Besides choosing your frames, there are many different options when it comes to picking out your lenses. At Valley Vision we are here to help you through the entire process so that you can have the glasses that you need. Our lens options give you the ability to purchase glasses for general use as well as specialty lenses for sports, hobbies and occupational uses. As you shop it is important to keep in mind what you will be doing while wearing your glasses, and what needs may arise out of that.

Below you will find different lens types, materials and enhancements. Our Optician can better walk you through what may be the best options to fit your frames, your lifestyle… and you!

Types of Lenses

Single Vision Lenses

If you only need one correction, whether it is to see better near or far away these may be the lenses for you!

Progressive Lenses

Many patients have the need of correcting both near and far… but want to stray from the typical bifocal. Progressive lenses allow you to do this by allowing a smooth transition from near to far, including an intermediate distance as well!

Task-Oriented Lenses

If you find yourself sitting in front of a computer screen for several hours or most of your work day, task-oriented lenses may be the best choice. These can provide improved visual performance as well as reduced eye-strain. Say good-bye to the “afternoon slump!”

Lens Materials

Plastic

This material is most commonly prescribed as it is comfortable, durable, and semi impact resistant! Plastic lenses are lightweight and are one of the best options for those with mild or moderate prescriptions.

Polycarbonate

These lenses are slightly thinner and lighter than plastic lenses. They are shatter-proof and offer 100% UV protection, which makes them an optimal choice for kids and active adults! They can be suited for stronger prescriptions, as they are not thicker.. Which helps minimize distortion!

Trivex

These are similar to polycarbonate as they offer a thin, lightweight lens that is shatter proof and offers 100% UV protection. The difference is that Trivex offers sharper central as well as peripheral vision. Trivex is not as widely available as other lens types.

Hi-Index

Many times, for those with a strong prescription the lens may end up being very thick. With hi-index lenses you are able to have a lighter weight, thinner lens that is much more comfortable for long-term wear while correcting strong prescriptions.

Enhancements:

There are many ways to enhance your spectacles.

  • Anti-Glare Coating
    This reduces the amount of light glare entering your vision as well as the glare that shows off your lenses in bright light
  • Blue Light Reduction Coating
    This coating reduces the amount of blue light that enters your vision, reducing eye strain while using screens that emit blue light (computers, phones, tvs, etc!)
  • Scratch Resistant Coating
    This optional coating helps resist the simple scratches that happen with daily wear of glasses.. Leaving your vision clear and scratch free!
  • Transition
    This enhancement will turn your glasses into sunglasses when you head outdoors. There is now an XtraActive Transition so that your lenses will also darken in the car! A wide variety of colors are available, from grey to brown, to green and even purple! You can even choose to have your glasses transition to a mirrored effect.
  • Polarized Lenses
    This option is for sunglasses, which we also offer in our Optical! You can choose polarized prescription lenses, and even choose the color you would like best!

The most important part of choosing your lens type, material and enhancements is making sure that your glasses will serve you in the way you need. If you have found yourself on the computer more in the past year, you may want to consider a Blue Light Reflective Coating… and maybe even a task oriented lens! Need glasses while commuting on your bike to and from work? You may need a polycarbonate XtraActive Transition Lens…
The options are endless, and at the end of the day, it is YOU who is going to be wearing your glasses. We want every patient of ours to walk out of the office excited to be wearing their new spectacles and we will help you achieve that!

It can be hard to choose exactly what you need in your lens. That is why we are here to help. Feel free to contact us today at (970) 945-6011 to go over your options for your glasses including the lens.