Purchasing a quality pair of glasses is not an easy decision. With the current technology, the options available to most patients are endless. Options include lens material, scratch resistant coatings, anti-reflective coating, tinting, and UV coating, to name a few. It is difficult to say what options are best for each individual, until certain specifics such as eye glass prescription, occupation, and recreational activities are taken into consideration. At A NEW VISION, our staff stays current with the latest technology so that we may offer each individual the best options for their particular vision needs.

Thinner and Lighter Lenses
Many people know there are various options to make their glasses "thinner and lighter." The two general options for creating thinner and lighter lenses are polycarbonate or high-index lens material. Aside from its thinner and lighter qualities, polycarbonate material is also the most impact resistant lens material available, so it is an obvious recommended choice for children. Polycarbonate material also has a scratch-resistance and UV coating "built" in to the lens.

Hi-index material is another option to create thinner and lighter weight material. It is as thin and in some cases, thinner than polycarbonate material. The Hi-index lens may provide better optics than a polycarbonate material, especially with increasing prescriptions. Hi-index also comes with a scratch-resistance and UV coating in the lens.

Anti-Reflective Coatings
No matter what type of lens, glass, plastic, polycarbonate, or Hi-index, all lenses benefit from an anti-reflective coating (AR). Anti-reflective coating is a hard coating applied to both sides of a lens to help eliminate annoying reflections, such as those caused from computer monitors or oncoming car headlights when driving. The AR coating makes a lens clearer for the wearer to look through, and also clearer for others to see an individual's eyes. The AR coating also serves as an additional scratch resistant coating.

Transitions® Lenses
In addition to lens material and AR coatings, other options available include tints for sunglasses or Transitions® lenses. Transitions lenses darken in the sunlight and lighten indoors. This is a plastic lenses that is also available in polycarbonate or hi-index material, with either a gray or brown tint. For individuals interested in having prescription sunglasses, Transitions lenses are a great alternative to purchasing two pair of glasses.

Multifocal Lenses
For individuals requiring a multifocal lens (bifocal or trifocal), the main decision is whether to have a line or no line. Depending upon an individual's occupation, one type of multifocal lens may be a better option than another. A no-line bifocal has a certain area, or channel, in the lower portion of the lens that gradually increases in magnification as one looks down the lens. The lowest portion of the lens offers the most magnification. With a lined bifocal, magnification is in a clearly marked section of the lower portion of the lens. There is no gradual increase, or channel to "find." Many individuals initially undergo a short "adaptation" period with either type of bifocal. The adaptation is mainly a matter of learning how to use the lens effectively. Usually, individuals are through the "adaptation" period within a few days. If individuals are taking longer than this to adjust to the new lens, it may be a good idea to have the glasses adjusted again to ensure proper fit and placement of the bifocal.

Sometimes, bifocal wearers who do a large amount of computer work may discover that a lined or a no-lined bifocal does not work very comfortably. For these individuals an occupational lens, or a lens designed specifically for computer work, may be the best option. There are several occupational lenses available and the best lens for each individual should be recommended by the examining eye care professional.