Lenses and Treatments

Lens Materials

Each lens material has a unique set of features and benefits. Here are the basics:

• The best choice if you want the thinnest, most attractive lenses possible.

• Range from 20% to 65% thinner than plastic lenses (depending on refractive index).

• The higher the refractive index, the thinner the lens (and the higher the cost).

• Most high index plastic lenses provide 100% protection from the sun's UV rays.

• Anti-reflective (AR) coating is essential for the best optical performance and appearance.

Polycarbonate

• The best choice if you want the safest and/or lightest lenses possible.

• Over ten times more impact resistant than regular plastic lenses.

• Used in safety eyewear and sports goggles as well as general purpose eyewear.

• Recommended for children's eyewear and whenever eye safety is a primary concern.

• Up to 40% thinner and 30% lighter than regular plastic lenses.

• Provide 100% protection from the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays.

Plastic

• The best choice if you want the most economical lenses possible.

• Excellent optical clarity (comparable to glass lenses).

• Due to thickness, not recommended for higher prescription powers.

• Can be easily tinted to dark sunglass shades.

Glass

• The best choice if you want excellent optics and scratch resistance, a relatively low price, and you are willing to tolerate heavier lenses.

• Excellent optical performance, providing the widest field of clear vision.

• The most scratch resistant lens material available.  Glass lenses don't require scratch-resistant coatings for added durability.  (All other lens materials do.)

• More than twice the weight of other lens materials.

• Due to thickness and weight, recommended only for mild prescription powers.

Lens Designs

Multifocal Lenses

PROGRESSIVES 

Progressive Addition Lenses (PALs) are the most technologically advanced option available today for presbyopia. They give you continuous uninterrupted vision for distance, reading and everywhere in between. Your eyes make a smooth transition between vision zones, with no "jump" or distracting lines.

BIFOCALS 

These lenses are split into two segments. The top segment is for distance and the bottom segment is for close work. There is no intermediate zone, and you will notice an annoying image jump at the bifocal line as you switch between distance and near vision. 
 
  
 

TRIFOCALS 

These have three vision zones: distance, intermediate, and reading. Like bifocals, you will experience a "jump" at the lines between the vision zones. Bifocals and trifocals are outdated technology.

Single Vision Lenses

Single vision lenses function as all-purpose glasses for the correction of one particular distance, especially in myopia or hyperopia. For people needing glasses only for reading or close work, will have to take them off to see at arm's length or in the distance, which can be annoying. For this option, two pairs of glasses will be needed: one pair for distance tasks and another pair for reading or close work.

Lens Treatments

Transition Lenses

This lens option gives you the benefit of transitioning from indoors to outdoors without fumbling for your prescription sunwear. These lenses automatically change to a darker tint when outdoors to give you a more comfortable viewing experience while protecting your eyes from damaging UV light.