Optical Lenses
Choosing a suitable lens is just as important as choosing the style and fit of your frame. Because we are an independent practice we are free to source the best lens design for your prescription from the Worlds leading optical laboratories.
There are thousands of different lens designs, material and coating combinations to choose from – our staff are trained to ensure that the lens design selected is the most suitable for you and your lifestyle.
Click below to see the answers to common questions we hear in practice.
I’ve got a very strong prescription and don’t like the thickness of the lenses, what options do I have?
Lens materials have become thinner and lighter. The cosmetic appearance of your lenses can be improved through the use of these lens materials.
I have trouble with night driving, what type of lenses can help reduce the glare from the headlights and street lights?
The glare is caused by reflections from the uncoated lens surface. By applying an anti-reflective coating (multicoat) to the surface of the lens we can reduce the reflections caused by flare from headlights and street lights. Objects will appear clearer and night vision will improve.
An anti-reflective coating also benefits those who use the computer and are in artificial lights due to the reduced reflections off the lens surface. Making your vision clearer and more comfortable.
I’ve tried the anti-reflective coating (multi-coat) but my glasses always seem to be dirty?
The older generation anti-reflective coatings were more difficult to look after but there have been advances in the technology of anti-reflective coatings that make lens cleaning easier. Lens companies have created coatings that repel water and dust which helps dirty smudges simply wipe away. Anti-reflective coatings enhance visual clarity by reducing harsh light reflections. It also improves cosmetic appearance while maintaining scratch resistance.
Are progressive lenses difficult to get used to?
Progressive lenses provide convenience to those who require spectacles for distance and near or for those who work in an environment where taking their reading glasses on and off can be a nuisance. Progressive lens designs incorporate distance, intermediate and near into the one lens blending the prescription so that it fits into a certain area of the lens. Getting used to wearing a multifocal depends on the design of the lens, the correct measurement and fitting of the lenses and the size of the frame chosen for that particular design. This places more emphasis on the dispenser than the customer. Successful adaptation depends on the client persisting with the lens above all other things.
Most people adapt to a general purpose progressive lenses within a short period of time but may find that the area of vision is limited due to the compromising of three prescriptions into the one lens. There may be some people with more complicated prescriptions or are more sensitive to the graduation and distortions which may make it more difficult to adapt to a general progressive lens and may require a more individualized lens type.
I have had difficulties with adapting to progressive lenses, what other options do I have?
Today, progressive lenses can be custom made to suit the individual, taking into account the frame angle, distance from the eye to the back of the lens surface and the angle that the frame tilts away from the eye. Many who have changed over to these lenses find that adaptation is much quicker with less noticeable distortions on the side. Their viewing area is increased and requires less head movement.
If you are experiencing difficulties with your multifocals or find that your vision is compromised through your current lenses, come and see us to discuss other lens options with you.
I do a lot of work on the computer and up close; are there any types of lenses that would suit my work situation better?
Many of the lens laboratories have come up with computer lenses specifically for computer and near use. The lens is called an occupational progressive that has two viewing areas – the top portion is for the computer and the bottom is for near work. The area which you see through is larger than the normal multifocal. The benefit of having the two areas is so that you have a better range when it comes to computer and near work. Your computer is usually set at a further distance than where you would hold a book or documents to read. Having the same prescription can sometimes put strain on the eyes because it does not cater for that range or you may find that you need to adjust your computer screen closer or hold your notes further away to get a clear view.
If you are finding that your reading glasses aren’t providing you with clear and comfortable vision for computer work, perhaps the prescription isn’t quite right for that distance. Come in and discuss your options with your optometrist or dispenser who will be able to advise you on the best type of lens for your occupational needs.
What are my options when it comes to prescription sunglasses?
Some people prefer to have tinted lenses fitted into sunglass frames or optical frames and swap between their clear pair and tinted pair as needed. This gives the customer the options of choosing the different tint colours and also the darkness of the lenses. Others prefer the clip on sunglasses that come with some brands and style. This option provides the convenience of one pair of glasses with the clip on. The other option if people want convenience is the variable tinted lenses that go from light to dark when outdoors often referred to as photochromic lenses. The only disadvantage of these lenses is that they don’t change very dark in the car due to the windscreen blocking out most of the UV, hence for some people this may not be the most convenient option.
