The Right Type of Lens for Your Prescription Glasses
Posted on: 23 March 2020
Getting the right glasses as prescribed by your optometrist is the key to better eyesight. However, there are a number of choices you will have to make about the prescription glasses, and one of them is they kind of lens they will include. Here is a quick guide to some of the more common types.
Plastic
These are the cheapest type of lens. They are also lightweight and are ideal for low- or medium-strength prescriptions. However, they may not be so effective for higher-strength prescriptions. You should make sure they have an anti-scratch coating to protect them from damage, as you may find they are not very durable without it.
Aspheric
These lenses take their name from the fact that their curve is not that of a perfect sphere; they curve out more gradually. They are therefore thinner and flatter than other lenses, and so are more lightweight. They are more suitable for people who wear their glasses for longer periods of time. They can also make your eyes appear more attractive, as they are less likely to make them look larger or smaller.
High index
These lenses are made from a much lighter plastic and are therefore a good choice for higher-strength prescriptions, as they will not be as heavy as other plastic lenses. The higher the index the lighter the plastic, although this is also likely to make them more expensive.
Polycarbonate
These lenses are much tougher than ordinary lenses and should not break easily under impact. They also provide much more protection from UV rays. They are therefore often used for children or for sporting use. They are also used in rimless frames where the lens is in danger of getting chipped. Their main downside is that they can sometimes cause a rainbow effect towards the edges of your vision.
Photochromatic
These are lenses that darken in the sunlight, acting as sunglasses as well as prescription glasses. This not only stops you from being dazzled but can also protect you from harmful ultraviolet rays, which can cause other vision-related problems, including cataracts. Although they are more expensive than either spectacles or sunglasses, you may find they are cheaper than having a pair of each, and they will certainly be more convenient.
The right lenses will go a long way towards a good experience with your prescription glasses — just talk to your optometrist if you are in any doubt.
Share