It all starts with your prescription. It will tell you what type of lens you need but there are still many choices to be made by you. This is a short overview of lenses. Hopefully it will give you some guidance.
Most spectacle lenses today are made of plastic. This is to prevent them from breaking and make them lighter in weight. You will be able to choose from a unique combination of design, material, treatment and colour. The combination will have an impact on what type of frame you should choose in the next step.
Lenses can be divided into four distinctive groups:
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Single vision lenses
For just one prescription, distributing focus evenly over the entire surface of the lens. Particularly suitable for correcting myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness) and/or astigmatism.
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Progressive lenses
For people who have presbyopia (age-related farsightedness) and need various correction areas, providing clear, relaxed vision at all distances.
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Indoor lenses
For people whose visual tasks are based predominantly around near and intermediate vision, like computer work.
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Bifocals and trifocals
For presbyopes who need clear distance and near vision.
Your next choice is lens treatment and colour. There are many benefits with modern lens treatments:
- Anti-reflective treatment will enhance the quality of your vision
- Scratch-resistance will increase the lifespan of your lenses
- Treatment will make the lenses easier to clean and maintain
- You will experience better wearing comfort
- Your eyes will be better protected
- You can choose colour and contrast-enhancing tints.
The selection of material depends on the corrective power you need and on your lifestyle (recreation, sports activities and so on). These are some examples:
- Ultra-thin or thin materials for strong corrections
- Lightweight and durable for rimless frames
- Shock resistant for active lifestyles
- Basic specifications for low prescriptions and lower budgets