More than
just a prescription, 
a solution.

The lenses you choose for your eyeglasses — even more than frames — often will determine how happy you are with your eyewear. We know that choosing your lenses is not an easy task. There are so many choices for lenses and coatings, it can seem overwhelming. Most people focus on their frames without giving much thought to their lenses, which is in fact the most important part. 

When you visit our office our opticians take the time to thoroughly explain your prescription and all of the options that the doctor has recommended and why. We believe in the power of education. 

If you can't make it into our office, hopefully the following information will help you understand the basics of ophthalmic lenses. 

Have a question? 
We'd be happy to help you. 

Lens Designs

Your exam will determine what kind of lens design you need. Most people only need correction at a single distance. If you're over the age of 40 you may need correction at multiple distances. Your optometrist will determine what lenses will provide you with best corrected vision. There are a few different lens designs:
  • Single Vision - Single vision lenses are prescribed if you need correction for one field of vision, either for distance, intermediate (computer), or items up close (near). Single vision has the same optical focal point or correction over the entire area of the lens.
  • Lined Bifocals - With a bifocal, the upper part of the lens is used for distance vision, while the lower part is used for near vision. A visible line separates the two sections. 
  • Blended Bifocals - Just like a regular bifocal the lens has two sections, one for distance and one for near. The difference is, the blended bifocals doesn't have a visible line. Instead the near segment of the lens is in the shape of a half circle and is blended into the distance portion of the lens so that is virtually invisible. 
  • Lined Trifocals - These lenses are similar to bifocals, except that the two focal areas are separated by a third middle area with intermediate focus correction. This area is used for intermediate vision, like computer distance.
  • Progressives (No-Line Bifocals) - Progressive lenses or No-Line Bifocals provide a smooth transition from distance correction to near correction, eliminating segment lines and allowing clear vision at all distances, including intermediate.

Lens Materials

After determining your lens design, you'll need to think about what kind of material your lenses are going to be made out of. Each material offers it's own benefits, and your optometrist will likely recommend a material for you based off of your prescription power, and lifestyle needs. Below are the different materials offered today:
  • Glass - Once upon a time, in the early days of vision correction all eyeglass lenses were made of glass. But they were heavy and could break easily, potentially causing serious harm. So even though they offered exceptional optics, they are hardly used anymore and most opticals will have you sign a waiver just to have them dispensed.
  • Plastic (CR-39) - Plastic lenses are made of a plastic polymer called "Columbia Resin 39", or CR-39 for short. It was developed in the early 1940s, and at the time was a great substitute for heavy, expensive glass lenses. Although it is not recommended, it is still used today. 
  • Polycarbonate - Originally polycarbonate lenses were introduced for safety glasses. It was developed for helmet visors for the Air Force, and "bulletproof glass" for banks. This material is lighter and more impact-resistant than plastic. It is required in all safety glasses, sports eyewear, and for children under 18 years age. It became increasing popular since it's release and remains the most recommended lens material today
  • Trivex - Similar to polycarbonate in it's impact-resistant properties, trivex was introduced to eyewear in 2001. Trivex is slightly lighter than polycarbonate despite being slightly thicker. The biggest difference is in the optics, since trivex has less internal stress it produces sharper central vision and less edge distortion than polycarbonate. 
  • High Index (1.6 -1.74) - In response to the demand for thinner, lighter eyeglasses, a number of manufactures have introduced high-index plastic lenses. They range in indexes from 1.60 - 1.74, 1.74 being the lightest, thinnest on the market. These lenses are ideal for those with high prescriptions or drilled rimless frames.
Want to know the Abbe Value and Index of Refraction of each material? 

Premium Coatings

Depending on your lifestyle and how you will be using your eyewear, there are many beneficial coatings and add-ons that can significantly impact your wearing experience.
  • Anti-Scratch Coating - All plastic and high index lenses require a factory-applied anti-scratch coating for adequate lens durability. Anti-scratch does not mean scratch-proof. It is still recommended to get an additional scratch coating if you are hard on your lenses. It is especially recommended for children. We offer a great coating called TD2, which boasts a two year warranty against scratches and other lens damage. This is a great option for kids. 
  • Anti-Reflective (Non-Glare) Coating - Anti-reflective (AR) coating eliminate reflections in lenses that reduce contrast and clarity, especially at night. (Ever notice those halos around street lights?) They also make your lenses nearly invisible, so you can make better eye contact without distracting reflections. AR coating is especially important if you choose high index lenses, because of the material more light is reflected causing more glare. We only utilize the best anti-reflective coatings offered, to make sure you're receiving a durable, easy to care for product.
  • Phtochromic Treatment - Photochromic lenses are eyeglasses lenses that automatically darken when exposed to sunlight, and then fade back to clear when you return indoors. Because the most popular photochromic lenses sold are made by Transitions Optical, many people - including some opticians - mistakenly call all photochromic lenses "transitions lenses". But there are many brands offered by different manufacturers. Up until recently photochromic lenses were only available in grey or brown tints, however recently they've added a new color, G-15 or graphite green. There's even a photochromic lens that will change into a polarized lens when it darkens. 
  • Polarized - A type of sunglass lens, polarized lenses contain a special filter that blocks intense reflected light, reducing glare. To read more about the benefits of polarized lenses vs. regular tinted lenses, check out our Sunglass page. 

Our Lens Partners

In our continuous strive to provide the best products available to our patients we are happy to partner with the top of the line lens manufactures today. Our world is constantly changing, so we need manufactures to keep up with the changing demand on our eyes. Carl Zeiss Vision and Essilor Laboratories perfect the lens manufacturing process and help us shape vision solutions. 
Carl Zeiss Vision
Essilor Corp