There are different lens materials to meet different needs
Eyeglass lens material doesn't change the corrective power of your glasses. Rather, eyeglass lens types offer different cosmetic and lifestyle benefits to the wearer. Shades Sunglasses
For example, some offer protection from the glare of computer screens. Others thin out lenses that would otherwise be thick and stick out of a frame.
This article reviews the different lens material options for glasses. You can use this information to decide which eyeglasses lens material type is right for you.
The first decision you'll need to make when picking eyeglass lenses is the type of material used to make the lens.
Hi-index lenses are made of a special plastic material that refracts light in a different way than regular plastic lenses.
Here are a few reasons why you might choose this eyeglasses lens material:
This eyeglass lens type also has downsides you might want to consider:
Polycarbonate lenses are made of a type of plastic that is more impact-resistant than standard plastic lenses.
Here are a few reasons why you might choose this eyeglasses lens material:
The abbe value is the number of chromatic aberrations in a lens. The higher this number is, the better the quality of vision through the lens will be.
This eyeglass lens type also has downsides you might want to consider:
Trivex is a relatively new material that is similar to polycarbonate lenses but with higher-quality optics. That means it provides clearer vision.
You might choose this type of eyeglass lens material because:
An aspheric lens design gives several advantages to eyeglass lenses.
You might prefer this type of eyeglass lens because:
When you're choosing eyeglass lens materials, there are also some features or enhancements that you might want to consider.
An anti-reflective coating is applied to eyeglass lenses to reduce the amount of internal and external reflections on a lens. This coating increases the amount of light transmitted through the lens, which improves the quality of vision.
You might choose this eyeglasses lens material because:
Scratch-resistant coatings are applied to the front and back of lenses in the manufacturing process.
Here is a potential benefit of choosing this eyeglass lens material:
There is a key point about this type of eyeglass lens that you should know:
Ultraviolet treatment is applied to lenses to protect against harmful UV sun rays that can accelerate the development of cataracts and macular degeneration.
The main benefit of this type of eyeglass lens material is that it protects your eyes from the damaging effects of the sun. The UV treatment is easy to put on the lenses and is often included with the purchase of eyeglasses.
Polarized lenses are usually used to make sunglasses. They are available most commonly in grey or brown tint but many other colors are available.
Here are a few benefits of using this type of eyeglass lens material:
Photochromatic lenses have a special chemical coating that makes them change to a dark tint in the sunlight and turn clear indoors.
The benefits of using this type of eyeglass lens material include:
There are also some points to consider before choosing this type of eyeglass lens:
There are also some other optional eyeglass lens features you might choose, including:
If you want to change or replace eyeglass lenses, talk to your eye healthcare provider. While you can buy eyeglass lens replacements online, it's not a good idea to try to replace your own glasses lenses.
Eyeglasses are very delicate. If you try to take the lens out, you might damage it or the frame of your glasses.
If you haven't been to the eye doctor in a while, you might be surprised by how many eyeglass lens types are available. You can choose the eyeglass lens material that meets your needs and lifestyle. You can choose the lens materials and coatings that match your style and vision needs.
There is no one type of eyeglass lens that's right for everyone. The eyeglass lens type and eyeglass lens material that is best for you will depend on several factors, including your vision correction needs and lifestyle.
If your eyeglass prescription changes, ask your eye healthcare provider about updating your glasses. You might be able to keep the frames you have or pick new ones, depending on what changes to the lenses are necessary.
Your eye healthcare provider can change or replace the lenses in your eyeglasses if needed. You may be able to purchase them in the office, from an eyeglass shop, or even online.
Eyeglasses are very easy to break, especially lenses and frames. If you want to change the style of your glasses, it is best to ask a professional.
The cost of eyeglass lenses depends on what they're made of and whether they have special features, coatings, or enhancements. Sometimes, you can save money if you buy new eyeglass lenses only (not the frames) online instead of from your eye healthcare provider. However, you'll need your eyeglasses prescription to make sure you get the correct lenses.
Often, a full pair of glasses take a week or two to come in. However, some places can make eyeglass lenses in an hour.
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By Troy Bedinghaus, OD Troy L. Bedinghaus, OD, board-certified optometric physician, owns Lakewood Family Eye Care in Florida. He is an active member of the American Optometric Association.
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