The lenses of your glasses aim to correct, protect and enhance your vision so choosing the right ones is essential. With advancements in materials and technology, there are now many innovative options available on the market, so how do you know what type of lens is best for you? Our team of qualified optical dispensers are here to help you navigate the different options available and to choose the one that is right for you. Here is a short guide to understanding some of the different lens materials available.
Polycarbonate Lenses
Thin and lightweight, polycarbonate lenses are more impact-resistant than standard plastic lenses. Polycarbonate is a popular material of choice for children’s lenses, sports lenses and safety lenses due to it’s better impact resistance than other materials. However, polycarbonate features a low abbe value (the amount of chromatic aberrations in a lens) and this sometimes means that people with high astigmatism may suffer poorer quality of vision, distortion, or sometimes a halo effect in their peripheral vision.
Trivex Lenses
Similar to polycarbonate but with higher quality optics, Trivex lenses provide exceptionally clear vision. Lighter in weight than standard plastic but not quite as thin as polycarbonate, Trivex is impact resistant like polycarbonate, and also rigid. This makes it a good choice for rimless or semi-rimless frames and for young children.
Aspheric Lenses
These lenses have flatter peripheral curvatures than regular spherical lenses. This reduces the amount the lens bulges out from a spectacle frame, improving the appearance – especially in plus powered lenses. Flatter peripheral curves also reduce distortions that occur when looking away from the centre of the lens, making vision crisper.
High-Index Plastic Lenses
Made from a plastic material that refracts light in a different way to regular plastic lenses, high-index lenses correct vision with less material, making the lens thinner. As they are thinner, these lenses are also lighter, which improves comfort for the wearer. A great solution for patients with high prescriptions, as glasses can be made lighter and more cosmetically attractive.
Polarized Lenses
Polarized lenses are most commonly available in grey or brown tint but can come in other colours. Vertically polarized lenses decrease bright glare by blocking horizontal polarized reflected light. Most commonly used in sunglasses, however they are also found in glasses made specifically for fishing, water sports and snow sports.
Photochromatic Lenses
These lenses have a special chemical coating which allows them to be clear whilst indoors, yet change to a dark tint in the sunlight. Photochromic lenses are light-adaptive and the darkness of the tint will depend on the light conditions, making them very versatile. Perfect for those who do not wish to purchase or carry a separate pair of prescription sunglasses.
From scratch resistant coatings and ultraviolet treatments, there are countless types of lenses available for glasses. The best thing you can do is consult your local optometrist and qualified optical dispenser for advice on which is best suited to your needs.
For A Friendly and Experienced Optometrist, Perth Relies On Abernethy Owens
If you haven't updated your glasses in a while or if you are new to wearing them, you might be surprised at the vast array options now available. Experienced in all aspects of optometry and up-to-date with all of the latest lens innovations within the industry, our team can help with all of your eye care needs from frame and lens selection to hard contact lenses, hybrid contact lenses, Myopia control and more. You will find an Abernethy Owens practice in 5 convenient locations throughout Perth so book an appointment online with us today.