While the frame of your eyeglasses is certainly important to your appearance and comfort, make sure that you pay equal attention to the lenses as well when you are buying a new pair of glasses. Oftentimes people spend more time choosing the frame, not knowing that eyeglass lenses also come in various designs, materials and coatings — which could affect your comfort and how well you see in them.
In this article, Perception Eyecare %20 Eyewear discusses a few things that you should consider when selecting lenses for your eyeglasses.
Lens Material
Depending on your needs, your eyeglasses can be made with glass, plastic, polycarbonate or high-index lenses. Glass was very common in the past. But nowadays, glass lenses are no longer widely used for eyeglasses since they are heavy and can break easily. Plastic lenses came in the 1940s as an alternative to glass. The material, a plastic polymer called CR-39, was lightweight and low-cost, and it offered excellent optical qualities. That is why it has remained a popular eyeglass lens material up to this day.
Polycarbonate lenses were mainly introduced to be used for safety glasses. They are lighter and more impact-resistant than CR-39 plastic, so they have become the preferred material not just for safety glasses but for children’s eyewear and sports eyewear too.
Lastly, high-index plastic lenses were made to meet the demand for lighter, thinner eyeglasses. These lenses have a higher index of refraction; that’s why they are thinner and lighter than CR-30 plastic.
Lens Treatment
Different lens treatments can be applied to boost the durability, comfort and appeal of your eyeglasses. Below are some of those treatments that are considered essential:
- Anti-scratch coating – Lightweight lens materials tend to have surfaces that are more prone to scratches and abrasions. That’s why you should opt for an anti-scratch coating for improved lens durability.
- Anti-reflective coating – This type of treatment eliminates reflections in the lenses, which cause reduced contrast and clarity, especially at night.
- UV-blocking treatment – This lens treatment can protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful UV radiation, which is known to be associated with age-related eye conditions such as cataracts and macular degeneration.
- Photochromic treatment – This lens treatment automatically darkens the eyeglass lenses when exposed to the sun’s UV and high-energy visible (HEV) light rays, and then returns to clear once the eyeglass wearer is already indoors.
Perception Eyecare %20 Eyewear offers excellent eye care and quality eyewear for various needs. Our team consists of professional and knowledgeable individuals who ensure efficient and personalized service for every patient. Call us at [company_phone] or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment.