| LENS MATERIALS |
HARD RESIN (plastic)
 Conventional hard resin lenses are
half the weight of glass lenses and can be tinted to almost any color and density. Hard
resin lenses are more easily scratched than glass but can have an optional scratch
protection applied. More impact resistant than glass, hard resin lenses do not require
tempering. |
LIGHTER, THINNER LENSES
 Modern technology has created lenses
that bend light differently so that stronger corrections are thinner than when made in
conventional materials. Such lenses are called "high index" and stronger
corrections are more attractive because they are slimmer. Glass lenses are also available
with the slimming advantages of high index but are considerably heavier. High index
plastic uses less material so they are often lighter in weight. High index lenses absorb
all harmful UV light and can be tinted to any shade or color. |
LENSES THAT DARKEN IN THE SUN
 These are lenses that darken as you
go from indoors to outdoors. They are available in glass, hard resin and polycarbonate.
Originally made to darken to a moderate shade, new versions are available that darken to a
true sunglass. Ask for a demonstration of these lenses. |
POLYCARBONATE
 Polycarbonate lenses are the most
impact resistant lenses available and are always the lens of choice for young people and
active patients. Polycarbonate lenses are high index and usually provide the lightest,
most comfortable lenses. They absorb all harmful UV light and can be made ultra thin
because of their unique strength. |
GLASS
 For years glass was the only lens
material available and glass still offers superior optics. The most scratch-resistant
material, the primary disadvantage of glass is its weight, generally twice that of hard
resin. Glass lenses are heat or chemically tempered to increase impact resistance.
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| LENS DESIGNS |
SINGLE VISION LENSES
Single vision lenses function as all
purpose glasses for persons who have normal accommodation. Persons who normally wear
bifocals or trifocals can use single vision for distance or near glasses. Single vision
lenses can also function as occupational glasses for certain types of work. Single vision
lenses can be ordered in all materials. |
ASPHERIC LENSES
 These new lenses provide special
visual and cosmetic benefits for stronger corrections and increase edge to edge clarity.
Flatter than conventional lenses, aspherics eliminate the "bulgy" appearance of
strong plus lenses (far-sighted corrections) and improve the appearance of finished
eyewear. Near-sighted persons also benefit from thinner, lighter weight glasses when the
lenses are aspheric. Aspheric lenses are positioned closer to the face so there is less
eye magnification with farsighted corrections and less "small eyes" look with
nearsighted corrections. Aspheric lenses can be ordered in high index materials for the
ultimate in attractive thin lenses. |
FLAT TOP BIFOCALS
 This is the most popular bifocal
form and is available with the bifocal portion made in a variety of widths to aid in
various close-up occupations. Flat top bifocals can be ordered in every type of lens
material. |
FRANKLIN STYLE BIFOCALS
 Sometimes used for people who need a
wide field of vision for near work (accountants, for example), Franklin style bifocals
have a distinctive look and are usually thicker because of their design. They are
generally only available in glass, hard resin and photochromic glass. They are being
replaced by wide Flat Top bifocals. |
TRIFOCALS
 Trifocals come in a variety of
designs. Flat-top trifocals are the most widely used form. The added segment provides
clear vision at arm's length distance, that middle area that is often blurred for bifocal
wearers. Trifocals can be ordered in all lens materials. |
PROGRESSIVES (no line bifocals)
These modern lenses provide all the
benefits of bifocals but add the feature of continuous clear vision at all distances,
including mid-range distance (arm's length). People like Progressives because they look
like single vision lenses, never revealing the need for bifocals. Progressives are
available in all lens materials and also made in aspheric form. Because of all these
advantages, they are becoming the lens of choice for bifocal and trifocal wearers. |
OCCUPATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
 Many jobs impose demanding visual
requirements on people who wear bifocals or trifocals. Special occupational designs are
available to solve these special needs. If the visual requirements of your job falls into
this category, let us know so we can determine what will work best for your personal
needs. |
SPORTS GLASSES
 All sorts of special lens designs
are available for the special visual needs of sports enthusiasts. Polycarbonate is usually
the material of choice for active sports. |
COMPUTER GLASSES
 There are a variety of special
lenses for computer users. These include special filters tints and anti-reflection
coatings. |
POLARIZED SUN LENSES
These are the exciting sunglasses
that eliminate reflected glare. They are especially appropriate for drivers, fisherman,
hunters and all types of outdoors activities.
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| OPTIONAL LENS TREATMENTS |
SCRATCH PROTECTION COATING
 Light weight hard resin lenses can
be more easily scratched than glass lenses. Special coatings have been developed to help
protect lenses from normal scratching. The modest additional cost for such scratch coating
is usually a prudent investment. Some of the newest lens materials include scratch
coating. |
UV PROTECTION
The ultraviolet rays found in
sunlight can pose potential harm to the eyes. Special treatment is available for hard
resin lenses that completely blocks hazardous UV light. Lenses like polycarbonate, high
index and photochromic lenses include built-in UV protection at no extra cost. |
ANTI/REFLECTION COATINGS
 Special anti-reflective coatings are
now available for spectacle lenses, much like those used for fine camera lenses. These
coatings are particularly effective for reducing eye fatigue for computer operators and
anyone driving at night. And, of course, AR lenses enhance appearance by removing all
distracting reflections.
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| These are, by no
means, the only lenses available. Tell us if you have any unusual work or leisure visual
requirements and we can design the best lenses for all your needs. |
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