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First, pick a material:

  • Polycarbonate​

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Polycarbonate is a thin, lightweight lens material that is suitable for a wide range of uses. Because of it's density it is an excellent choice for semi-rimless ("half-frames") or drill-mount / rimless glasses. It is also an excellent choice for active individuals and children, as it is very impact resistant.

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This lens is good for low- to mid-range prescriptions. If it is used for high prescriptions, wearers may experience peripheral distortion. If your prescription is above a +/- 4.00, or if you have have a lot of astigmatism, we recommend that you check out Trivex or one of the high-index materials.

 

  • Mid- and High-Index

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Mid- and high-index plastics are an ideal choice for people with higher prescriptions that want a lens that is thin. The lenses may not necessarily be lighter-weight than the same lens in, say, polycarbonate, and the peripheral vision may not be an improvement on the optics of a polycarbonate lens, but for a patient with a higher prescription the extra thinness that a mid- or high-index lens offers can more than make up for the downsides.

 

  • Plastic

​​The standard lens material, this type of plastic was developed in 1940 to make lighter windshields for war planes. It is about half as much as standard glass lenses, and is fairly scratch resistant. Plastic is an economical option that is great for low- to mid-range prescriptions. It is not recommended if you are very active (as it is not impact-resistant), need 100% UVA/UVB protection from your lenses, or are under the age of 18.

 

  • Trivex​

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Trivex is one of the newest lens materials on the market. It has the optical qualities of glass (high clarity) combined with the thinness and lightness of polycarbonate. It is also scratch and impact resistant. Unlike polycarbonate, it can tint well, and so it is an excellent choice for sunglasses.

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A great all-around lens, trivex works well for most low to high prescriptions. It is also a great choice for individuals who lead active lives, including children, and for drill-mount frames. 

 

  • Glass

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While still commonly available, glass is one of the least-used materials today. This is mostly because it is heavy (it can be twice as heavy as the same prescription in plastic!) and not as safe.

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There are higher-indexes of glass also available, and while they can be manufactured thinner, they still are relatively heavy.

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Glass lenses can be useful to people who work in very dusty or dirty environments, as they are more difficult to scratch than any of the plastic lens options. They are not at all recommended for children.

 

Next, pick your lens style:

Single Vision​

Single vision lenses are perfect for someone who doesn't struggle with reading, or prefers to wear separate pairs of glasses for distance and reading.

Progressives / No-Line Bifocals

These are the most versatile of the multifocal lens options available. They allow you to clearly see objects both near and far away- and everything in between. And they don't have a visible line- which makes them more comfortable to look through, and no one can tell that you are wearing bifocals!

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Older progressive lens designs gave wearers blurry vision in the peripheral areas of the lens, but these lenses have been improved so that this is much less noticeable than it once was.

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If you have struggled with progressives in the past, but are thinking about trying them again, we would encourage you. There have been many advancements in lens technology, and the lenses are becoming more and more like your natural vision once was.

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And, just to take the risk out, if you get progressives and then decide that you don't like them, we will remake your lenses within 90 days to lined bifocals or lined trifocals for no additional charge!

Flat Top / Lined Bifocal (FT28, FT35, FT45)​

This is the traditional style of bifocal lenses. The top part is for seeing far away, and the bottom inset is for reading. There are different sizes- the number after the FT refers to how many millimeters wide the "segment" is (ex.- a FT 28 is 28mm across, etc.). The FT 28 size is the most common.

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Many people enjoy this design because it is very clear exactly where the distance ends and the reading begins, although many people find the line to be distracting. Also, this lens style does not bring the intermediate (fingertip distance) area into focus- so, depending on your prescription, your computer / dashboard distance might not be clear with a lined bifocal.

Flat Top / Lined Trifocal (7x28, 8x35, 10x35, 12x35)​

Lined trifocals are just like lined bifocals, except that they have an extra segment that is designed to make viewing things at an intermediate distance easier. These lenses are better for people that need a bit of extra help with the computer, their car dashboard, cans on the shelf, and other objects that are at approximately fingertip distance.

