Which Type of Eyeglass Lens Is Right for You?
Picking stylish frames isn't the only choice you'll make when selecting new eyeglasses. You'll also need to consider the best type of eyeglass lenses. Lenses come in a variety of materials and types, each designed to correct specific issues. Learning about the options available will help you make the best choice.
Types of Eyeglass Lenses
Your eye captures light rays, converts the rays to electrical signals, and sends the signals to the brain for processing. As light enters the eyes, the rounded cornea over the iris and pupil and the lens inside the eye bends (refracts) light and focuses it on the light-sensing retina at the back of the eye.
Sometimes, the light doesn't bend (refract) correctly, which causes refractive vision errors. Light may focus in front of the retina or might extend behind the retina, both of which cause blurry vision.
Refractive vision errors include:
- Myopia (Nearsightedness). If you have myopia, your near vision is sharp, while your distance vision is blurry.
- Hyperopia (Farsightedness). Hyperopia causes blurry near vision and sharp distance vision.
- Astigmatism. Astigmatism causes blurry vision at any distance.
- Presbyopia. This age-related vision problem causes blurry near vision and is the reason people over 40 often need reading glasses.
Eyeglass lenses change the way the light bends when it enters the eyes, improving the sharpness of your vision.
Eyeglass lens types include:
- Single Vision Lenses. Single vision lenses include one lens power throughout the entire lens. They correct one type of refractive error only, such as nearsightedness or farsightedness.
- Bifocal Lenses. Bifocal lenses include two lens powers separated by a line. The upper part of the lens corrects distance vision, while the bottom section helps you see close objects clearly.
- Trifocal Lenses. Trifocal lenses include three lens powers and are divided into three distinct sections for near, far, and intermediate vision.
- Progressive Lenses. Progressive lenses include several lens powers, but aren't separated by lines like bifocals and trifocals. Instead, each lens power gradually blends into the next. If you work on computers, one of the lens powers can be set to the ideal distance for viewing screens if you prefer.
- Sunglass Lenses. Dark sunglass lenses improve comfort outdoors and protect your eyes from damaging ultraviolet (UV) light. Prescription sunglasses may offer a more convenient or comfortable option than clip-on sunglasses or sunglasses that fit over your frames. Polarized sunglass lenses reduce glare while providing crisp vision.
- Photochromic Lenses. Photochromic lenses, also known as transition lenses, darken when you're outside and lighten indoors. They're a good choice if you don't want to switch between sunglasses and everyday glasses.
Choosing a Lens Material
You'll also need to select a lens material for your new eyeglasses. Choices include:
- Plastic. Plastic lenses, the least expensive option, are lightweight and resistant to breaking. However, plastic lenses scratch more easily than other lens types.
- Polycarbonate. These lenses are more impact-resistant than plastic lenses, weigh less, and are thinner. They're a good option for sports or safety glasses, in addition to everyday glasses.
- Trivex. Trivex lenses are impact-resistant and even lighter than plastic or polycarbonate lenses. If you're looking for exceptionally crisp vision, they're a good choice.
- High-Definition. Ideal for people with high (strong) prescriptions, high-definition index lenses are extremely thin and use digital technology to create distortion-free lenses. If you're bothered by halos or starbursts around lights, these lenses may be ideal for you.
Adding a Coating
Coatings aren't absolutely necessary, but may extend the life and comfort of your lenses. Coatings include:
- Scratch-Resistance. A scratch-resistant coating can't prevent scratches completely, but may reduce the risk for scratches.
- Anti-Reflective. Anti-reflective coatings decrease glare and can be very helpful when using screens or driving.
- Ultraviolet. These lenses prevent UV light from reaching your eyes. UV light exposure raises your risk of cataracts and eyelid cancer and might increase your risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), according to the National Eye Institute. Cataracts cloud the clear lens of the eye, while AMD damages central vision.
Need a new pair of eyeglasses? We'll update your prescription during your comprehensive eye exam and help you choose the ideal lenses for your eyes. Contact our office to schedule an appointment with the optometrist.
Sources:
National Eye Institute: Protecting Your Eyes from the Sun's UV Light, 7/5/2022
https://www.nei.nih.gov/about/news-and-events/news/protecting-your-eyes-suns-uv-light
All About Vision: Choosing the Best Lenses for Your Glasses, 2/26/2019
https://www.allaboutvision.com/eyewear/eyeglasses/lenses/how-to-choose/
American Academy of Ophthalmology: Eyeglasses: How to Choose Glasses for Vision Correction, 6/14/2023
https://www.aao.org/eye-health/glasses-contacts/glasses
American Academy of Ophthalmology: Pros and Cons of Progressive Lenses, 4/4/2023
https://www.aao.org/eye-health/glasses-contacts/pros-cons-progressive-lenses-computer-glasses
American Optometric Association: Myopia
https://www.aoa.org/healthy-eyes/eye-and-vision-conditions/myopia