Choosing the Best Lenses That Fit Your Needs

Girl wearing eyeglasses

Choosing the Correct Lenses to Match Your Lifestyle

Frame style isn't the only decision you'll need to make when selecting new eyeglasses. Once you've chosen a frame that complements your face, you'll need to consider which lens type best fits your lifestyle. From lenses that reduce glare to styles that protect your eyes when you play your favorite sport, today's lenses offer more flexibility than ever.

Do You Need Single Vision Lenses, Bifocals, Trifocals, or Progressives?

Before you choose a lens material, you'll need to think about the type of lenses you want. Choices include:

  • Single Vision. Single vision lenses offer the same lens power throughout the lens and can be used to improve your vision if you are nearsighted, farsighted, or have astigmatism. They can also be used for reading glasses if you have presbyopia.
  • Bifocals and Trifocals. These lenses contain two or three zones separated by a noticeable line. For example, bifocals might contain one lens power for far vision and one for near vision. Bifocals and trifocals eliminate the need for multiple pairs of glasses, but some people find the lines distracting.
  • Progressives. Progressive lenses eliminate the lines, allowing a more seamless transition between lens powers than trifocals or bifocals.

Are Plastic Lenses Right for You?

Plastic lenses are made of Columbia Resin 39 (CR-39), a lightweight plastic polymer that resists breaking. If you have a high (strong) prescription that would normally require thick lenses, high-index plastic lenses may be a good choice for you. The lenses are thinner than normal and fit your eyeglass frames better.

  • Who Can Benefit from Plastic Lenses? Plastic lenses offer a good option for most people. The lenses are the least expensive choice and are ideal for reading, driving, hobbies, using digital devices, and other everyday activities.

Polycarbonate Lenses Help You Avoid Eye Injuries

Polycarbonate lenses are even lighter than plastic lenses and were originally designed for Air Force helmet visors and bulletproof glass in banks, according to All About Vision. The thin lenses are a good choice for nearly any prescription and are often used in sports goggles and safety glasses.

  • Who Can Benefit from Polycarbonate Lenses? Polycarbonate lenses won't shatter if dropped and are impact-resistant, making them a safe choice for children. If you work in construction, other hazardous jobs, or enjoy home improvement projects, adding polycarbonate lenses to your glasses or safety glasses will help protect your eyes. Goggles with polycarbonate lenses reduce the risk of eye injuries when playing sports. The lenses are also a good option for anyone who prefers thin eyeglass lenses.

Trivex Lenses Decrease the Weight of Your Glasses

Made with urethane-based monomers, Trivex lenses are lighter than polycarbonate or plastic lenses, yet still impact-resistant. The lenses provide a little clearer vision than polycarbonate lenses and offer excellent peripheral vision.

  • Who Can Benefit from Trivex Lenses? Ideal for sports, highly detailed work, or reading, Trivex lenses provide sharp vision without the weight of plastic or polycarbonate lenses. The enhanced side peripheral vision makes Trivex lenses worth considering if you need good side vision for driving or sports.

High-Definition (HD) Lenses Use Digital Technology

Limitations in the traditional lens manufacturing process can cause slight distortions if your prescription is high. Thanks to the digital technology used to create HD lenses, you'll enjoy crisp vision, excellent contrast, and reduced glare.

  • Who Can Benefit from HD Lenses? Is fuzzy vision or eyestrain a problem for you? HD lenses offer superior vision for people with high prescriptions and may even reduce your eyestrain. The lenses also eliminate halos or starbursts around lights, make night driving more comfortable, and decrease adjustment time if you wear progressive lenses.

Other Lens Choices

You can also choose coatings to add to your lenses or select specialty lenses. Coatings can be added to prevent scratches, block blue light, and reduce glare.

Computer glasses may be a good option if you experience digital eyestrain when using your laptop or desktop. The glasses provide clear vision in the intermediate area between near and far vision, reduce glare, and decrease eyestrain symptoms.

Although most eyeglass lenses block 100 percent of UV light, it's still important to wear sunglasses when you're outdoors. Standard sunglass lenses or photochromic lenses that darken outside and lighten when you're indoors will help you reduce your risk of cataracts and cancer. Polarized sunglass lenses reduce glare, improving your comfort whether you're driving, enjoying a day at the beach, or playing sports.

Do you need a comprehensive eye examination before getting a new pair of eyeglasses? Contact our office to schedule your appointment.

Sources:

All About Vision: How to Choose the Best Lenses for Your Eye Glasses

WebMD: Eyeglasses That Do the Job

Verywell Health: The Different Types of Eyeglass Lens Materials

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  • We love supporting our local businesses. Dave Nelson is such an asset to our community. He took the extra time needed to be completely thorough with some issues I was having. I love that he looked at my complete health before coming to a conclusion for my needs. We love the customer service from beginning to end. I put complete trust in Lee Ann to pick out some frame choices for me, listening to my wants and needs. She delivered and I am so excited to get them next week. Thank you so much!

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  • I've been a patient of Dr. Nelson for many years and he is absolutely amazing. I am grateful that he uses state-of-the-art tools to measure changes in my eye health. His advice is spot on for caring for my eyes and his prices make it affordable to do so. I highly recommend you schedule your next appointment here

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  • Exam and discussion of the results were excellent. Dr. Nelson is kind, considerate, and open to any discussion about your eyes. The pictures from the exam were amazing and Dr. Nelson explained everything that was going on with the exam and pictures. Frame and lens selection are outstanding as is the work of the staff in helping to pick out what I wanted. And those sunglasses...oh my...I love them! Great work Dr. Nelson and staff!

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  • This was the most thorough exam I've ever had and I've had many. Dr. Nelson understood my challenges and I felt confident in his care. Great experience. Thank you

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  • Efficient and courteous service with a sense of belonging to a family. I have had to wear prescription lenses for most of my life. Never, has anyone ever taken the time to explain what happens to our eyes as we age, why and HOW we see floaters (and with the latest technology used in Dr. Nelson's office - to show you these things and so much more.) and other retinal issues if they exist. The latest technology used in Dr. Nelson's office is non-invasive and amazing to literally see the inside of y

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  • I've seen Dr. Nelson for many years for my eye care before he opened the new practice in Cottage Grove. I appreciate how very thorough he is and how he takes the time to explain any changes in my vision etc. He and his staff are always very kind and friendly and they go the extra mile to help! I liked that Cottage Grove Eye Care was really easy to find...and I like the space and the fact that they have a large selection of cool frames. Would highly recommend it. Nice to have someone you can trus

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  • I went to Cottage Grove Eye Care for the first time last year and purchased both glasses and contacts. This is the first year that I have consistently worn both the glasses and contacts and didn't experience any issues with either. I always feel much educated about my eye health when I leave in a way that I never was at other eye clinics

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