when used for driving or fishing.