Guide TO OPTICAL LENSES
Lenses are used to correct imperfections in the focus of the eye by increasing or reducing the focal length as needed. Optical lenses are made of transparent materials like plastic or glass.
Single vision glasses are designed to help people who require correction of farsightedness, nearsightedness, or astigmatism. These eyeglasses have just a single optical prescription correction and they distribute focus evenly over the entire surface area of the lens. Most people that wear glasses usually get this type. If you have multiple prescriptions you would require bifocal or multifocal eyeglasses.
The primary purpose of glasses bifocals is to provide the optimal balance between distance vision and near vision focusing needs. Eyeglasses with bifocal lenses are available with the reading segments in a variety of shapes and widths including bifocal sunglass options.
Progressive or varifocal lenses provide a smooth transition from distance correction to near correction, eliminating segment lines and allowing clear vision at all distances, including intermediate, near and far. Progressive lenses are also known as no-line bifocal lenses. With these specialty lenses, the prescription at the top of the lens is different from that at the bottom of the lens. It differs from a bi-focal as there is a gradual shift in the prescription instead of a blunt line made in the lens. The very top part of the lens works well for distance. The bottom portion gets progressively stronger ending with the strongest portion at the very bottom for reading. A progressive lens allows the wearer to view all ranges of vision from near to far. Additionally, the lenses look identical to single vision lenses, with no lines, allowing others to only see your eyes!
Office lenses are a type of multifocal spectacle lenses designed for near and intermediate use and are intended to provide clear vision at around 40cm to about 2 - 4m (depending on lens choice). Office lenses, sometimes referred to as ‘Computer Progressive Lenses’ are great for people needing clear vision at intermediate and near distances such Computer professionals , artists, dentists, librarians, hair dressers, mechanics, draftsmen and editors. These lenses also allow for better posture, making it easier to hold your head in a more natural position while your work.
Lens types and Treatments
Our extensive range of lenses always includes scratch-resistant treatment as standard. However we’ve also got a great range of lens extras and treatments that will help to protect or enhance your lenses.
Hi-index lenses are made of a special plastic material that refracts light in a different way than regular plastic lenses. With hi-index lenses, vision can be corrected with less material, making the lens much thinner. Plastics are graded in numbers, such as 1.50 or 1.67. The higher the number, the thinner the lens. Because they are thinner, hi-index lenses are also lighter, making them more comfortable to wear. This is important to patients with high prescriptions, as their glasses can be made more cosmetically attractive and appealing. Hi-index lens materials tend to cost more than standard plastic lenses.
Polycarbonate lenses are made of a type of plastic that is more impact-resistant than standard plastic lenses. Polycarbonate lenses are also much thinner and lighter in weight. They are considered a high index plastic. Polycarbonate lenses also have built-in ultraviolet protection. Because of these properties, it is the lens material of choice for children’s lenses, sports lenses, and safety lenses.Polycarbonate lenses are ideal for rimless frames (frameless)
An enhanced anti-reflection and scratch-resistant treatment, with added benefits ensures that the lenses attract less dust, stay cleaner for longer and are easier to clean.
- Anti-reflection - Reflections are removed, giving the lens a clear and clean appearance.
- Smudge-resistant - This coating makes grease less likely to be attracted to the lens, thus making cleaning your lenses easier.
- Super scratch-resistant – This coating offers far greater protection against scratching keeping the lens looking new.
- Anti-static – This new anti-static layer makes the lens less likely to attract dust.
- Super hydrophobic – This coating enhances water-repelling properties, especially handy in humid conditions.
A full sun and UV tint can transform your glasses, providing great visual comfort. Choose from the fashionable range of colors to create your unique look -
These are lenses that react to light or are light intelligent lenses. They are clear indoors but darken like sunglasses in sunlight. It comes in different color options.
Blue light is the highest energy light produced in the visible spectrum and has long term exposure can herm your eyes. Blue Light blocking lenses reduce harmful blue light exposure of the eye from digital screens, energy-efficient lighting and the sun..
CONTACT LENSES
Contact lenses are a great alternative to wearing eyeglasses. If you wear glasses, you probably are a candidate for contact lenses too. We offer lots of different types and brands of contact lenses and picking one will depend on your lifestyle and prescription. Consult our Optometrist to determine the best contact lens material and design for your specific needs.
Benefits contact lenses
- Contact lenses move with your eye hence provide a wider and natural field of view.
- Contact lenses are excellent for sports and other physical activities helping you to enjoy an active lifestyle.
- Contact lenses provide distortion free clear vision.
- Unlike glasses they do not fog up, get splattered by rain, or leave marks on the nose.
- Contact lenses give back your natural look.
There are two general categories of contact lenses – soft and rigid gas permeable (RGP).