One of the most common question asked of our opticians when looking for glasses is regarding the price: “How much am I going to pay for the glasses?” Though the question is reasonable, it does not take into account the fact that all glasses and frames are not created equal. The various upgrades that impact the health of your eyes and the quality of your vision, such as premium lens material and coatings, edge treatments and high index lenses among many other factors, determine the price of the lenses.
Our licensed opticians are real pros in helping patients select their optical needs. They customize every prescription to the individual and unique situation of every patient.
The list below will help you to decide which upgrades are right for you:
ANTI-REFLECTIVE COATING
Anti-Reflective coating is a special coating that acts by allowing more light to penetrate the lens, reducing the amount of glare. AR coating improves and sharpens night driving vision by reducing the glare from oncoming headlights. AR offers cosmetic benefit by making the lens virtually clear, allowing better eye contact because of reduced reflection. Our lab uses the Acclaro anti reflective lenses that are more than the dipped coating that end up peeling after a while. Acclaro represents a technologically advanced process, set apart by the addition of specially formulated "in chamber" hydrophobic top coat. The end result is a premium anti reflective lenses that are amazingly clear and easy to maintain.
ASPHERIC LENSES
Aspheric lenses are ideal in strong plus prescription because they provide visual and cosmetic benefits. An aspheric lens flattens toward the sides of the lens, creating a thinner and lighter overall lens that provide better clarity and reduces the magnifying effect of the eyes behind the lenses.
BERYLLIUM MATERIALS
BERYLLIUM is six times stronger than steel and more than 30% lighter than aluminum. Beryllium resists corrosion and tarnish, making it an excellent choice for wearers who have high skin acidity or spend time in or around salt water. It is also the only memory metal containing no nickel and can withstand very high temperatures. This material is used as a component in the alloy Trilaston™ used to manufacture EasyTwist™ memory metal.
Pros: It is lightweight, durable, flexible and is available in a wide range of colors.
Cons: A very small number of people are allergic to beryllium.
Bifocal Lenses
Bifocal lenses provide a near and far correction in one lens. Bifocal lenses have a visible line across dividing the lenses into two areas with a noticeable segment for near vision.
COMBINATION FRAME MATERIALS
COMBINATION FRAMES help you get the best of both materials with frames that combine the sleek sophistication of metal with the colors and thickness of plastic. The cool contrast of these popular material duos adds visual interest.
Never before has there been such a variety of frame materials to use for informed, technologically driven patients. Ask us about the features and benefits of each frame material and what best meets your lifestyle requirements.
GLASS LENSES
Glass lenses are rarely used anymore because they are heavier, not shatter proof, cannot be AR coated and are not available in certain frame styles. Glass lenses offer superior optics and are scratch resistant.
MAGNESIUM MATERIALS
MAGNESIUM is the eighth-most abundant metal element on earth. Lighter than both titanium and aluminum, magnesium is either extracted from the ocean or recovered from minerals such as dolomite or magnetite. Because of its unique properties and high cost, it has been used in the high-end frame market.
Pros: This super-lightweight material is strong, durable and hypoallergenic.
Cons: Magnesium costs almost 50 percent more than aluminum or steel.
MONEL MATERIALS
MONEL™ is a nickel alloy containing 68 percent nickel, 30 percent copper and two percent iron. Monel,™ the most commonly used frame material today, is often used for components that require sturdiness and rigidity, such as temples and bridges.
Pros: This alloy is strong and it can also be welded, brazed, and soldered.
Cons: Surface discoloration can occur from exposure to atmospheric conditions. Pitting can also occur if exposed to salt water.
OFFICE LENSES
In today's fast paced high tech computer age, more of us require near vision clarity for all types of workplace objects positioned from 1.5 ft up to 10 ft. our shop prescribes Shamir™ OFFICE lens because it is well suited for any person working or operating in the mid and near vision zone. This lens is not limited to computer users but is a lifestyle lens that can be utilized for a variety of occupations. Shamir™ OFFICE lens reduces all signs of computer vision syndrome and enables users to hold their head in a natural position, thus eliminating unnecessary stress to the neck and shoulders area. AR coating enhances the performance of the office lens by reducing computer screen glare which can cause eye fatigue.
PHOTOCHROMIC LENSES
Transitions™ lenses are an essential part of healthy vision. Studies have shown a relationship between exposure to harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation and ocular disease. UVA and UVB radiation is responsible for ocular abnormalities such as cataract, solar retinopathy and macular degeneration, to name a few. Transitions™ lenses block 100% of the sun’s UV rays, as well as protecting the sensitive skin around the eyes. The new generation of Transition lenses adjusts quickly to changing light conditions, going from completely clear lenses indoor to sunglass dark outdoor. Anti reflective coating enhances the performance of Transitions™ lenses by providing glare protection. Children are among the most vulnerable to the sun harmful rays. Our office provides a shatter resistant Transitions™ lenses for children and people who lead active life. Transitions™ lenses are not a substitute for good polarized sunglasses.
PLASTIC LENSES (CR 39)
Almost all lenses today are made with plastic lenses. Advanced technology has created a very high quality plastic lenses that are much lighter and impact resistant than glass lenses. Almost all prescription can be made with CR 39 and the can be made in any style, shape or color.