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The first number in the size (the 7 in the 7x28) refers to how tall the trifocal/top segment is, and the second number (the 28 in 7x28) refers to how wide the segment is from side to side.

Executive Bifocal​

This type of lined bifocal has a line that goes all the way across the lens. It is an older style, and can be heavier than the more modern Flat Top 28 style.

Occupational Segs​

Sometimes, due to work or hobbies, a regular lined bifocal, trifocal, or progressive just doesn't do the trick. That's why we offer specialized "Occupational Seg" bifocals and trifocals.

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Electricians, mechanics, and people that do a lot of close work over their head sometimes need a bifocal in the top part of the lens.

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If you have an occupational or lifestyle problem that your current lenses are not solving, please discuss it with us! We will work with you to find the perfect solution to your needs.

Finally, select your lens options:​

Tints

​It is possible to tint eyeglass lenses almost any color under the rainbow! We offer both solid color tints and gradient tints (darker color at the top to a lighter or clear color at the bottom). If you want tints that are especially dark, we recommend selecting any lens but polycarbonate, as it tends to not absorb tint as well. If you are looking for a thin, lightweight option, try Trivex or high index lenses instead.

Polarized Lenses

Polarized lenses are popular with individuals that do a lot of driving, skiing, boating, or other outdoor activities. A polarized lens has a "lattice" built into the lens that filters out light that is reflected off surfaces- and it is this reflected light that causes you to feel like squinting.

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Polarized lenses come in black or brown colors, and are offered in most lens materials and styles.

Mirror Coating

Not just for cops anymore- mirror coating is popular with everyone from skiers to poker players to mountain bikers to cyberpunks! A mirror coated lens is basically a one-way mirror that allows you to see out, but people not to be able to look through and see your eyes. It also reduces the amount of light that passes through the lens by an additional 10-60% over tint or polarization alone, making them much more comfortable for bright, sunny lighting conditions.

Anti-Reflective / Anti-Glare / AR Coating

AR coatings allow more light to pass through the lens (rather than reflecting off of the lens surface, which causes glare). It makes your lenses much more comfortable for driving at night, working on computers, going to the movies, watching TV in a dimly lit room, and more. Also, when someone looks at you though lenses with an anti-reflective coating, they are able to see your eyes- and therefore, your expressions- better, which makes them a great pick for people whose lives involve working with the public. 

Transitions (for plastic lenses) / Photogrey (for glass lenses)​

Transitions  lenses turn dark when exposed to UV light, and are clear when you are indoors. They also change to varying degrees based on how much UV light they are exposed to, so they are not as dark on cloudy days or when you are standing in the shade as they are when you are in full, direct sunlight. 

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They are available in black or brown color options.

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Many people remember the old Transitions and Photogrey lenses from years ago, which tended to have a yellow cast to them all the time. The lenses are much better now, and it is nearly impossible to detect if an individual has Transitions in their lenses when they are wearing them indoors.

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Note: Please be aware that Transitions do not get very dark in most automobiles, as the car windshield will usually have UV-blocking properties to protect your upholstery. If you want lenses that get dark in a car, consider trying the Transitions XtraActive lenses. Although they start out with a light grey tint that stays that color at all times, they are able to change in cars.

Transitions Vantage​

A brand new Transitions lens that is polarized as well- Transitions Vantage offer the best of both worlds. Now you can have the increased clarity that comes with polarization without having to commit to a separate pair of sunglasses.

Roll and Polish Edges​

Eyeglass lenses come standard with a matte-finish on the edges of lenses. People with thicker lenses or who purchase semi-rimless ("half frames") or drill mount ("no-frame") glasses sometimes choose to have the edges of the lenses rolled and polished to make them appear shiny and, therefore, thinner.

Scratch Coating​

We offer the option of a scratch coating on all versions of plastic lenses (including standard plastic, polycarbonate, Trivex, etc.). This coating makes the lenses more resistant to scratching, and also comes with a two year warranty against every day wear and tear (it doesn't necessarily cover running them over with a lawn mower, but it covers against general scratches). 

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