Eyeglasses Lens Types

Single Vision Lenses are prescribed if you need correction for one field of vision, either for distance, intermediate (computer), or items up close. Optima Optometry offers a number of options for the single vision lens wearer, including brand name lenses, plastic lenses, polycarbonate lenses, high-index lenses, transition lenses, polarized lenses, and other options.

Aspherics are ideal for strong prescriptions, because they are flatter and thinner. They also provide better vision than ordinary lenses and look better because they lessen farsighted eye magnification and nearsighted eye minification.

Bifocal Lenses contain two different prescriptions in the same lens. The primary purpose of glasses bifocals is to provide the optimal balance between distance vision and near vision focusing needs. Eyeglasses bifocal lenses are available with the reading segments in a variety of shapes and widths including sunglasses bifocal options.

Trifocal Lenses contain three focal points, usually for distance, intermediate and near vision. A trifocal lens has an added segment above the bifocal for viewing objects in the intermediate zone, which is approximately arm's length away. Trifocal lenses are available with the reading segments in a variety of shapes and widths.

Progressive Lenses, also known as no-line bifocals, provide the smoothest transition from long distance vision to intermediate vision to near vision, including all the in-between corrections. Instead of having just two different viewing zones (distant and reading) as in bifocals, progressive eyeglass lenses provide gradual or progressive powers of correction, which ease eyestrain and provide better vision.

Photochromic Eyeglass Lenses are variable tint lenses that darken on exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Once the UV is removed (for example by walking indoors), the variable tint eyeglass lenses will return to their clear state. Photochromic lenses for distance, intermediate and near vision may be made of either plastic, polycarbonate or high index.