Plastic Materials
PLASTIC materials have many style and material options. Easily colored, laminated, patterned, or even layered with fabrics, this material is one of the more creative and workable options. The two commonly used plastic frame materials are called zyl and propionate. Zyl, also known as cellulose acetate, is the most commonly used plastic frame material and is available in every color of the rainbow. Propionate is the second most common materials and is a nylon-based, hypoallergenic plastic. It's lightweight and has a different look and feel than other plastic
Pros: Plastic is easily molded into today's popular wraparound styles.
Cons: Plastic frames have some drawbacks in fit. Be certain of proper fit initially since the adjustments are limited.
POLARIZED LENSES
As the ozone layer is being depleted, we are becoming more exposed to UV radiation that is very harmful to the health of our eyes. The glowing sun is a host to a range of dangerous elements ranging from intense glare to the destructive properties. Polarized lenses act by absorbing unwanted radiation and provide glare protection by eliminating reflected radiation from water, snow, sand, metallic surfaces (such as windows, buildings and cars) and any reflection from outdoor horizontal source. Ordinary sunglasses reduce visible light but polarized lenses eliminate reflected glare and also reduce eye fatigue. The driving bureau studies have shown that 55% of car accident occurs due to scenic glare. Therefore, polarized lenses are extremely important for driving safety. We recommend polarized sunglasses to children, teens, active adults and anyone who participate in outdoor sports. Polarized lens is an excellent choice for post operative patients (such as Lasik and cataract operations) and very important for contact lens wearer.
Whether you are looking for polarized prescription, sports sun wear or plain polarized sunglasses, our office has a large selection of frame styles and widely available polarized lens colors.
Ask our opticians to demonstrate the benefits of polarized lenses and receive a free gift.
POLYCARBONATE LENSES
Advancement in technology has brought these lenses a long way from industrial safety goggles to multi usage in the optical field. Today polycarbonate lenses are lighter, stronger and more cosmetically appealing. Their quality of being impact resistant make them ideal for use in sports glasses, safety goggles. Polycarbonate is our shop choice lens for children, athletes and people with active lifestyle (such as firefighters and police officers). The use of anti reflective coating enhances the performance of polycarbonate lenses. Polycarbonate lenses come in a variety of colors, design and treatment.
PROGRESSIVE (NO LINE BIFOCALS) LENSES
These lenses provide all the benefits of bifocal lenses but have additional feature of continuous clear vision for all distances, from near to far. The absence of bifocal line makes Progressive lenses cosmetically appealing.
PURE ALUMINUM MATERIALS
PURE ALUMINUM is soft enough to carve. However, mixed with small amounts of alloys, it can provide the strength of steel with only half the weight. Because it can be "sculpted," the softer properties of aluminum break down the creative barriers present with many other strong materials.
Pros: In addition to its aesthetic merits, this material is also strong, lightweight. The fact that it can be recycled also makes it increasingly desirable.
Cons: Aluminum can get rigid, especially in lower temperatures. Thus, integrating elements like flex hinges into an aluminum frame can be challenging.
SCRATCH RESISTANT COATING
Scratch resistant coating is important to protect your lenses from every day wear. Our shop provides your glasses with complimentary scratch resistant coating on almost all lenses because we believe in extending the usefulness of your lenses and protecting your investment.
SINGLE VISION LENSES
Single vision lenses function as all purpose glasses for patients with normal accommodation. It can be used for distance or near vision. Single vision lenses are available in all materials and any style frame.
STAINLESS STEEL MATERIALS
STAINLESS STEEL material is an alloy of iron and carbon steel with chromium and other elements. The addition of at least 10 percent chromium makes this alloy less prone to stain or rust, a factor that results in a long life compared to that of traditional steel. Because of its durability, light weight, and sleek appearance, stainless steel has long been a choice of eyewear designers.
Pros: Stainless steel is non-corrosive, durable, strong, lightweight, and hypoallergenic. It can also be easily shaped into ultra-thin eyewear styles and has flexibility, which adds to the wearer's comfort.
Cons: Stainless is still not as lightweight, heat-resistant or flexible as titanium.
TICRAL MATERIALS
TICRAL, an alloy of titanium, copper and chrome is relatively new to the eyewear industry. It is nickel-free and thus hypoallergenic. It's also extremely lightweight and offers many of the features of titanium without the high cost. It can be cut a bit thicker than titanium, which enables it to have the popular look of a thin plastic frame while still offering lightweight.
Pros: The material is also strong, durable and available in a variety of colors.
Cons: Not yet well known.
THIN HIGH INDEX LENSES
The new products available today in high index lenses means that we can achieve a more cosmetically attractive look and lighter lenses with stronger prescription. We are able to provide a much superior pair of glasses without compromising comfort and quality.
TINTED AND MIRRORED LENSES
Tints for regular glasses and sun lenses come in variety of shades and colors and can be made as solid or gradient. Mirrored coating can be added to sunglasses, making the eyes almost invisible to others. Mirrors come in variety of colors and styles.
TITANIUM MATERIALS
TITANIUM is a high-strength, lightweight material commonly used in everything from hubcaps to eyewear. Because titanium ranks seventh in abundance among industry elements in the earth's crust, it is easily accessible. This material has picked up speed in the eyewear industry as a lightweight option that lends itself to unique designs and colorations.
Pros: Titanium is as strong as steel, lightweight, hypoallergenic, and corrosion-resistant.
Cons: This material is more expensive than other materials. Beware of the difference between "pure titanium" and "titanium alloy."
TRIFOCAL LENSES
Trifocal lenses are variation of bifocal lenses with an intermediate zone that provides a clear vision at arm length distance. The lenses have two lines visible across dividing the near, intermediate and far segments.
