Materials
Glass:The heaviest lens material and not widely used due to safety considerations (glass lenses can break more easily than any other lens material). It's heavy and not safe. We rarely recommend glass lenses.
Plastic:
The most widely used material. It is more impact resistant and lighter than glass, but not as scratch resistant. However, modern scratch resistant coatings can help here.
High index
Lighter and thinner lenses especially with higher prescriptions. This lens will also give you more flexibility in frame selection.
Polycarbonate
A very thin and light lens as well as being the most impact resistant and the best material for safety glasses, sport glasses and children's glasses. This lens material also naturally absorbs ultraviolet light. This is the lens material that is our office standard that we recommend for most prescriptions.
Corrections
Single vision - Provides one power of vision correction
throughout the lens. They can be for distance vision or reading glasses. Single vision
lenses can also serve as specialty glasses when made for specific use such as computer
glasses or for musicians.
Bifocal - Provides correction for close-up and distance. The
visible bifocal line can cause image jump and blur.
Trifocal - Provides correction for close-up, midrange and
distance vision. Applications include patients with special needs for arms-length vision.br>
Progressive lenses - Commonly referred to as a
"no-line" bifocal, progressive lenses provide smooth continuous correction
without the lines associated with bifocals and trifocals. They are the closest thing to
natural vision and offer bath vision and cosmetic advantages.
Coatings
Scratch resistant coatings
- Helps protect plastic and polycarbonate lenses with a tough coating on the front and
back surfaces of the lenses.
Ultraviolet coating - Can block up to 100% of potentially
harmful ultraviolet light without changing the lens color.
This is an important consideration in our climate here with our strong sun and higher
altitude.
Tints - Have both cosmetic and practice uses. Patients who are
light sensitive, or work or play outdoors, or who work on computers vvill find a tint most
beneficial.
Anti-reflective coatings - Reduces reflection on lenses, making
lenses almost invisible. Improves both vision and appearance. AR coating cuts down on
glare, improving night vision and reducing eye discomfort.
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Aspheric Lenses-Available in plastic, polycarbonate and glass lenses. The front curvature of aspheric
lenses changes gradually from center to edge vvhich allovvs a flatter, more attractive and
thinner lens.
Summary of lenses and lens options
Lens Menu a printable information sheet on your lens options. Print it out and bring it to the office for your appointment! | 
