Choosing your Lenses - Part 1
Progressives, polarized, hydrophobic, and anti reflective are some terms you might hear while trying to select the lenses for your next pair of glasses. These are all fantastic options, but what do they mean and how do they fit with your lifestyle?
Trying to choose the right lenses can be overwhelming!
We’re here to help you feel confident, choose the perfect frame, and fully understand before making any choices.
Let's break down some common terms and how they affect your glasses.
Progressive:
Progressive lenses really are the best of both worlds (you don’t see the line like you do with bifocals and younger people are wearing them too)!
They correct your vision on a spectrum, allowing you to switch from distance, intermediate, to reading with the same pair of glasses! Getting used to progressives takes practice - if you are having trouble check in with your local optician. An optician can make sure you are getting the most from your progressive lenses.
How does it work?
Progressives start by correcting your distance vision at the top of the lens with a gradual change to your reading prescription at the bottom of the lens. There are no harsh lines, allowing for a smooth transition between distance, intermediate, and reading.
Who is it for?
If you find yourself constantly switching between your reading glasses and your regular day to day glasses, progressives lenses are the way to go!
Anti Fatigue:
As more and more people are spending the majority of their day on near vision tasks (reading, screen time, ect.) the need for anti fatigue lenses only grows. The purpose of anti fatigue lenses is exactly as it sounds, to reduce the stress and strain on your eyes. This improves comfort and can help reduce headaches
How does it work?
When a pair of glasses are made with anti fatigue lenses, there is a very slight magnification near the bottom of the lenses. This adds a slight boost to your prescription to help you with reading.
Who is it for?
If you find your eyes straining and are having headaches; anti fatigue lenses might be for you! Your doctor will take your lifestyle into account when writing out your prescription. Make sure to let them know during the exam if you find yourself spending a lot of time reading, working on the computer, or any other tasks you need to focus up close.
Transitions:
Photochromic or Transition lenses help protect against harmful UV rays. They’re a convenient option to keep in mind if you enjoy spending a lot of time outside and hate switching between glasses and sunglasses.
How does it work?
The special coating can be put on almost any lens and reacts to UV rays. Depending on how much UV rays you’re exposed to, the lenses will darken or lighten as needed.
Who is it for?
Do you forget your prescription sunglasses at home regularly? Hate switching between the two? Transition lenses are very convenient and allow you to protect your eyes. Transitions are also perfect for kids, ensuring they get all the UV protection they need during school and outdoor activities.
Polarized:
Polarized lenses are a great option for outdoor enthusiasts- protect your eyes from glare and see you best!
How does it work?
The special polarized lenses prevent light glare from hitting your eye at specific angles. Why does that matter? When light bounces off uneven surfaces (water, pavement, snow, etc.) it can appear much brighter - polarized lenses help filter out this light.
Who is it for?
Do you spend a lot of time outside? Driving? Do you garden? Or play sports? Sun protection is a key component to healthy vision - and polarized lenses are formulated to offer the best protection while cutting down on glare.
Blue Light Filter:
We’re exposed to a lot of blue light throughout our day - some from natural exposure (sunlight) and some from artificial light sources (computer, phone, tablets, fluorescent lighting, etc). This can cause headaches, eye strain, disrupt your sleeping patterns, and in some age related cases cause Macular degeneration. Blue light filters can help alleviate these symptoms!
How does it work?
The clear or yellow tinted coating helps filter out light at specific wavelengths (blue light!). Roughly 27% - 35% of people report experiencing these symptoms.
Who is it for?
Do you find yourself getting headaches after working on your computer for a few hours? Do your eyes feel tired? Do you work with 3 or more screens a day? Or are you a gamer? Blue Light filter is calling for you!
Still have questions? Come in and ask our optician! They love any opportunity to talk about lenses and how they can help you.
