EYEWEAR LENSES
Ask the specialists at Sight Center about the following lens options that are designed to enhance your unique lifestyle
Single Vision Lenses
These lenses are intended to correct for one of the two common types of refractive error – nearsightedness (myopia) or farsightedness (hyperopia). They may also correct for astigmatism.
Progressive Lenses
Progressive lenses were developed to eliminate the lines on bi-focals and tri-focals that many patients find bothersome. Progressive lenses provide clear distance, intermediate and near vision—all with a gradual transition between the different segments. Because there are no lines, progressive lenses are often considered to be more attractive and natural than lined bi-focal or tri-focal lenses. There are over many brands of progressive lenses available today.
Transitions Lenses
Transitions™ lenses lighten and darken according to UV exposure. They offer the performance of prescription eye glasses and sunglasses in one convenient pair. Transitions lenses are now in their 5th generation, and the speed at which these lenses change color has improved dramatically. They’re also extremely effective in blocking ultraviolet radiation. Learn more at the transition website
Note: Discount retailers often sell earlier generations of Transitions lenses that are not nearly as fast or dark as the newest generation.
Blue Light Filters
What is blue light?
Blue light is a part of the visible light spectrum, between 400nm and 500nm, making it one of the shortest, highest-energy wavelengths.
Blue light in itself is a natural phenomenon, present in daylight and helping us to stay awake; however, excessive amounts can have an adverse effect on our eye health. Our exposure to this high-energy visible light (HEV light) grows with the use of LCD and LED computer and television screens, smartphones, tablets, and GPS devices. Even our body’s natural defenses may not be enough to protect us against long-term damage to the eye.
How are you exposed to blue light?
Artificial light
Our indoor lifestyle now revolves around digital devices and artificial lights, bathing us in blue light. Thanks to modern technology, it is easy to exceed healthy levels of blue light, especially at night.
Sunlight
The sun is the primary source of blue light you’re exposed to on a daily basis; that’s natural and even beneficial.
What is the impact?
Glare, eyestrain, headaches, and sleep problems.
Who is most at risk?
Children and youth are especially at risk because they have no natural protection in their eyes, they tend to hold devices closer than an adult does, they have larger pupils that let in more blue light, and they spend on average over 9 hours a day on a digital device.
Others at risk
Digital device users, contact lens wearers, and those who have had cataract surgery.
How can you fully protect yourself?
It is crucial to know what you are buying when considering blue light protection.
Completely clear lenses protect against UV and some short wavelength blue light, but leave you exposed to the peak wavelengths emitted by devices and artificial light. Blue-blocking glasses block all blue light, including healthy amounts, and distort your color perception.
Blu Tech
Blu Tech’s near-clear lenses filter more of the blue light known to be associated with glare, eyestrain, headaches, and sleeplessness—without distorting the color you see. Not a mere coating that can scratch or wear off, Blu Tech’s highly advanced lens is infused with proprietary pigments and dyes to mimic the way your eye naturally protects itself against blue light.
SC BluTech
SC BluTech is a premium lens coating developed to protect your eyes from damaging blue light wavelengths, while allowing you to enjoy your favorite media devices.
Benefits of SC BluTech -
• Reduces blue light by 30% in the high-energy visible (HEV) blue light spectrum
• Provides a measure of protection from the risks of HEV
• Enhances contrast
• Suitable for lifestyles with high HEV light exposure
• Gamers, students, and high users of LCD devices and computers
SC BluTech is a protective coating that reduces the blue light emitted by digital screens. It is the optimal solution for the large group of users who come into contact with digital screens throughout the day, including students, gamers, young professionals, office workers, and children. As well as protecting the eyes, the coating provides higher contrast and a more relaxed viewing experience.
Anti-Reflective Coated Lenses
Anti-reflective coatings increase functional light transmission, enhance cosmetic appearance and eliminate glare. The coating increases the optical performance of the lenses and reduces eye fatigue, particularly while viewing computer screens and driving at night. New technology has vastly improved these coatings in the past few years. Today, they are much easier to clean and perform far better than ever before. A one-year warranty is provided for these premium anti-reflective coatings.
EYEWEAR LENS TECHNOLOGY
Lens technology and materials are constantly changing. We’ll help guide you to the best possible lenses that will meet your needs.
Plastic Lenses
Plastic lenses were first introduced in 1962 and became more popular than glass lenses in the 1980’s. Traditional plastic lenses are slightly thicker than glass lenses, but are almost 50% lighter.
Polycarbonate Lenses
While these lenses are somewhat lighter and thinner than conventional plastic lenses, the optics are not as sharp. Polycarbonate lenses are commonly used by discount chains.
Phoenix Lenses
Phoenix© lenses are an advanced material that’s lighter and thinner than conventional plastic lenses and provide vastly superior optics than polycarbonate. Highly recommended for their impact resistance and UV protection.
High-Index Plastic Lenses
These lenses are lightweight, provide excellent optics, superior scratch protection, and they eliminate the “Coke-bottle” look for patients with high prescriptions. While high-index lenses are more expensive than regular plastic lenses, high-index lenses are the best option for over half of all patients when considering the weight, thickness and cosmetic appearance of your glasses.
Glass Lenses
Glass lenses are still available today, although they are heavier, thicker, less protective and less attractive than other types of lenses.
Adaptive Lenses
Adaptive lenses change in tint as the wearer changes their environment. When indoors, the lenses will become clear, when outdoors, the lenses darken. Adaptive lens technology has come a long way in recent years. Many who have had unsatisfactory experiences in the past due to lenses not being responsive enough with lighting changes or lenses not darkening at all while driving will be pleasantly surprised by the new generation of products. Adaptive lenses are now very responsive to lighting changes, are designed to darken when in the car, offer 100% UV protection and some blue light protection and come with highly desirable options such as polarization and mirror finishes.
