Options in Eyecare: The Different Types of Eyeglass Lenses and Coatings

When your vision relies on eyeglasses, selecting the best lenses can mean all the difference between simply being able to see and being comfortable while being able to see better than ever.

When it’s determined that you need glasses, a new prescription, or to transition from contact lenses to eyeglasses, it’s important that you choose the lenses and coatings that meet your exact vision needs.

Let the eye experts at iCare Vision help you navigate your options and select the best eyeglasses for your vision and style needs:

“I dropped by to get some new glasses and was not disappointed. The ladies all work together and are very helpful. At one point, I had a row of three “glasses judges” all helping me decide between my chosen frames…which is great because I am indecisive! It was fun. I would definitely recommend.”
Sarah M.

Why Selecting Eyeglass Lenses that Fit Your Vision Needs is Important

Your vision is a key component to your quality of life. Your eyeglasses – and more specifically, the lenses you choose – will determine:

How comfortable your eyes are
How well you can see
Your overall safety

When selecting the eyeglasses that will give you what you want in style and appearance, be sure to also consider the type of eyeglass lenses and coatings that will suit you and your lifestyle the best.

With so many lens and coating options, selecting a pair of eyeglasses that you’ll be happy with can prove to be a complicated task. What’s the difference between each lens? What does each coating offer? Why is choosing the right eyeglass lenses so important?

Find helpful information and descriptions below:

Types of Eyeglass Lenses

Progressive Lenses

Progressive lenses deliver like trifocal lenses – providing vision help for near, far and intermediate distances – but offer a seamless appearance. In other words, the lines separating the lens sections on bifocal or trifocal lenses are nonexistent on progressive lenses.

Bifocal Lenses

Bifocals lenses correct near and far vision. The top portion of the lens aids in distance viewing. The bottom portion of the lens aids in close-up viewing. Typically, bifocals are most advantageous for individuals who have experienced a decline in their close-up vision due to age.

Trifocal Lenses

Trifocal lenses correct near and far vision. They also have a magnifying section that adds a third range of vision to help individuals view objects that are a few feet away from them. This can also be described as seeing clearly at an intermediate level – which is about the length of your arm.

High-Index Lenses

While most people usually think strong prescriptions mean “Coke bottle” looking lenses, high-index lenses can help individuals with a stronger prescription achieve thinner lenses. High-index lenses are made from hi-tech plastic and, therefore, can be made lighter with less material.

Polarized Lenses

Polarized lenses help wearers transition from inside to outside easily, reducing glare and providing UV protection. Polarized lenses help individuals achieve sharper, clearer vision even when bright sunlight beams through windows. Light-sensitive and post-cataract surgery individuals tend to benefit the most from polarized lenses.

Photochromatic Lenses

Designed to act as both eyeglasses and sunglasses, photochromic lenses immediately become dark-shaded lenses when exposed to sunlight. Photochromic lenses are very versatile, covenant, and are usually available in all materials and lens designs, such as bifocals and high-index lenses.

Sports Lenses

Made for both adults and kids who need a safer eyeglass option during any type of physical activity, sports lenses are made to fit comfortably and securely while keeping eyes safe and vision clear. Sport lenses also aid in glare reduction and enhanced contrast – empowering athletes to react faster in their sport.

Types of Eyeglass Coatings

Anti-Reflective Coating

Anti-reflective delivers a wealth of benefits in one coating, such as: eyestrain reduction from reflections, glare, and “light halos” that appear around illuminated objects at night, scratch and smudge proof, dust and water repellent, UV protection. This coating can provide overall lens and eye protection.

Scratch Resistant Coating

While no lens is ever 100% scratch resistant, a scratch-resistant coating can play a significant role in preventing scratches from damaging your lenses. A scratch-resistant coating can help lenses withstand the wear and tear of everyday use and provide more value and longevity to lenses.

Types of Sunglass Lenses

Blue-Blocker Lenses

The sun produces many different colors and shades of light rays. Blue light is a very short wavelength that produces a high amount of energy. Researchers and studies warn that exposure to blue light without proper eye protection can cause serious, long-term eye damage. Blue-blocking sunglasses block blue light and help heighten light contrast.

Gradient Lenses

Gradient lenses help protect your eyes from overhead sunlight because they are tinted from the top down. By shielding overhead light, the sunglass lenses allow more light to come through the bottom half of the lenses. These types of sunglasses are especially beneficial when driving, as they help you see the road and your dashboard better.

Mirror-Coated Lenses

Mirror-coated lenses limit the amount of sunlight that enters your eyes and make it easier and more comfortable to see on bright, sunny days, or when exposed to highly reflective surfaces, like snow. Mirror-coated lenses come in a variety of densities and colors.

Double Gradient Lenses

Double gradient lenses have a top tinted section but are primarily tinted from the bottom up. The middle section possesses the lightest tint. These lenses protect from overhead sun and ground-level reflection while still delivering lenses that aren’t too dark.

Sunglass lenses also come in polarized lenses, photochromic lenses, and with an anti-reflective coating.

Ordering Glasses Online vs. Seeing an Eye Doctor for Your Eyeglasses

If you need eyeglasses or a new prescription for one, you’ve undoubtedly caught wind of the new trend of getting a glasses prescription online.

Most of the sites that virtually sell eyeglasses do so by having you complete a vision prescription test online before ordering your desired eyeglasses.

Before you commit your eyes to glasses that were calculated and order via this route, there are important things you need to know and consider.

Learn what to consider before testing your vision online and why there is no substitute for a comprehensive, in-person eye exam:

We Carry All the Best Brands

While we’re especially focused on your exact vision needs, we understand that frames should match your personality and suit your style and fit preferences. That’s why – no matter what your prescription designates – we’ll help you find frames that you’re incredibly happy with from our vast selection of brand name eyeglasses.

We carry quality eyeglasses from the following brands:

Ray Ban
Oakley
Coach
Burberry
Ralph Lauren
Michael Kors

Feel Confident in Your Decision. Get Expert Advice on the Lenses That are Best for You.

With so many options, how do you know which is the best choice for you and your unique vision needs?

To ensure you’re selecting the right lenses and coatings, come see the eye experts at iCare Vision. Through a comprehensive eye health exam, we will be able to thoroughly assess your vision and recommend the best lenses and products for you.

Schedule your eye health exam using the form at the top of the page, or contact us today to get your questions answered:

“Dr. Wineland was so thorough, kind and explained what was happening to my eye! Everything was done quickly and with great care! The office staff are always very kind, caring and helpful. I wouldn’t go anywhere else for my eye care.”
Janice L.