Lenses & Lens Options for Eyeglasses

When you order your eyeglasses from our office, you can be assured that we use nothing but the best products. From the lenses themselves to the amenities you choose for your glasses, we guarantee you will be very happy with your new eyewear!

Basic Lens Styles

Single Vision

Single vision lenses are one vision – generally either for distance only or for reading only. A general purpose lens.

Bifocal

Bifocal lenses contain 2 separate and distinct areas of vision. One is for up-close (reading) and the other for far (distance) vision. Traditional bifocals have a visible line that varies from 28-35mm. Additional specialty bifocal lenses are also available.

Trifocal

Very similar to a standard bifocal lens, but with a third area for an intermediate (or arm’s length) distance. Traditional trifocals have two visible lines that vary from 28-45mm. Additional specialty trifocal lenses are also available.

Progressive

Progressive lenses are by far the most popular choice for the majority of patients requiring a bifocal. These lenses have no visible lines and also have a larger range of vision, more similar to a trifocal. The progressive lens allows a patient to see near, far and everywhere in between.

Common Lens Options

Scratch Resistant Coating

A clear, hard coating that is applied to the base lens to make the lenses more resistant to scratches from every day wear and tear. This hard coat makes lenses at least 10 times more resistant to scratches than a non-coated lens.

Anti-Reflective (Anti-Glare) Coating

This coating is designed to help reduce the glare that is caused by artificial lights, computer screens or on-coming headlights.By reducing the glare, you will reduce the strain on your eyes in any lighting conditions. A nearly clear coating applied to the lenses, it also makes it looks like the lenses have disappeared within the frame, making it the perfect option for anyone in business, with a high prescription, anyone who doesn’t want to call attention to their lenses, or anyone who simply likes to have the crispest vision available.

Transitions (Also, Sunshades, Photogrey or Photochromics)

Known most commonly as the “lenses that change outside”, Transitions lenses darken with the UV rays of the sun and lighten when indoors. These lenses are virtually clear indoors and darken to a sunglass tint outdoors. Although not designed to replace dark sunglasses since they don’t change in the car, these are a great option for the patient who doesn’t wear sunglasses, who uses a sunclip or enjoys multi-purpose lenses. Transitions is the actual lens and not something that can be added at a later date.

Polarized

The perfect glare reducing lens, most commonly used for sunglasses. Polarization reduces the glare that comes from the road, other cars, snow and water. Perfect for year-round use!

Hi-Index (Thin) / Polycarbonate

For anyone with a higher prescription, for children or patients needing eye protection, hi-index or polycarbonate lenses are the best option. Hi-index reduces the weight and thickness of the lenses by 40-50%. Polycarbonate is also thinner and lighter than regular plastic lenses, and is impact resistant for safety.

Ultra-Violet Protection (UV Coating)

A clear coating that protects the eyes from the ultraviolet rays of the sun. Recommended for all patients, but especially those who have had cataract surgery and on all lenses that have tint.

Tinting

Tinting is basically the addition of color to a lens. This can be done to create a sunglass lens or simply add a light color (a fashion tint) to the lens.

Edge Polishing / Glazing

Edge polishing is a treatment done to make the edges of the lenses clear instead of cloudy. This makes the lenses less visible, especially when combined with thin materials and anti-reflective coating. Edge glazing or painting adds a colored and polished look to the edge of the lenses.