So, those of you that come to us know that once you have come out of the test room you’ll be sat in front of me and we will talk about what you need and I’ll explain what Lens A does and why it isn’t as good as Lens B and I try to tell you why but some words come up that don’t always make sense to you, The Patient, and we don’t always have time to go over it so I thought I might put a little Glossary of things here so I can say ”What? You haven’t read my tedious post on the website?”
Right, different lens types and what they do:
Single Vision lenses– They give you a correction for one thing. You need help to see further or suddenly can’t read as clearly as you could? These might be a solution. More commonly used for younger people or people that just want some Reading or Distance Glasses.
Bifocals– We don’t really use these that much any more. Two prescriptions in one lens, most often Distance and Near with an unsightly line. Why don’t we use them much anymore? Because we tend to need lenses to do more in our modern lives than just Distance and Near. Hence:
Varifocals– Or Progressive Lenses. These are the thing for us older people nowadays that need to see the telly, books and phones or computers. They give you some flexibility and convenience. But, ”Uncle Bob tried some once and he didn’t get on with them. Yeah, he tried them for a few days and really struggled.” People who don’t get on with varifocals tell everyone about it. people who do get on with Varifocals live full, happy lives and do the things they enjoy doing! They do take a little bit of work to get used to, but we are here to help that happen. It beats buying and carrying three pairs of specs!
Occupational Lenses– A bit like a Varifocal, but more for your desk than for everything. They will have a bit of prescription for your screen and a bit of prescription for your paperwork. Some have a bit of distance at the top, to help you look at the clock or walk around the office, but they aren’t really everything lenses.
Thinner lenses– These will be something that comes up if your prescription is a bit stronger than about a + or -3.00. Basically, the more prescription you into a lens, the thicker the lens gets. We can use different types of plastic that allow the lens to do the right thing but with less of it! As the lens gets thinner, so the material gets denser and harder to work with and that’s why they cost a little more.
Coatings:
Scratch Proof– No such thing. If someone is selling you a Scratch Proof lens they are being disingenuous. I just want to get that out there. We use plastic lenses now, they will scratch if you aren’t careful. We can put Hard Coats on and that will help, but if you take a scouring pad to your lens, it will scratch.
Anti reflective– In my opinion, every lens should have this. Whenever you ask me how much a lens is and I tell you the price it includes this. Makes lenses nicer to look through and to look at. Less reflection for you and people talking to you. Just better than not having it. We use Seiko lenses and they have a 2 year guarantee on their coatings, so if you buy lenses and the coating breaks inside 2 years, you will get free replacements.
Photochromic– Transitions or Reactolite are names you might have heard. Little molecules that react to UV Light that are in the lens or the lens coating and go dark when UV hits them and clear up when you go back indoors. Automatic sunglasses, basically! Can be a little slow to change sometimes and tend to be faster when it’s cold. Odd.
Polarised– My favourite type of sunglass lens. Filters light in a specific direction and reduces glare off surfaces, mainly water. Really nice to look through on a sunny or a bright, rainy day!
There are other things we can offer, but these will be the main things that come up. Hopefully that’s informative and not too boring! If you want to know more, ask any questions or buy some new lenses then come by and see us!
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