Lenses & Coatings

Improve the performance, appearance, and durability of your eyewear though coating. There are many different types of coatings, each with its own benefits. Our office has a wide range of add-ons and options to choose from. Call us to learn more.

For many people, different lenses are needed for seeing at different distances. Bifocal lenses have two parts: the upper part normally used for distance vision and the lower part used for near-vision tasks such as reading.

 Many people after reaching age 35 to 45 develop a condition called presbyopia, which is the deterioration in the ability of the eye’s natural lens to expand or contract in order to focus on close objects. People with presbyopia need a prescription lens for reading and may need a different lens for seeing in the distance. 

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.

Progressive Lenses

A recent variation of bifocals and trifocals is the no-line lens or progressive lens. Progressive lenses provide a smooth transition 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 near objects are viewed through the middle or lower portion of the lens.

No one else has the same combination of head and eye movements that you do. In depth scientific research has shown that each of us has a unique combination of head and eye movement that begins in childhood, and is hard to change as an adult.

Our office has a special instrument that can measure your head and eye movements. This gives us the ability to customize the lens to your specific visual needs.

Trifocal Lenses

As the eyes age, though, a stronger prescription is often needed to read. 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, intermediate distance objects, and for reading.

Specialty Lenses

No matter what your particular need, there is probably a specialty lens designed for you.

Computer Lenses are lenses designed for viewing your computer screen and documents on your desk. The lenses are designed to reduce Computer Vision Syndrome, or CVS, which can be characterized by headaches, eye strain, neck and back aches, dry eyes, blurred vision, and double vision.

Double Bifocals are sometimes prescribed for people who need close vision overhead. These lenses have a reading area at both the top and the bottom of the lens and are often helpful to pilots, electricians, and others who need clear near vision when looking up as well as down.

Other specialty lenses include custom designs for sports and other recreational activities.

High index lenses have a higher index of light refraction and are much thinner and lighter.

Polycarbonate is first and still the most popular high index plastic. It is very strong, very light, and resistant to scratches and breaking. Most sports lenses are made of polycarbonate.

Mid-Index lenses are often meant for people with moderately strong prescriptions. These lenses are thinner and lighter than standard lenses.

High-Index lenses are much thinner than regular glass or plastic. Consult with our office to see if these are a fit for you.

Anti-Reflective Coating

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.

Polarized Lenses

Polarized lenses eliminate the majority of glare, reducing eye strain and increasing visibility. As the most effective means to reduce glare, these polarizers block the horizontally-polarized light. The result is a glare-reduced view of the world.

Scratch Resistant Coating

If you have hard resin lenses (CR-39), you should consider getting a scratch-resistant coating. Resins and plastics are more susceptible to scratches than glass. 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.

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 incorporated into the lens or into a coating on the lens. When the wearer goes outside when it’s bright, the lenses darken automatically. When the wearer goes back inside, the glasses become clear.

There are a variety of photochromic options available. Depending on what you choose, you can customize the lenses to your needs. Some lenses darken only in direct sunlight, while others darken in little or no direct light. Some are designed to darken while you are in the car to reduce road glare while you are driving. You can even choose the color of the tint. Ask your doctor what options are available.