What is the best type of lens for you?
 
At Elegant Optics we offer the latest in spectacle lenses and materials. Whether you need single vision, bifocals or trifocals, glasses just for computer work, for your occupation, or recreation, our doctors along with our skilled opticians can help you determine the best type of lens for you. Elegant Optics has an extensive selection of lens and material types made with the latest technologies.

Types of Lenses We Offer

• Single Vision — Provides clear vision at a single focal length. Most commonly distance or reading up close.
• Bifocal — Flat top bifocals are designed so that the upper portion of the lens is for distance and the half moon is for normal reading distance (approx. 40cm).
• Trifocal — Trifocals are designed so that the top is the distance and the half moon is the reading distance. The intermediate ribbon allows one to see at an intermediate distance such as a computer monitor or groceries on a shelf.
• Progressive (or PAL) — No-line multi-focal lens. A Progressive lens is the most functional lens. The upper portion of the lens is designed for distance. The bifocal increases in power as you travel from the top of the lens to the bottom. This design allows for good vision at a wide variety of distances. Progressive lenses are very popular in that they are cosmetically pleasing.
  
  Note: Not all progressives are treated equally! Progressive lenses are available in several widths--typically the wider channel progressives allow for ease of adaptation. With newer technology progressive lenses your viewing area can now be increased when compared to older generation lenses.

Types of Lens Materials We Offer

• Plastic (CR-39) — This is a standard thickness lens which is widely used.
• Polycarbonate — Thin, light-weight, and impact resistant. Polycarbonate lenses are an excellent choice for active lifestyles, children and safety glasses. This lens is recommended for high prescriptions. Polycarbonate lenses are thinner and lighter than regular plastic lenses (CR-39). This lens also is highly impact resistant and is suggested for children, and any hobby or career where eye protection is required. This lens, although impact resistant, is more easily scratched.
• Glass — This lens is recommended for those who easily scratch lenses. Glass has inherent scratch resistance and UV protection, but is heavier and more prone to breakage.
• High-Index — A lens that is lighter, thinner and has excellent optical quality. Because these lenses are so thin, High-Index lenses are ideal for patients requiring higher power prescriptions or those who desire thinner more attractive lenses.
• Mid index — Mid-index materials are thinner than regular glass or plastic but not as thin as high-index materials.
• Trivex — Trivex™ is a relative newcomer that possesses the UV blocking properties and shatter resistance of polycarbonate while at the same time offering superior optical quality and a slightly lower density. Trivex is a lab favorite for use in rimless frames, due to the ease with which it can be drilled as well as its resistance to cracking around the drill holes.

Treatments, Coatings, and Other Options

• Anti-reflective Coating — Reduces the glare from light to help improve your vision, especially at night. It also reduces the reflections on the lens, so your eyes can be seen. This coating is suggested to prevent night glare and computer glare.
• Scratch Resistant Coating — A clear hard coating applied to the front and back of the lens to reduce scratches. To prevent scratches, use 100% cotton to clean your lenses. Never use paper products to clean your lenses.
  
  Note: Many lenses such as polycarbonate, hi-index and glass have a "built-in scratch coat".
• Ultra Violet Coating — UV coating helps to protect your eyes from the sun's harmful UV rays. Overexposure to ultraviolet light is thought to be a contributor to cataracts, macular degeneration, and other eye problems. UV coating is invisible and does not change the appearance of your lenses.
• Color Tinting — Lenses can be tinted almost any color of the rainbow. Color tinting is sometimes used to improve contrast or simply as a fashion statement.
• Photogray/Photobrown — Photogray is a glass lens which darkens in the sunlight. It is activated by UV radiation. These lenses do not darken fully when driving, because the windshield absorbs much of the UV radiation. It is available in gray and brown.
• Transitions — This lens is similar to photogray, but is constructed of plastic. This lens is much lighter than the glass photogray lens. Advancements in this lens have made it a very popular option due to its speed in lightening / darkening and its virtually clear appearance indoors.
• Polarized — This lens is very popular among fishermen as it cancels glare coming from the water's surface.

On-site Cutting and Edging

We stock a large supply of scratch resistant plastic and polycarbonate lenses and in some cases are able to provide same day service or emergency glasses in the case or unrepairable or lost glasses. In some cases we can even cut your existing lenses down to fit another frame.