Choosing the Right Lenses for you

Selecting the right frame is just half the story. It is essential that the lenses you choose compliment the frame, and provide you with excellent and comfortable vision. Our staff will guide you through the vast choice available, but here is a brief overview of lens types: 

Single-vision lenses

The simplest form of spectacle or contact lens is the single-vision lens, made to a single prescription to correct a particular eyesight problem. The curvature of the lens, its thickness and weight will depend on the amount of long or short sight it is designed to correct. The lens material will also influence the thickness and weight of your lenses, as will the size and shape of the spectacle frame you choose. Spectacle lenses used to be made of glass but most lenses are now lightweight plastic and there is a wide range of materials available to suit your prescription and lifestyle. 

Varifocal or progressive lenses

Varifocal lenses, also known as progressive lenses, are used for correcting presbyopia but unlike bifocal lenses have no visible dividing lines between the different corrections. Instead they have a graduated section in which the power of the lens progresses smoothly from one prescription to the other, allowing the wearer to see clearly at all distances.

These lenses also have the benefit of looking better - they don't draw attention to the ageing process. A range of varifocal designs is available depending on your lifestyle and occupation. Modern lens technology means that there are many different designs and materials to choose from. Your dispensing optician will be able to advise you on the best lenses to suit your individual requirements.  

to find out more about varifocals, click here.

Bifocals

Bifocal lenses contain two optical corrections with a distinct dividing line between the two parts. The most common use of bifocals is for people who have become presbyopic and need a different prescription for close work. Although varifocals are generally preferred to bifocals, certain prescriptions and lifestyles are better corrected using a bifocal lens.

Lens Materials 

There are a number of different types of Optical plastics used to manufacture spectacle lenses. Each material offers the spectacle wearer different benefits in terms of weight, thickness, safety, ultra-violet protection and appearance.