Your Healthy Eyes - Your Lens Choices - Vision Source
Design, material and treatments are the three components that make up a pair of
prescription lenses. It is important to select the right combination of these elements
for your particular visual needs and to always consult your eye care professional.
Single Vision — Contains either a single
near or far vision prescription, depending on whether you
are nearsighted or farsighted.
Bifocals — Combines near (reading a map) and
far (driving a vehicle) prescriptions in one lens, with a
visible line separating the two fields of vision.
Trifocals — Provides clear vision at three
distances–far, intermediate and near. The center
portion is segmented into intermediate and
near-viewing zones with two visible lines separating
these areas.
Progressives — Cosmetically the most desired
multifocal lens since they do not contain visible lines. The
prescription power is dispersed into three areas– distance
(driving a vehicle), intermediate (viewing the dashboards)
and near (reading a map).
Aspheric & Atoric — Are 30 to 45 percent
thinner than standard lenses. When either the outer
edges of lenses (high-minus prescription) or the middle
of the lens (high-plus prescription) are extremely thick,
your eye care professional may recommend an aspheric
or atoric lens design that will be more cosmetically
appealing, comfortable and will provide the wearer
with excellent vision.
Plastic — The most popular and economical
lens material, available in almost every lens design.
Polycarbonate — The most impact resistant
material, commonly used for sports, safety, and children’s
eyewear. Thinner and lighter than plastic lenses,
polycarbonate provides 100% UV protection.
High Index Plastics — Have the
ability to be substantially thinner than plastic lenses,
cosmetically more appealing, and are generally more
expensive than standard plastic and polycarbonate
lenses. Most include 100% UV protection.
LENS DESIGN
There are more lens options today to
meet your visual needs and activities,
so take careful consideration when
selecting a lens for your lifestyle.
LENS TREATMENTS
Anti-Reflective (AR)
AR lenses reduce
reflections and glare
making it easier to see
especially when driving
at night. Since reflections
on the front surface
of the lens are virtually
eliminated, your lenses
will appear invisible,
allowing others to see
your eyes clearly.
Polarized
Used to block glare,
polarized lenses are a
smart choice for prescription
sunglasses and
come in a variety of lens
materials and colors.
Scratch Protection
Protects the lenses from
everyday wear and tear.
Polycarbonate, highindex
and several new
plastic lens materials
have scratch-resistant
protection.
Photochromic
Versatile lenses that
change from light to
dark and back to light by
responding to UV light
and temperature. These
lenses are available in
plastic, polycarbonate
and high-index plastic.
UV Protection
Making sure your lenses
include ultraviolet
protection may prevent
skin cancer around the
eyes, cataracts, and longterm
eye damage. While
lens materials, such as
high-index and polycarbonate,
provide UV
protection in the material
itself, plastic lenses
may require an added
UV treatment.