The Different Types of Eyeglass Lenses That Are Prescribed Today

Did you know that about 64% of adults around the world use glasses for vision correction?

When you are in need of glasses, you need to find the eyeglass lenses that work for your lifestyle. There are more options out there than you may have guessed, but they aren’t all right for everyone’s vision needs.

As you talk with your ophthalmologist about what your options are for glasses, it’s a good idea to know what they may bring up. This way, you can get a better understanding of what the doctor is saying.

Keep reading below as we explore some of the things that you need to know about eyeglass lenses.

Materials Used for Eyeglasses

The materials that are used in prescription lenses are arguably one of the most significant features.

If you get regular plastic lenses with a strong prescription, you’re going to end up with very thick lenses.

Luckily, however, there are other options available now that are made from hi-index plastic or polycarbonate. This makes the lenses thinner and more comfortable. Not only that, but these thinner lenses actually look much more stylish and aesthetically pleasing on your face.

Hi-index plastic is very lightweight, which makes it a popular option for eyeglass lenses. Polycarbonate lenses are great for durability as they are very hard to break, but they are still much lighter than your typical plastic lens.

Eyeglass Designs to Consider

Once your lens material is figured out, the next thing you need to consider is what type of design and function you need. Are you someone that needs help seeing far away or up close? Do you have a vision problem, like astigmatism, that needs to be accounted for?

Single vision lenses are very common, and they are used when you have one focal power to correct a vision condition. Progressive lenses are similar to single vision lenses, except they correct more than one vision condition by progressing that focal power down the lens gradually.

Concave lenses are meant to treat people that have near-sightedness with a thicker edge and thinner middle. Plus lenses do just the opposite by having a thicker middle with thinner edges, which helps people with far-sightedness.

If you have astigmatism, the best optical lenses for you would likely be cylindrical lenses. Astigmatism is when the cornea of the eye is an oval shape rather than a round circle. As such, this lens shape is the most common option for correcting this condition.

Extra Treatments and Features

Any pair of glasses you get will be eligible for special treatments or features that will enhance your vision, extend the life of the glasses, or provide another benefit. You don’t always have to get these things added on, but your doctor may recommend some options depending on your situation.

Anti-reflective coating is perfect for people that struggle to see when there are a lot of reflections or for people that want their lenses to look almost invisible. You can also get scratch-resistant frames for extra durability if you’re prone to scratching up your lenses.

Other options include UVA and UVB blocking lenses, transition lenses, or polarized lenses. You can check out the benefits of polarized lenses to get a better idea of what they can do that regular anti-reflective lenses can’t.

Get the Right Eyeglass Lenses for You

As you can see, there are eyeglass lenses for everyone, so no matter what your specific needs are, the best ophthalmologist will be able to come up with a plan for you. Whenever you’re in need of new frames, always consult with your doctor to figure out what options suit you best for the most optimal vision possible.

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