Choosing the best lenses that fit your needs
Frame style isn’t the only decision you’ll need to make when selecting new eyeglasses. Once you’ve chosen a frame that complements your face, you’ll need to consider which lens type best fits your lifestyle. From lenses that reduce glare to styles that protect your eyes when you play your favourite sport, today’s lenses offer more flexibility than ever.
Do you need single vision lenses, bifocals, trifocals, or progressives?
Before you choose a lens material, you’ll need to think about the type of lenses you want. Choices include:
Single Vision
Single vision lenses offer the same lens power throughout the lens and can be used to improve your vision if you are nearsighted, farsighted, or have astigmatism. They can also be used for reading glasses if you have presbyopia.
Bifocals & Trifocals
These lenses contain two or three zones separated by a noticeable line. For example, bifocals might contain one lens power for far vision and one for near vision. Bifocals and trifocals eliminate the need for multiple pairs of glasses, but some people find the lines distracting.
Progressives
Progressive lenses eliminate the lines, allowing a more seamless transition between lens powers than trifocals or bifocals.
Are plastic lenses right for you?
Plastic lenses are made of Columbia Resin 39 (CR-39), a lightweight plastic polymer that resists breaking. If you have a high (strong) prescription that would normally require thick lenses, high-index plastic lenses may be a good choice for you. The lenses are thinner than normal and fit your eyeglass frames better.
Who can benefit from plastic lenses?
- Good option for most people
- Least expensive choice
- Ideal for reading, driving, hobbies, using digital devices, and other everyday activities
Polycarbonate lenses help you avoid eye injuries
Polycarbonate lenses are even lighter than plastic lenses and were originally designed for Air Force helmet visors and bulletproof glass in banks, according to All About Vision. The thin lenses are a good choice for nearly any prescription and are often used in sports goggles and safety glasses.
Polycarbonate lenses won’t shatter if dropped and are impact-resistant, making them a safe choice for children. If you work in construction, other hazardous jobs, or enjoy home improvement projects, adding polycarbonate lenses to your glasses or safety glasses will help protect your eyes. Goggles with polycarbonate lenses reduce the risk of eye injuries when playing sports. The lenses are also a good option for anyone who prefers thin eyeglass lenses.
Who can benefit from polycarbonate lenses?
- Good for almost all prescriptions
- Safe choice for children
- Extra protection for those working in construction, other hazardous jobs, or play sports
- Good option for those who prefers thin lenses
Trivex lenses decrease the weight of your glasses
Made with urethane-based monomers, Trivex lenses are lighter than polycarbonate or plastic lenses, yet still impact-resistant. The lenses provide a little clearer vision than polycarbonate lenses and offer excellent peripheral vision.
Ideal for sports, highly detailed work, or reading, Trivex lenses provide sharp vision without the weight of plastic or polycarbonate lenses. The enhanced side peripheral vision makes Trivex lenses worth considering if you need good side vision for driving or sports.
Who can benefit from trivex lenses?
- Good option for those who need excellent side vision for driving or sports
- Lighter than polycarbonate or plastic
- Ideal for sports, highly detailed work, or reading
High-Definition (HD) lenses use digital technology
Limitations in the traditional lens manufacturing process can cause slight distortions if your prescription is high. Thanks to the digital technology used to create HD lenses, you’ll enjoy crisp vision, excellent contrast, and reduced glare.
Is fuzzy vision or eyestrain a problem for you? HD lenses offer superior vision for people with high prescriptions and may even reduce your eyestrain. The lenses also eliminate halos or starbursts around lights, make night driving more comfortable, and decrease adjustment time if you wear progressive lenses.
Who can benefit from HD lenses?
- Great for those with high prescriptions
- Reduced glare makes it ideal for night driving
- Decreased adjustment time for those who use progressive lenses
Other lens choices
You can also choose coatings to add to your lenses or select specialty lenses. Coatings can be added to prevent scratches, block blue light, and reduce glare.
Although most eyeglass lenses block 100 percent of UV light, it’s still important to wear sunglasses when you’re outdoors. Standard sunglass lenses or photochromic lenses that darken outside and lighten when you’re indoors will help you reduce your risk of cataracts and cancer. Polarized sunglass lenses reduce glare, improving your comfort whether you’re driving, enjoying a day at the beach, or playing sports.