Lenses

There are many different types of lenses. Here at The Eyeglass Shop, we keep up on all the newest fashions and technology. So, here are some types of lenses.

Lens Designs:

Single Vision - This all-purpose lens is available in all materials, and can be used for either distance or near vision correction.

Multifocals - will be suggested when both distance and near correction are needed together in a single lens. Multifocal lenses have many new variations:

• No-line progressives - correct for far (driving a vehicle), intermediate (viewing the dashboard), and near (reading a map) vision all in one lens. Because there is no visible line, progressives have the appearance of single-vision lenses and are, therefore, the most cosmetically desirable multifocal. Progressives are available in all lens materials.
  
  
• Bifocals - provide both far (driving) and near (reading a map) correction in one lens.
  
  
• Trifocals - are basically progressive lenses with visible lines. The majority of the lens is for distance viewing, while the center portion is divided into intermediate and near-viewing segments.
  
  
• Thinner, flatter lenses - are recommended when a prescription is either "high-minus," meaning lenses are thicker at the outer edges, or "high-plus," when lenses are thicker in the middle. Flatter lenses enhance lens appearance by reducing edge or center thickness. They are lighter weigh and can provide edge-to-edge visual clarity by utilizing different designs.
  
  
• Computer lenses - if you're viewing a computer video display terminal (VDT) for more than two hours a day, you may need variable focus lenses. These lenses help correct vision for the specified length of your eye to the computer screen and the immediate vicinity. A variety of computer-specific lenses include special filters, tints and anti-reflective properties.
  
  
• Specialty lenses - are recommended when certain work-related and hobby or other recreational uses require task specific viewing for the best visual protection and/or performance.

Photochromic/Transition Lenses:

Sometimes called "comfort" lenses, these lenses darken and lighten according to light exposure. If the wearer is in the sun, the lenses darken, if indoors, the lenses are light. Since these lenses are activated by ultraviolet (UV) light, they do not darken inside of a car because most cars have UV protection built into the windshield. Photochromic lenses are made of glass. Transitions are made of plastic. Both types offer UV protection.

Lens Treatments:

UV Protection - The sun's ultraviolet rays pose potential harm to your eyes. UV protection on lenses accomplishes the same thing as sunscreen lotion on your skin. It shields your eyes from harmful ultraviolet rays. Plastic and glass lenses may require UV coating, while high-index and impact resistant lenses provide UV protection inherently in the lens material.

Scratch-resistance coatings - recommended to protect lenses from everyday wear and tear. Some materials, such as high impact resistant, high-index lenses, and several new plastic lens designs, include scratch protection.

Anti-reflective - dispensers suggest anti-reflective, or AR lenses, to help reduce eye fatigue in all situations, particularly while viewing computer screens and driving at night. In addition to enhancing vision by removing distracting reflections, AR lenses are cosmetically desirable, as the wearer's eyes are clearly visible behind the lenses.

Sunglasses: Sun lenses should always be ultraviolet (UV) protective.

Polarized lenses - are the top pick for eliminating glare. Hunters, boaters and fishermen, golfers, and drivers are a few who benefit from polarized lens' glare-cutting properties. Any surface can create glare in sunlight, including water, sand, snow, windows, vehicles. Polarized lenses come in several color and density options.

Tinted lenses - the majority of lenses can be tinted from light to very dark. Tints for sun lenses are usually medium to dark shades, and can be solid through the whole lens, or gradient, darker on top fading to lighter or clear at the bottom of the lens. Tints also come in a rainbow of color options.