Thanks to the advancement of lens technology, lenses inside eyewear are no longer a single, one-size-fits all solution. There are a variety of different lens types that can be used in glasses, giving patients greater flexibility and control over their vision than ever before.

Single Vision Lenses

These lenses have a single focal point and are designed to correct the wearer’s vision at just one distance.  They have a single prescription throughout the entire lens. They for people who need glasses for a specific activity, such as driving working on a computer or reading.
 

Bifocal and Trifocal (Multifocal) Lenses

Bifocal and trifocal lenses have either two (bi) or three (tri) lens powers depending on which type you choose. Bifocal lenses have one focal point at the top part or the lens, for example, distance or intermmediate and a different focal point in the lower part, for example, near.  Trifocal lenses usually have distance vision in the top of the lens, intermediate vision in the middle segment and near vision in the bottom segment. Whichever variety and style of bifocal or trifocal lenses that you choose, you will see visible lines separating each segment.

Bifocal and trifocal lenses are recommended for patients who are near or farsighted and have developed presbyopia, which is the natural hardening of the eye lens, that occurs as we get older. Presbyopia makes it harder for the lens of the eye to flex and focus at different distances. They are also prescribed for younger patients to reduce near eye strain.

Progressive (also Multifocal) Lenses

Progressive lenses are multifocal lenses that can correct a patient’s vision at many different working distances, ranging from far distance to reading distance. However, rather than designating different areas on the lenses for different distances with visible lines separating them, progressive lenses have a gradual change so that the wearer can smoothly transition from one lens power to another with no lines in the lenses.

Computer Lenses

Computer lenses are prescription lenses that are specifically designed to be worn when doing computer work. This is because they place the optimum lens power for viewing your computer screen exactly where you need it – which is closer than distance vision, but further away than where reading material is usually held. Wearing computer lenses can significantly reduce the negative effects caused by the high visual demands of computer work, including blurred vision, redness, dry eyes, double vision and dizziness.  Computer lenses can be single vision or variable focus and having them customized to your prescription allows you eyes to be balanced and comfortable.

Transition Lenses

Also known as photochromic lenses, transition lenses are a made of a special type of material that darkens when in the sunlight and lighten when indoors in softer light or in darkness. This versatility gives the wearer the convenience of being able to move between different environments without needing to change their glasses. This makes them extremely cost effective and prevents the wearer from needing to take multiple pairs of glasses out with them. Transition lenses also filter out many of the harmful UV rays that are emitted from the sun, helping to keep eyes healthy. They are ideal for people who spend a lot of time going between inside and outside, or who work outside in varying weather conditions.

Blue Light Blocking Lenses

Blue light blocking lenses are specially crafted lenses that contain filters that block out much of the artificial blue light that is produced by digital devices like computers, smartphones and tablets. Blue light from artificial sources causes light scatter which increases  eye strain, producing symptoms of eye fatigue, dry eyes, blurred vision, headaches and more. Blue light blocking lenses are recommended for anyone who spends a lot of time working on digital devices.

Polarized Lenses

Polarized lenses are used to reduce glare that reflects off of horizontal surfaces such as snow, water and concrete.  They improve the quality of vision on especially sunny days, making them ideal for anyone who spends a lot of time outdoors. Polarized lenses have a special filter that blocks horizontal light while allowing vertical light to pass through, reducing the blinding reflection of sunlight that bounces off of water or snow, for example. Polarized lenses are most often used in sunglasses and protect the eyes from UV damage.

Still have questions about which lens is right for you? Contact us to schedule an eye exam or an appointment to evaluate your individual needs.