Lens Material

Plastic-Plastic is the most popular lens material. It is lighter than glass and is easily tinted to a variety of colors. It may not be as scratch resistant as glass but a coating can be added to give it more scratch resistance.

Polycarbonate: Polycarbonate lenses are lighter than plastic and are more impact resistant. Because of the impact resistance, polycarbonate is the safest lens material available for children and other active patients. This lens material also absorbs all harmful UV light.

Glass: Glass lenses have been popular for many years. They are heavier than plastic but are more scratch resistant. The optics of glass are still superior to other lens materials. Glass lenses do have to be heat or chemical treated to increase impact resistance.

High Index: High index lenses are similar to polycarbonate lenses. The material is thinner and often lighter in weight. The high index material is used to make a stronger prescription more attractive. It absorbs all harmful UV light and can be easily tinted.

Transitions or Photochromatic: A transition lens is a plastic lens that is next to clear indoors and darkens outdoors. A photochromatic lens is the same as a transition but in glass instead of plastic. Both materials are available in brown or grey.

Lens Designs

Single Vision: Single vision lenses are good for one point of focus. They are either for distance or reading. They are available in all lens materials.

Lined Bifocals: Lined bifocals allow for two areas of focus, both distance and near. The most popular type of lined bifocal contains a half moon like segment that comes in various sizes. The size of the segment is determine by the patients lifestyle. A lined bifocal is available in all lens materials.

Trifocals: Trifocal lenses are the same as lined bifocals but with a third area of focus. Another line is added above the normal bifocal line giving an intermediate or arm length range. Trifocals are also available in all lens materials.

Progressives: Progressive addition lenses (PAL) are lenses with multiple points of focus. These lenses give distance, near, and all of the points in between. Progressive lenses are also known as no line bifocals. Because there is no line, they look like single vision lenses making them more attractive.

Computer Lenses: Computer lenses are similar to progressives in that they have no line. They are set up in such a way that they give you a working distance, an intermediate range, and a reading area. The intermediate area is wider than that of a progressive lens. Computer lenses are available in plastic and polycarbonate and can be tinted. An anti reflective coating is generally added to reduce the glare from the computer screen.

Lens Treatments

Scratch Resistant Coating: Most lens materials with the exception of glass can be easily scratched. A hard coating can be added to most lens surfaces to protect against normal scratching.

UV Protection: Ultraviolet rays can potentially harm the eyes. A treatment is available for plastic lenses that can completely block harmful UV light. Polycarbonate and High Index lenses have a UV Protectant built in.

Anti Reflective Coatings: Anti reflective or non-glare coatings are available for most lens materials. Anti reflective or “AR” coating is effective in reducing eye fatigue for computer users or night driving.