How to Choose the Right Lenses
Just as eyeglass frames come in a wide array of types, so do the lenses of prescription eyeglasses. At Peepers Optical, our Denver eyeglasses can be fitted with a variety of lenses, with features such as durability, lens thickness, protective coatings, and color tints. Our staff will be pleased to explain your options so you can make the perfect choice for your daily lifestyle and vision.
Types of Lenses
Technological progress has led to many new lens materials for prescription eyeglasses in Denver. In past years, lenses were crafted only from glass. Currently, high-tech plastics are the accepted material. More resilient, thinner and lightweight, plastic lenses can also be treated with a protective filter to block your eyes from harmful UV rays. Modern plastic lenses for prescription eyewear are also more scratch-resistant than older versions. Options include:
- Polycarbonate: ideal for sports, due to high impact-resistance. UV protection is also generally built-in.
- Trivex: similar to polycarbonate, these lenses are super-thin, light, and highly durable.
- Aspheric: the curvature varies with these lenses, so they can be flatter and thinner to allow clear vision through a larger surface area.
- High-index plastic: thinner and lighter than standard plastic, this material is a superior option for strong vision prescriptions.
- Polarized sunglasses: glare is reduced, which enhances your vision for activities such as driving or sports. (However, they can blur the liquid crystal display on your dashboard.)
- Photochromic: made of either glass or plastic, these lenses darken in response to UV rays. They are often worn in place of sunglasses, although they may not work when sitting behind windshields that have UV protection.
Coatings for Eyeglass Lenses
Eyeglass coatings have a lot to offer! Your options include:
- Anti-reflective coatings to reduce or eliminate reflections, glare, and halos around light.
- Scratch-resistant and UV protection are typically built into every prescription lens.
- Tinted lenses to increase visual contrast, especially for outdoor sports.
- Mirror coatings to hide your eyes; they are available in many hues, such as gold, silver, and blue.
Multifocal Eyeglass Lenses
Multifocal lenses, such as bifocals and trifocals, correct more than one vision problem at a time. It used to be that you could always tell when someone was wearing multifocals, due to a visible line bisecting the lens. Nowadays though, prescription eyeglasses often appear seamless.
Bifocals are divided into two distinct sections. The upper part of the lens has a prescription for distance and the lower part is for close vision. People with presbyopia usually need these prescription eyeglasses. Trifocals have a third section in the lens, which rests above the bifocal area. Objects that are located within your arm’s reach are viewed through this portion.
When choosing from our Denver eyeglasses collection, many patients prefer progressive lenses. These advanced lenses are made with multiple prescriptions, yet an unsightly line isn’t visible on the lens. They are much more attractive and less “old-looking” than the bifocals of yesteryear!
Our optometrist will perform a detailed eye exam to determine the accurate prescription for your Denver eyeglasses. When it comes time to choose your frames and lenses, we’ll advise you on the best features to give you sharp vision, lasting wear, and an attractive look!
