Eyewear Lenses

Ask the specialists at Medical Eye Center about the following lens options that are designed to enhance your unique lifestyle.

Single Vision Lenses

These lenses are intended to correct for one of the two common types of refractive error – nearsightedness (myopia) or farsightedness (hyperopia). They may also correct for astigmatism.

Multi-focal Lenses

These lenses correct for more than one refractive error. A common multi-focal lens is the bi-focal lens, where the upper portion of the lens is corrected for distance viewing and the lower portion of the lens is corrected for near viewing (14-20 inches). Tri-focals add a third segment that allows for intermediate viewing (20-36 inches). With traditional bi-focals and tri-focals, the near and intermediate segments are distinct, so they are often referred to as “lined” bi-focal or tri-focal lenses.

Progressive Lenses

Progressive lenses were developed to eliminate the lines on bi-focals and tri-focals that many patients find bothersome. Progressive lenses provide clear distance, intermediate and near vision—all with a gradual transition between the different segments. Because there are no lines, progressive lenses are often considered to be more attractive and natural than lined bi-focal or tri-focal lenses. There are over 300 brands of progressive lenses available today.

Transitions Lenses

Transitions™ lenses lighten and darken according to UV exposure. They offer the performance of prescription eye glasses and sunglasses in one convenient pair. Transitions lenses are now in their 5th generation, and the speed at which these lenses change color has improved dramatically. They’re also extremely effective in blocking ultraviolet radiation. Learn more at the Transitions website.

Note: Discount retailers often sell earlier generations of Transitions lenses that are not nearly as fast or dark as the newest generation.

Scratch-Resistance Coatings

Scratch-resistance coatings are highly recommended and guaranteed to protect lenses from everyday wear and tear. The coating provides a harder finish to the lens, making the lens far more scratch resistant. Medical Eye Center warranties their scratch-resistant coatings for one full year—even longer in some cases.

Anti-Reflective Coated Lenses

Anti-reflective coatings increase functional light transmission, enhance cosmetic appearance and eliminate glare. The coating increases the optical performance of the lenses and reduces eye fatigue, particularly while viewing computer screens and driving at night. New technology has vastly improved these coatings in the past few years. Today, they are much easier to clean and perform far better than ever before. A one-year warranty is provided for these premium anti-reflective coatings.

Ultraviolet Coating

This is an additional lens application that blocks Ultraviolet A (UVA) and Ultraviolet B (UVB) emissions from the sun. Research suggests that UVA and UVB radiation may contribute to early cataract formation, macular degeneration, and retinal disease.

Blue Light Filters

While the sun is the main source of blue light, there are also many man-made sources of blue light such as compact fluorescent and LED lighting and digital devices (tablets, smartphones, laptops, and TVs). Digital devices only emit a small amount of blue light when compared to blue light exposure from the sun; however, the frequency and prolonged utilization of digital devices as well as the proximity to the eyes during use are causes for concern. Blue light exposure can cause eye strain, headaches, or blurred vision due to reduced contrast sensitivity. Blue light also suppresses melatonin and can disrupt natural sleep cycles. Though consensus within the medical community has not yet been reached, studies are being done to evaluate the impact of blue light on the macula, the part of the eye where our best vision is formed. Some studies have shown that excessive blue light exposure may contribute to macular degeneration, but further research is needed at this time.

For the reasons noted above, Medical Eye Center recommends incorporating a blue light filter or “blue blocker” treatment to eyeglass lenses to reduce blue light exposure, both naturally occurring and man-made. Not only will a blue light filter help to create a more clear and comfortable visual experience while working with digital devices, it will help to prevent interruption of natural sleeping cycles. For optimal protection, we recommend selecting a blue light filter that also offers 100% UV protection.

EYEWEAR LENS TECHNOLOGY

Get EyeSmart

Visit the American Academy of Opthalmology’s webpage on Eye Glasses.

Eyewear Lens Technology

Lens technology and materials are constantly changing. We’ll help guide you to the best possible lenses that will meet your needs.

Plastic Lenses

Plastic lenses were first introduced in 1962 and became more popular than glass lenses in the 1980’s. Traditional plastic lenses are slightly thicker than glass lenses, but are almost 50% lighter.

Polycarbonate Lenses

While these lenses are somewhat lighter and thinner than conventional plastic lenses, the optics are not as sharp. Polycarbonate lenses are commonly used by discount chains.

Phoenix Lenses

Phoenix© lenses are an advanced material that’s lighter and thinner than conventional plastic lenses and provide vastly superior optics than polycarbonate. Highly recommended for their impact resistance and UV protection.

High-Index Plastic Lenses

These lenses are lightweight, provide excellent optics, superior scratch protection, and they eliminate the “Coke-bottle” look for patients with high prescriptions. While high-index lenses are more expensive than regular plastic lenses, high-index lenses are the best option for over half of all patients when considering the weight, thickness and cosmetic appearance of your glasses.

Glass Lenses

Glass lenses are still available today, although they are heavier, thicker, less protective and less attractive than other types of lenses.

Adaptive Lenses

Adaptive lenses change in tint as the wearer changes their environment. When indoors, the lenses will become clear, when outdoors, the lenses darken. Adaptive lens technology has come a long way in recent years. Many who have had unsatisfactory experiences in the past due to lenses not being responsive enough with lighting changes or lenses not darkening at all while driving will be pleasantly surprised by the new generation of products. Adaptive lenses are now very responsive to lighting changes, are designed to darken when in the car, offer 100% UV protection and some blue light protection and come with highly desirable options such as polarization and mirror finishes.

SPECIALTY EYEGLASSES

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