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Prescription Eyeglasses Lens Materials at Big Sky Eye Care
There are several criteria to evaluate when it comes to determining which lenses are best for the patient. Three factors play a critical role in your eyeglass prescription: lens material, lens design and lens coating. Here’s a breakdown of each area.
Lens Materials:
Plastic Lenses:
Stronger than glass and half the weight. Maximum comfort and durability. Plastic can be tinted to almost any color and density.
High Index Aspheric Lenses:
Revolutionary high-index aspheric lens material offers prescriptions for a thinner, lighter lens. No more “coke-bottle” lenses! Provides comfort and UV protection.
Polycarbonate Lenses:
The most impact-resistant eyeglasses lens material, it is also shatterproof and lightweight making them ideal for safety glasses. It is good for the active child or athlete and provides UV protection.
Our lens brands are House Brands from Summit Optical (Peak HD Advanced), Shamir, and Eslior.
Photochromatic Lenses:
Lenses that darken with ultraviolet light and lighten without ultraviolet light are available in gray or brown and glass or plastic. These are acceptable options for patients who spend time in and out of doors often during the day.
Lens Designs:
Single-Vision Lenses: These are a popular choice for single-use or occupational glasses (computer or reading glasses). They are available in all lens materials.
Flat-Top Bifocals: Provides vision for distance and close-up work in one lens. Offers variable bifocal widths to accommodate many close-up jobs. Available in all lens materials.
Trifocals: Added lens segments provide clear vision close-up, far away, and in-between. They facilitate all types of work and are available in all lens materials.
Progressive Multifocals: Progressive (no-line) lenses offer all the benefits of bifocals and trifocals, plus the cosmetic appearance of single-vision lenses. They provide clear vision from up close to far away. They are available in all lens materials.
Lens Coatings:
Anti-Reflective Treatment: This is an extremely thin, clear lens treatment that virtually eliminates reflection. By allowing all available light to pass through the lens, this coating reduces eyestrain produced by glare and reflection from headlights and computer monitors, increases contrast, and improves clarity.
Cosmetically, this lens also enables others to see your eyes more clearly. Anti-reflective coating is an excellent choice for public speakers, those working with computers, or those patients experiencing difficulty with nighttime driving. It is also great for patients after Cataract Surgery.
Scratch Resistant Coating: This is a clear lens option that, when added to standard plastic lenses, will dramatically reduce the chance of scratches to the lens.
Ultraviolet Coating: The high index materials block UVA, UVB, and UVC bands of ultraviolet light waves. These high index lenses are effective in reducing the risk of cataract development. Sources include fluorescent lighting and natural lights. It is especially important in high-altitude areas where there’s more light exposure to UV.
Tinted Lenses: Plastic lenses may be tinted in any color. This helps to block the bright light from the eyes.