Laser Vision Correction Accelerated Ortho-K Contact Lenses Eye Glasses

Most people who require vision correction wear eyeglasses. While there are many options available for vision correction, such as contact lenses, it is always a good idea to have a pair of eyeglasses with an up-to-date prescription in case wearing contact lenses is not advisable (e.g., getting a red eye). Even if you don't wear contact lenses, having an extra pair of glasses is a good investment in case you lose or break your only pair.

While eyeglass lens technology has advanced greatly over the years, sometimes having only one pair of eyeglasses will not meet all of your vision requirements. Certain activities may require a separate pair of specifically prescribed eyeglasses to enhance visual performance and comfort. For example, progressive lenses are convenient and provide good distance, intermediate, and near vision for many patients who require reading glasses. However these glasses may not be appropriate for those who need to see straight lines across their entire field of view, such as draftsmen or carpenters, because progressive lenses cause distortion as you look towards the edge of the lens. Thus, a separate pair of glasses prescribed specifically for these tasks would be recommended, while the progressive lenses can be used for day-to-day tasks.

Eyeglasses not only provide functional value by providing clear vision, but also have aesthetic value by serving as a fashion accessory. Would you wear one set of clothes every single day for the next few years? Of course not! But that's what many people do with their eyewear—they wear the same pair for many years without updating its appearance. As eyewear become more fashionable, a growing number of people are finding value in having more than one pair of glasses to suit different occasions and looks.

While choosing eyeglass frames is a matter of personal taste and functionality, selecting the right lens material and coatings should not be overlooked. The lenses will ultimately determine the performance, comfort, and appearance of your eyewear. The lenses, after all, are the windows that you look through when wearing your glasses.

If you have any questions regarding the appropriate frames and lenses for your visual requirements, prescription, and lifestyle, please feel free to drop by our optical department at the Finch/Midand office and we will be pleased to assist you with your optical needs.

Here are some things for you to consider for your next pair of eyeglasses...

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High Index—Thinner, lighter lenses

Most people who wear glasses want their lenses to be thinner and lighter. As the eyeglass prescription increases, so does the weight and thickness of the lens. Thick lenses detract from the appearance of the eyewear. Heavy lenses may cause discomfort, especially after an entire day of wearing glasses.

High index lenses offer benefits that can alleviate these problems. The “index” of a lens material, or its “index of refraction,” simply refers to its ability to bend light. High index lens materials can bend light more than conventional lens materials.

For the same prescription, high index lenses offer these benefits compared to conventional plastic lenses:

• Thinner, thus more attractive.
• Lighter, thus more comfortable.

If your prescription is relatively strong, you may benefit from high index lenses to make your glasses look and feel better.

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Anti-Reflection (AR) Coating

Anti-reflection coatings block reflected light and offer benefits such as improved vision, better appearance, and enhanced safety and comfort.

Reduce glare caused by reflections, which contributes to eye fatigue. More comfortable vision by reducing eyestrain from artificial lights, computers, and TV screens. Safer and more comfortable night driving vision is achieved by reducing distracting glare and halos from headlights and street lights. Enhanced appearance of eyeglasses because people will see your eyes, not your lenses. Lenses appear thinner. Maximize the amount of light entering the eye for improved vision through the lenses.

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Scratch Resistant Coating

No lens material is scratch proof, but a clear, hard scratch resistant coating goes a long way to minimizing scratches on your windows to the world.

• Reduce scratches that affect optimal vision through the lenses.
• Stands up to everyday wear and tear, extending the life of the lens.

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UV Protection

Just as we use sunscreen to prevent the sun's UV rays from harming our skin, a UV coating on our eyeglass lenses block those rays from damaging our eyes. UV has been found to increase the risk of cataract, retinal degeneration, and other eye conditions.

UV Protection blocks harmful UV light from entering your eyes.

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Polycarbonate Lenses

Polycarbonate lenses are for those who want peace of mind that their lenses are providing improved safety, comfort, and appearance compared with traditional plastic lenses.

Polycarbonate lenses offer a variety of benefits:

• Impact Resistance—The material and manufacturing process make polycarbonate lenses more impact resistant than conventional plastic lenses.
• Thinner—Polycarbonate is a high index material, which means polycarbonate lenses will be thinner than conventional plastic lenses.
• Lighter—Less polycarbonate material is needed to provide the same prescription compared with conventional plastic.
• UV protection—Polycarbonate lenses have built-in UV protection, which protects your eyes from damaging UV rays.
• Scratch resistance—Polycarbonate lenses come with scratch resistant coatings on both sides, so your lenses will hold up better to daily wear.

The properties of polycarbonate lenses make them the lens of choice for children's glasses, sports eyewear, and safety glasses.