You visited the eye doctor today and they told you that it’s time to invest in some corrective eyeglasses. Don’t feel bad because about 75% of adults wear glasses these days!
As you stare at the wall of glasses, you feel overwhelmed and undereducated. How are you going to choose a pair of glasses when you don’t know anything about them?
Don’t worry, we’ve put together a guide to explain all the different types of eyeglass lenses you’ll see. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know to choose the right glasses for you!
Different Designs of Eyeglass Lenses
There’s a wide range of vision issues that glasses can correct. That’s why manufacturers developed a few different types of glasses lenses. These are the most common lenses available today.
Single Vision Lenses
If you have one vision issue like near-sightedness, single vision lenses are the best option. In most cases, these are also the cheapest option you can buy.
Concave Lenses
The shape of these lenses bend rays of light outwards before they reach your eye. These lenses correct near-sightedness or myopia.
Progressive Lenses
If you have more than one vision issue to correct, you’ll want progressive lenses that address all the issues without that awful line that older bifocals used to have.
Cylindrical Lenses
Patients with astigmatism have an oval cornea instead of a round one. Cylindrical lenses can help correct this issue without surgery.
Plus Lenses
This is the opposite of the concave lenses because these lenses are convex. Plus lenses are the best lenses for farsightedness or hyperopia.
Lens Material Options
Eyeglasses aren’t made with actual glass anymore. These are the two main materials that manufacturers use to make lenses.
Hi-Index Plastic
These are super thin plastic lenses that look and feel better than traditional plastic lenses.
Polycarbonate
If you upgrade to polycarbonate, you get increased impact resistance and the lightest lens option around!
Add-on Treatments
Once you choose your lens shape and material, you can also choose to add on treatments that make your lenses even better! Keep in mind that the treatments can get expensive if you don’t have any glasses discounts. These are the most common add-on treatments you can find.
- UVA and UVB blocking
- Anti-reflective coating
- Polarization
- Adaptive Lens Technology
Add-ons aren’t mandatory so don’t feel pressured to get one if you don’t want any.
Improving Your Vision Never Looked So Good
Eyeglasses today look much more fashionable than in decades past. Now, you can personalize your glasses and express yourself!
Keep this article in mind when you go to pick out your next pair of eyeglasses. That way, you don’t have to stare at the wall of glasses wondering which ones to pick. You can tell the ophthalmologist what you want.
We hope you enjoyed reading this article and that you learned all about the different kinds of eyeglass lenses available. If you’re looking for more informative articles about health, technology, and more check out the rest of our blog today!
