When you are first diagnosed with short sightedness or long sightedness, your optician will usually recommend prescription glasses.
Along with choosing frames, your optician will also explain the different types of lenses and coatings available for your glasses.
It is very easy to get confused by all the jargon used when discussing lenses and coatings.
At Home Eyecare, we have created this simple guide to help you understand the most common lenses and coatings for glasses, so you can make the right choice for your vision and lifestyle:
Lenses
There are several types of lenses that an optician may prescribe, depending on your eyesight and how you use your glasses.
1. Single Vision Lenses
Single vision lenses are the most common type of prescription lenses. They have one prescription strength across the entire lens.
These lenses are used to correct vision at one distance only. This may be for distance vision such as driving or for near vision such as reading.
Single vision lenses can be prescribed for both short sightedness and long sightedness.
2. Bifocal Lenses
Bifocal lenses are designed to correct vision at two distances. They usually have a visible line on the lens that separates the two prescriptions.
The upper part of the lens is normally used for distance vision, while the lower part is used for near vision such as reading.
The advantage of bifocal lenses is that they combine two prescriptions into one pair of glasses, meaning you do not need separate pairs for distance and reading.
Bifocals are commonly prescribed as part of the natural ageing process.
3. Varifocal and Trifocal Lenses
Varifocal and trifocal lenses provide vision correction at more than two distances without a visible line on the lens.
The top of the lens is used for distance vision, the middle area is for intermediate distances such as computer screens and the lower part is for near vision such as reading.
These lenses work by gradually changing the prescription strength from the top of the lens to the bottom.
4. Office Lenses (Degressive Lenses)
Office lenses, also known as degressive lenses which are designed specifically for indoor and office environments.
The top part of the lens is used for computer screens or looking across a room, while the lower part is used for close work such as reading.
These lenses are ideal for people who spend long periods working at a desk or using digital devices.
Coatings
Lens coatings are applied to improve the performance,durability and appearance of your glasses.
Different coatings serve different purposes and your optician will advise which coatings are suitable for your needs see the list below:
1. Ultraviolet (UV)
UV coating helps to protect your eyes from harmful ultraviolet rays. Long-term exposure to UV light can increase the risk of eye conditions such as cataracts.
A UV coating reduces the amount of UV light that passes through the lens helping to protect your eye health.
2. Anti-Scratch Coating
While no lens is completely scratch-proof, anti-scratch coatings make lenses more durable.
This protective coating hardens the surface of the lens helping to reduce damage from everyday wear and accidental drops.
3. Anti-Reflection (AR) Coating
Anti-reflection coating is a thin layered coating applied to both the front and back of the lens.
It reduces glare caused by light reflecting off the lens surface, which can improve vision when driving at night and when using computers or reading.
AR coating also improves the appearance of glasses as people can see your eyes more clearly rather than reflections on the lenses.
Our optician will guide you on which lenses and coatings are most suitable for your vision and lifestyle.
Contact us today to speak to our friendly team and discuss your eyewear needs.