Visual Comparison: Single Vision vs Bifocal vs Progressive Lenses

Pros Most affordable lens type. Used to correct nearsightedness and farsightedness. Typically no adjustment period needed to get used to. Cons Correction for only one vision depth, either near or far. Costs can rise depending on lens material & prescription strength. Best For Nearly anyone under the age of 40. Those only needing to correct nearsighted or farsighted vision. Costs A broad range from $75 – $500 depending on the lens material, index (thickness), lens coatings, and brands.

Pros The 2-in-1 lens provides both close-up & distance vision correction. Cost-effective solution for multiple vision depths. Relatively cheap, especially compared to progressive lenses. Cons Distinct, non-discrete line & half-circle shaped near vision lens. Image jump when transitioning from distance to near vision & back again. Best For Anyone already wearing glasses & needing reading glasses as well. Those that want vision correction for multiple depths at a reasonable price. Someone who requires reading glasses but doesn’t want to purchase & carry a second pair. Costs Typically $20 – $50 more than single vision lenses.

Pros The 3-in-1 lens provides near, mid, and long-distance vision correction. Eliminate the need to switch between multiple pairs of glasses. No visible lines on the lens for a seamless transition between the 3 zones. Cons Adjustment period needed to train yourself on using the three different vision areas. Considerably more expensive than single vision or even bifocal lenses. Best For Anyone that desires discrete vision correction for distance, near, and everything in between. Those that want a seamless transition, no visible lines in the lens. Someone who requires reading glasses but doesn’t want to purchase & carry a second pair. Costs Typically $150 – $500 more than single vision lenses.

Eyeglass Lens Materials

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Plastic lenses: Because of their lightweight (about half the weight of glass), and excellent optical qualities, CR-39 plastic remains a popular material for eyeglass lenses even today.

Polycarbonate lenses: Originally developed as safety glasses polycarbonate is lighter and significantly more impact-resistant than CR-39 plastic, making it a preferred material for children’s eyewear, safety glasses, and sports eyewear.

High-index plastic lenses. These lenses are thinner and lighter than CR-39 plastic lenses because they have a higher index of refraction. The latter reduces lens thickness, making these lenses more comfortable and better looking. It can improve your appearance if you are significantly nearsighted or farsighted.

Blue light glasses can filter out blue light preventing it from damaging the eyes.
Computers, laptops, tablets, smartphones, and general lighting can all expose the eyes to blue light. Some studies have demonstrated that blue light may also disrupt your sleep cycle and cause headaches and digital eye strain.

Eyeglass Lens Coatings

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Lens coatings can enhance the durability, performance, and appearance of your eyeglass lenses

Anti-scratch coating. All lightweight eyeglass lens materials have surfaces that are significantly softer and more prone to scratches and abrasions than glass lenses. Most of today’s modern anti-scratch coatings (also called scratch coats or hard coats) can make your eyeglass lenses nearly as scratch-resistant as glass. But if you’re hard on your glasses or you’re buying eyeglasses for your kids, ask about lenses that include a warranty against scratches for a specific period of time.

Anti-reflective coating. AR coatings (also called anti-glare) eliminate reflections in lenses that reduce contrast and clarity, especially at night. They also make your lenses nearly invisible, so you can make better eye contact and you and others aren’t distracted by reflections in your lenses. AR-coated lenses are also much less likely to have glare spots in photographs. AR coating is especially important if you choose high-index lenses, because the higher the refractive index of lens material, the lighter the lenses reflect. In fact, high-index lenses can reflect up to 50 % more light than CR-39 lenses, causing significantly more glare, unless AR coating is applied.

UV-blocking treatment. Cumulative exposure to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation over a person’s lifetime has been associated with age-related eye problems including cataracts and macular degeneration. For this reason, people should protect their eyes from UV beginning in early childhood. Thankfully, polycarbonate and nearly all high-index plastic lenses have 100 percent UV protection built-in, due to the absorptive characteristics of the lens material. But if you choose CR-39 plastic lenses, be aware that these lenses need an added coating applied to provide equal UV protection afforded by other lens materials.

Photochromic treatment: This lens treatment enables eyeglass lenses to darken automatically in response to the sun’s UV and high-energy visible (HEV) light rays, and then quickly return to clear (or nearly clear) when indoors. Photochromic lenses (of which Transitions® is the best-known brand) are available in virtually all lens materials and designs.

Whether your look is sophisticated, hip, or casual we’re certain that we can help you find the perfect frame to fit your personality and lifestyle needs. We recognize that you are unique and we are continually adding new frame styles and designers to our displays. All of our designers are hand-picked from around the globe. We encourage you to stop by anytime to view our current selection.

Our optical boutique features leading designers in the eyewear industry and the latest lens technology.

We offer unlimited complimentary eyeglasses adjustments and our opticians are available on a walk-in basis. You will never need an appointment for a repair, adjustment, or to view our extensive eyewear gallery.

CHILDRENS’ FRAMES

We have one of the largest collections of children’s eyewear in the area. We work hard to curate frames in a reasonable price range that are durable and stylish! Many of our adult frame lines manufacture frames for children as well. We also carry sports goggles to suit your child’s active lifestyle!