Plastic -Plastic lenses are lighter than glass lenses, and can be tinted to almost any color and shade.

Thinner, lighter high Index -Technologically advances high-index lenses creates a thinner profile for those with strong prescriptions. These lenses are more comfortable as well as cosmetically desirable, as high-index glass or plastic lenses.

High Impact Resistant -dispensers recommend high impact resistant lenses for two good reasons:
They are lightweight, yet are the most impact-resistant lenses available. Your dispenser will likely suggest high impact resistant lenses for children, teens, active adults, occupational safety, and anyone needing superior eye protection.

Glass-Glass offers superior optics and the best scratch-resistance. However, glass lenses must be specially treated for impact resistance and can be heavier to wear than other lens materials.

2. Lens Designs

Single Vision -this-all-purpose lens is available in all materials and can be used for either distance or near vision correction.

Multifocals -will be suggested when both distance and near correction are needed together in a single lens.

No-line progressives -correct for far (driving a vehicle), intermediate (viewing the dash board), and near (reading a map) vision all in one lens. Because there is no visible line, progressive have the appearance of single- vision lenses and are, therefore, the most cosmetically desirable multifocal. Progressive are available in all lens materials.

Bifocals -provide both far (driving) and near (leading a map) correction in one lens.

Trifocals-are basically progressive lenses with visible lines. The majority of the lens is for distance viewing, while the center portion is divided into intermediate and near viewing segments..

Thinner, flatter lenses -pare recommended when a prescription is either “high-minus,” meaning lenses are thicker at the outer edges, or “high-plus’’ when lenses are thicker in the middle. Flatter lenses enhance has appearance by reducing edge or center thickness. They are lighter weight and can provide edge-to edge visual clarity by utilizing aspheric or atoric design.

Aspheric-offers less magnification or magnification of the eyes, as well as in image viewed. Edge-to-edge visual clarity mean that as the eyes move, vision will remain clear rather than ‘’blur out’’ when the viewer looks away from the center of the lens.

Atoric -also helps reduce visual aberrations, allowing for a wider field of view as well as a cosmetically pleasing slim and lightweight lens. Ask your dispenser which flatter lens option – aspheric or atoric – is better for your particular vision correction.

3. Specialty lenses

Industrial/occupational lenses-special occupational designs allow dispensers to customize lenses for virtually any occupational or hobby visual and / or safety requirement. Be sure to discuss with your dispenser the tasks you do at work, and also what you do in your spare time.

Computer lenses-if you’re viewing a computer video display terminal (VDT) for more than two hours a day, you may need variable focus lenses. These lenses help correct vision for the specified length of your eye to the computer screen and the immediate vicinity. A variety of computer-specific lenses include special filters, tints, and anti-reflective properties.

Sport lenses -come in many designs, color, and treatments for every sport. Safety is key with sports eyewear, so tough high impact resistant lenses are most commonly recommended

4.Sun Lenses

Polarized lenses -are the top pick for eliminating glare. Hunters, boaters and fishermen, golfer and driver are a few who benefit from polarized lens’ glare –cutting properties. Any surface can create glare in sunlight, including water, sand, snow, window, vehicles, and buildings.

Polarization eases eye stress and fatigues in the sun, and comes in several color and density options.

Tinted lenses -the majority of lenses can be tinted from light to very dark. Tints for sun lenses are usually medium to dark shades, and can be solid through the whole lens, or gradient, darker on top fading to lighter or clear at the bottom of the lens. Tints also come in a rainbow of color options.

Mirrored lenses -not only look cool, they are cool. Mirrored coatings provide a reflective surface that makes the eye virtually invisible to viewers, while keeping the wears eyes protected from glare and heat.  Mirrors come in a variety of colors to enhance tints and visual performance.

Photochromic lenses -Sometimes called ‘’ comfort’’ lenses, photochromic lenses darken and lighten according to light exposure. If the wearer is in the sun, phtochromics darken, if indoors, the lenses are light. Photochromic lenses are available in virtually all lens materials and lens designs. Ask your eyecare professional for a demonstration.

5. Lens Treatments

UV protection -the sun’s ultraviolet rays pose potential harm to your eyes. UV protection on lenses accomplishes the same thing as sun screen lotion on your skin. It shields your eyes from harmful ultraviolet rays.  Plastics and glass lenses may require UV coating, while high-index and high impact resistant lenses provide UV protection inherently in the lens material.

Scratch-resistance coating -recommended protecting lenses from everyday wear-and-tear. Some materials, such as high impact resistant, high-index lenses, and several new plastic lens designs, include scratch protection.

Anti-reflective -dispensers suggest anti-reflective, or AR lenses, to help reduce eye fatigue in all situations, particularly while viewing computer screens and driving at night. In addition to enhancing vision by removing distracting reflections, AR lenses are cosmetically desirable, as the wear’s eyes clearly visible behind the lenses.