Prescription lenses come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Over the years, new technology has developed to create unique prescription lenses to correct specific vision problems. While prescription glasses are most common for vision correction, LASIK eye surgery can eliminate the need for glasses.
Before you purchase your next pair of prescription lenses, educate yourself on the many lens options.
Computer lenses – Designed to reduce glare for individuals who spend long periods of time in front of their computer screen. Computers can cause the eyes to strain when trying to focus on electronic words and images. Eyewear with anti-reflective coating and a tint can help reduce glair from the computer screen and overhead lighting.
Reading glasses – As we age, fine print can become more difficult to read. Presbyopia, which causes they eyes to lose their ability to focus, is developed with age. Reading glasses that magnify fine print can be purchased at many stores. If the vision in each of your eyes is different, have astigmatism, or if you require bifocal lenses, your eye doctor will need to prescribe corrective lenses for reading.
High-index lenses – The days of thick, “coke-bottle” lenses are gone. Thanks to new technology, even many of the strongest vision prescriptions can be put into thinner, lighter high-index lenses. Aspheric lenses are another option for individuals with strong prescriptions. Aspheric lenses are thinned on the sides to avoid thickness of the lens.
Multifocal lenses – Bifocals and multifocal lenses are a vision correction solution for those whose vision varies based on distance. If you need one prescription to focus on reading and another for driving or viewing at a distance, you are likely a candidate for multifocal lenses. Progressive lenses, also called “no-line bifocals,” provide a gradual shift in prescription strength, without a visible line in the lens.
Polycarbonate protective lenses – For athletes, protective eyewear can prevent up to 90% of sports-related eye injuries. Polycarbonate plastic lenses are 10 times stronger than other lenses, and better able to withstand direct contact during sports like racquetball, hockey and baseball.
Colored lenses – Lenses tinted with yellow are popular with skiers, snowboarders, cyclists and other athletes as they are known to help produce a sharper image in low light. Green-colored lenses are worn by many golfers and are thought to heighten contrast, making the white ball stand out against the green.
Polarized lenses – Designed to reduce glare from reflected surfaces. Sunglasses with polarized or mirrored lenses are popular with boaters, water skiers and snow skiers as they limit light coming into the eye in bright conditions.
What has been your experience with prescription lenses? Do you wear colored or tinted lenses? Share your experiences with us in the comments below!
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