Lenses & Coatings

Scratch Resistant Coating

We recommend getting a scratch resistant coating on all non-glass lenses. Scratches damage the cosmetic look of the lenses and compromise their performance.  With a scratch resistant coating, you do not have to worry as much about minor scratches on your lenses.  All lenses are susceptible to scratches, so it is a wise investment to prevent minor scratches.  It is important to remember that scratch resistant does not mean scratch-proof.

Anti-Reflective Coating

Normal eyewear often creates glare, reflections, and “ghost images.” Now all that can be eliminated with an anti-reflective coating.

What we see is a result of light being sensed by our eyes. With normal glasses, much of the light reflects off the lenses. This produces glare. It also reduces the wearer’s visual acuity. In other words, the light reflection is both a cosmetic and visual problem.

Anti-reflective coatings increase light transmission through the lenses to 99.5 percent. They make it easier to see and easier for others to see you. These coatings are especially useful for those viewing computer screens and driving at night.

Bifocal Lenses

Most of the time the “reading” area is smaller, shaped like a sideways “D”, and found in the lower portion of the lens.  These bifocals are called line bifocals or flat-tops.  If you are focusing on distant objects, you look through the top half of the lenses.  To read a book, magazine, or newspaper, you look through the “reading” area.  One thing that is difficult about using bifocals is dealing with the line between the two vision areas. Fortunately, recent technologies have developed a new type of lens, called the no-line, or progressive, lens.

Trifocal Lenses

Bifocals allow the wearer to read through one area of the lens, and to focus on distant objects through another area of the lens. As the eyes age, though, a stronger prescription is often needed to read. This would be fine, but the stronger prescription that allows for reading makes it difficult to focus on objects at intermediate distances, such as grocery items on a shelf or your speedometer. Thus, trifocals are necessary for a third prescription for intermediate focusing.

Trifocals, also known as line trifocals, feature three areas of focusing power, each separated from the other by a distinct line. The three windows allow for focusing on distant objects, intermediately distanced objects, and for reading. The downside of trifocals is dealing with the lines between the different focusing powers. Fortunately, recent advances in technology have led to developments in no-line, or progressive lenses.

Progressive Lenses

One of the main problems with bifocal and trifocal lenses is the problem of eye fatigue. It is difficult to switch from one focusing power to another. It can make your eyes tired, and it can even lead to a headache, sore neck and sore back.

The no-line lens or progressive lens provides a smooth transition from focusing closeup to focusing on distant objects because they do not have a distinct line which separates the focusing powers. Instead, a gradual change in power allows the wearer to focus on objects at all distances. Distant objects are viewed through the upper portion of the lens, while closer objects are viewed through the middle or lower portion of the lens. These lenses are great for general use, and special designs are available for computer users.  Our office is fitting patients with new progressive lens designs giving the absolute optimum vision available.  These lenses are using what is called a "digital freeform" designed using the latest in technology to customize each pair of glasses considering many different variables. 

High Index Lenses

When learning about high index lenses, you may hear many unfamiliar numbers and terms. Here are a few things to remember.

• Polycarbonate

  The first and still the most popular high index plastic is polycarbonate. Polycarbonate was originally developed for fighter jet cockpits. It is very strong, very light, and resistant to scratches and breaking. Most sports lenses are made of polycarbonate.

• Mid-Index

  Other high index materials are classified by numbers. The higher the number, the thinner and lighter the lens. The lower numbers are classified as mid-index lenses. Mid-index lenses, such as 1.54, 1.56, and 1.57, are thinner than glass, and nearly as strong as CR-39.

• High-Index

  High index lenses, such as 1.66 and 1.74 are much thinner than regular glass or plastic. Talk with your optician to decide which high index lens is right for you.

Photochromics

If you have ever felt frustrated at needing both prescription glasses and prescription sunglasses to accommodate an outdoor lifestyle, you should consider photochromic lenses. Photochromic lenses darken when exposed to UV rays. The change is caused by photochromic molecules that are found throughout the lens or in a coating on the front of the lens. When the wearer goes outside, the lenses darken or tint. When the wearer goes back inside, the glasses become clear.
 

Polarized Lenses

Glare from wet roads, light reflecting off other vehicles, and glare from your own windshield can be annoying and dangerous. To eliminate this glare, we offer polarized lenses. Polarized lenses eliminate almost all glare, reducing eye strain and increasing visibility. Polarized lenses are the most effective way to reduce glare.

Most glare comes from horizontal surfaces, so the light is “horizontally polarized.” Polarized lenses feature vertically-oriented “polarizers.” These polarizers block the horizontally-polarized light. The result is a glare-reduced view of the world. Polarized lenses can make a world of difference for any outdoor enthusiast. Fisherman can eliminate the bright reflections from the water and actually see into the water more easily than with other sunglasses, golfers can see the green easier, and joggers and bikers can enjoy reduced glare from the road. In addition, drivers can enjoy the safety and comfort that polarized lenses provide while driving.