Prescription Glasses & Sunglasses

 

Prescription glasses are an essential tool for many people who require vision correction. With the right lenses and frames, glasses can not only provide clear vision but also become a stylish accessory. When choosing prescription glasses, it's important to consider the type of lens that best suits your lifestyle and vision needs.

  • Single-vision glasses are the most common type of prescription glasses. They contain a single prescription that corrects either nearsightedness or farsightedness.

    People who are over 40 years old and have presbyopia–a condition that makes it difficult to focus on near objects–will no longer be able to read close things with their single vision distance glasses and will need separate reading glasses or a bifocal/multifocal lens instead.

  • Bifocal glasses are designed for individuals who require two different prescriptions to correct their vision. The top portion of the lens corrects distance vision, while the bottom portion of the lens corrects near vision. Bifocal glasses are less commonly used today because people don’t like how they look and they can only give you two prescriptions, unlike progressives which give a wider range of vision.

  • Progressive glasses, also known as no-line bifocals or multifocal glasses, are a modern solution for individuals who require more than one prescription for their vision. Unlike bifocal glasses, which have a visible line on the lens, progressive glasses have a gradual transition from distance vision to near vision correction. Progressive glasses provide a more natural vision correction, and the lack of a visible line makes them more aesthetically pleasing.

    In order to achieve this range in prescription, all progressives have some distortion on the sides that can feel uncomfortable at first. Most people adapt to their first progressive lens design within 2-3 weeks. We recommended newer digital progressive designs that provide better clarity and less side distortion for more clear and comfortable vision.

  • These lenses are designed specifically for use with computer monitors and close reading–they are ideal for people in most office settings or working from home. Some designs allow for up to 10ft of distance vision so that you can leave your glasses on to see across a small room.

  • Boost lenses are a newer type of single vision lens that provides a small amount of near prescription at the bottom of the lens. Boost lenses can be a great option for individuals who are not quite ready for a progressive lens or need a lens that works just for computer and reading.

In addition to the type of lenses, the frames of prescription glasses also play a significant role in their functionality and style. For example, if you are choosing a progressive lens design, you will want to choose a frame with a deeper lens size. Frames come in a variety of materials, such as metal, plastic, and titanium. The right frames should not only complement your personal style but also be comfortable and functional.

Once your frame is chosen, your optician will take a series of measurements to ensure the lenses are made properly and provide you with the sharpest vision possible. These measurements must be done in person, which is why we do not recommend purchasing lenses online.

UNDERSTANDING PRESBYOPIA: WHY the eyes BEHAVE DIFFERENTLY AFTER 40

As we age, our eyesight changes. Starting around 40-45 years old, we all require different prescriptions for both near and far vision. This condition is known as presbyopia. This means that after 40, the glasses you've been using for years may no longer work as well for up-close vision since they are meant to correct just far-away vision.

For those who have been lucky enough to not need glasses before, they may start to require them now, especially for reading or computer use. As time goes on, they may need glasses for driving and far distances as well.

However, some people find it inconvenient to switch between different pairs of glasses for different activities or distances. That's where multifocal lenses come in handy. These lenses, including progressive, bifocal, and near variable focus lenses, combine multiple prescriptions into one pair of glasses, eliminating the need for constant switching.

Why Eye Doctors Recommend Wearing Sunglasses

Wearing sunglasses with proper UV protection is essential for maintaining good eye health. Exposure to UV rays can lead to serious eye problems, such as early cataracts, macular degeneration, and even cancer in and around the eyes. To prevent such eye problems, it's important to choose sunglasses that block out 100% of UVA and UVB rays.

In addition to UV protection, polarized lenses can provide even more protection for your eyes. Polarized sunglasses have a special filter that blocks intense reflected light, such as sunlight reflecting off water, snow, or other shiny surfaces. This can reduce glare and improve visual clarity, especially when driving or participating in outdoor activities.