LENSES 101

A GUIDE TO THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF EYEGLASS LENSES

You’ve found your these-are-so-me frames. Now it’s time to personalize your eyeglasses with single vision or progressive lenses custom made for your vision needs. Let’s keep things simple with an easy-read guide on the language of lenses so you can easily figure out what’s best for you.

RX LENS TYPES

We all have unique vision correction needs with varying degrees of near or farsightedness, and astigmatism. Today’s lenses are built around your prescription and the way you live to give you a personalized view through your eyeglasses. Here’s the rundown.

Single Vision lenses are one power from edge to edge. These eyeglass lenses are typically prescribed to correct for nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. They're the most common type of prescription lens.

Progressives give you two or three focal points in one lens to help you see near and far without switching your glasses. In the world of progressive lenses, you’ve got two choices—bifocals—which give you two focal points or trifocals which have three: near, mid-range and distance. Today’s progressives use digital technology to give you edge to edge clarity and may be easier to adjust to than you thought. If you’ve had trouble getting used to multifocal lenses in the past, it might be time to give it another go.

Bifocal Lenses give you close-up lens power for reading, texting, close detail work; while also providing distance vision. But these aren’t your mother’s bifocals—today you can chose from traditional lenses with a line, or lineless which transition from close to far without any telltale line.

Trifocal Lenses give you three focal points in one lens to help you see close-up, mid-range (typically for computer or seeing your car dashboard), and far-away. The lens powers start with close vision at the bottom, mid-vision through the middle, and distance through the top of the lens. Most people find with a little practice, they’re an easy adjustment.

GET TO KNOW LENS ENHANCEMENTS

Now that you’ve narrowed down your lens type, check out lens enhancements that’ll give you a little extra vision protection, and improved lens performance. Think of them as your lens’ BFFs.

Premium AR is designed to reduce reflections to cut night driving glare and help your eyes shine brighter behind your glasses. • Works to repel dirt and oil for easy-to-clean glasses • Helps reduce visual distractions like glare so your selfies show off
the best view of you, not your reflection
Polarization helps minimize glare from the sun for better clarity
with UV protection when you’re outside. • Works to make colors crisp and details more vibrant
Photochromic change from clear to dark when you go inside to outside. Like chameleons, they adapt to their surrounding brightness. • Designed to reduce eye fatigue and strain by adjusting to the light around you • Lets your eyeglasses double as sunglasses, except when you’re driving (Stash a pair of sunglasses in your car since photochromic doesn’t adapt to light
that’s filtered through your car’s windows.)

The 411 on Lenses

Get to know your lenses to get the just-right combination for your specific vision needs. With a few informed decisions, you’ll know you’re getting the right lenses for your eyesight and your life. Find a store near you to learn more.

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DISCLAIMER: THIS WEBSITE DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only. The purpose of this website is to promote broad consumer understanding and knowledge of various health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. LensCrafters does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, physicians, products, procedures, opinions or other information that may be mentioned on this website. Reliance on any information appearing on this website is solely at your own risk.

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