Choosing your ophthalmic lenses
Upon choosing your lenses, you should consider the following points:
- Material
- Types of lenses
- Specialty lenses
- Treatments
Lens Material
Plastic
The main advantages of a plastic lens are its light weight and its safety features, in comparison to a glass lens. As well, a plastic lens can be tinted almost any color and shade.
High-index materials
A high-index lens creates a thinner profile for those with strong prescriptions. The lens is lighter in weight than a standard glass or plastic lens.
As a result, they are more comfortable and cosmetically desirable.
Glass
A glass lens is heavier than other lens materials. It is recommended to treat glass lenses for impact-resistance.
Types of Lenses
Single Vision
Used for near or distance vision correction, and is available in all types of materials.
Bifocal
A single lens used for near and distance vision correction with a visible line.
Trifocal
Serves the same purpose as a progressive lens, yet has visible lines on the lens. A large portion of the lens is used for distance vision; the centre portion for intermediate vision; and the bottom portion for near vision.
Progressive (Multi-focal)
A multi-purpose lens used for near, intermediate and distance vision correction. It is esthetically designed without a visible line in the lens, and is available in all types of materials.
Aspheric lens
It allows the eye to appear as its natural size through the lens. It generates a wider field of vision since the lens is flatter than a normal lens. The lens improves visual clarity in higher powered lenses.
Specialty lenses
Task-specific lens provides you with the best vision according to your needs. We match the lens to fit your job, hobby or other recreational use.
Computer Lenses
This type of lens is useful for someone who spends more than 2 hours a day in front of a computer screen. The lens take into consideration the short viewing distance to a computer, which can cause eye strain with conventional lenses and may also include special filters, tints and anti-reflective properties.
Sports Lenses
An array of designs, colours, and coatings are available for different sports. Elevated need for eyewear to be safe, which requires a high impact-resistant lens.
Lens treatments
Scratch-Resistant Coatings
A coating designed to protect the lens from everyday wear and tear. However, some materials include the scratch-resistant coating such as high impact resistant and high-index lenses.
Anti-Reflective (AR)
The main advantage of the anti-reflective lens is the reduction in eye fatigue in all situations, especially while viewing computer screens and driving at night. The AR lens not only removes distracting reflections, it is cosmetically desirable since the wearer’s eyes are clearly visible behind the lenses.
High Impact-Resistance
High impact-resistant lenses are very lightweight for anyone needing superior eye protection, including children, teens and active adults. Safety eyewear is also commonly made using high-impact lens materials to provide protection on the job.