Questions About Eye Glasses
What is a quality frame and how will it benefit me?
As is expected, quality frames can cost more than cheap ones, sometimes quite a bit more, but is it worth it? Quality frames can be adjusted and stay adjusted longer to your exact face dimensions. That means they fit you comfortably and make seeing easier. They can take more abuse but still be fixed or readjusted. They generally have a longer warranty from the manufacturer against defects in workmanship, whereas most cheap frames have no warranty at all. The styling is usually better too, so the frames make you look your best. You see more clearly and others see you more clearly also. Quality frames are less hassle and maintenance but you get better vision and better appearance. In the long run, this can ultimately cost you less.
How do I get my eyeglass lenses to be thin and light weight?
There are three treatments to achieve a thin lens appearance in eyeglasses:
First, using a high index lens should work to reduce the majority of lens’ bulk. The higher the index material, the thinner the lens will be. High index lens technology has advanced so much in recent years that those with high prescriptions can finally turn in those Coke bottle glasses for sleek, barely noticeable frames and lenses!
Second, choosing a smaller frame centered directly over the eyes, can always make lenses appear more lightweight.
Third, those with hyperopia (far-sightedness) may benefit from “aspheric” lenses, which not only reduces bulk but also minimizes eye magnification and vision distortion. Aspheric lenses differ from regular lenses through a less round curvature rather than the actual material (as with high index).
What is an anti-reflective lens?
Anti-reflective lenses are one of the best treatments to use on prescriptive glasses. They significantly reduce glare from oncoming headlights, reduce unwanted reflections from the backside of the lenses, and make it possible for others to see your beautiful baby blues (or browns or greens)! It is the best way for people to see you and for you to get the best possible vision.
How about lenses that go from light to dark?
Lenses that change from light to dark are called “transitional” or “transition lenses.” They work very well-- going from almost clear indoors to a dark gray or brown outdoors. The ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun cause the lenses to change color. While driving, the car windshield blocks UV rays so the lenses won't go completely dark. Transition lenses are great for outdoor sports and hobbies. Transitional lenses also get darker when it’s colder.
Are there special lenses for computer work?
Special lenses can definitely make working at your computer easier. Occasionally, a single vision lens with a UV filter and tint is useful. More often, a special progressive occupational lens can be very helpful. They have higher and wider intermediate and near areas to help with computer work. One of these is called the “office,” ask for it.
What is a progressive lens?
A progressive lens lets you see far-away, intermediate distance, and close-up all through the same lens. Some people think of progressive lenses as “no-line bifocals” but they're actually not. Bifocals have only two lenses: near and far. Progressives have an infinite number of lenses between near and far. It often takes time getting accustomed to progressive lenses, but like democracy, it is the best there is, flaws and all.
The best way to understand progressive lenses is to come in with the glasses or contact lenses you usually wear for distance viewing. We'll put a special lens in front of them so you can get a feel for it. In this case, a demonstration is worth a thousand words!
Should I use a progressive or bifocal if I don't have much of a distance prescription?
Progressive and bifocal lenses allow you to quickly and easily look from near to far and back with a minimum of effort. If you cannot see far away without taking off your reading glasses or looking over the top of them, then progressive lenses or bifocals can allow you to be more efficient and comfortable.
These lenses are tools. They do require your patience and time in learning how to use and get accustomed to them. But the benefits are usually well worth the effort.
Are there special lenses for racquetball and other endeavors where a lens might break?
If you engage in work, sports, or other activities where there's a high likelihood that you could be hit in the eye by a projectile of some kind, you should be looking at polycarbonate lenses. They are nearly unbreakable. They have fewer distortion problems than in the past. They provide 100% ultraviolet filtering to reduce the chance of your developing cataracts, and they have a high “index” which means they are thin and light weight.
Is an ultraviolet filter important?
Ultraviolet (UV) protection is important in all out-of-doors situations. All sunglasses should have a UV filter. A very good longitudinal study found that long-term exposure to sunlight causes cataracts. Additional studies seem to infer that macular degeneration can also be caused by too much UV.
How important are sunglasses in preventing UV-related cataracts?
Very important. Sunglasses with UV filters do reduce the incidence of cataracts. We make prescriptive sunglasses and carry a wide variety of frames.
Can I get my prescription in a goggle or a wrapped sunglass?
There are some great goggles from Bolle and Smith and others that can accommodate almost any prescription. It isn't as easy to put a prescription into wrap-around sunglasses as it is into goggles, though. It depends on how much wrap, how big the frame is and what the prescription strength and lens type are.
What can polarization do for my sunglasses?
Polarization reduces the sun's glare from flat surfaces. Often used in sunglasses, polarized lenses can shield eyes from uncomfortably bright rays reflecting off horizontal areas. Thus polarization is popular, if not necessary, for eyeglasses used in day driving. In some cases, polarized lenses can allow you to see things never seen before! While boating, submerged rocks or even fish can become visible when polarized lenses remove the sun’s blinding glimmer from the top of the waves.
While fisherman may rejoice, polarized lenses are not recommended for all activities. Skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, or rock climbing can become dangerous if ice’s warning glare is reduced.
What do I need in an OSHA-approved pair of safety glasses?
Frames for safety glasses need to be OSHA approved and so do lenses. We carry a wide variety of safety frames along with shatter-proof polycarbonate lenses.