Single Vision Lenses

Single Vision Lens refers to a lens with only one focusing power.  It may be a lens designed for distance vision, computer work, or reading.  It applies to both glasses and contact lenses.

Bifocal Lenses

Bifocals are lenses with two different powers. one at the top of the lens for distance and one at the bottom of the lens for near vision.  This allows you clear and comfortable vision to see up close and at a distance without having to remove your glasses. 

Trifocal Lenses

Trifocal lenses have three powers.  Once for distance, one for near and one for arms length.  An advantage to trifocals is that they are helpful when using a computer, doing arts and crafts projects or seeing detail at arms length.

Progressive Lenses

Progressive lenses actually have several powers so that you can see clearly at all distances.  The distance power is on the top and there is a continuous flow of power as you look toward the bottom of the len, where the reading power is.  The further down you look (with your eyes) the more power you get. 

Safety Glasses

Safety glasses consist of a safety frame and safety lenses. A safety frame is sturdier than most "dress frames" and not easily bent or broken. Some have side shields, and some don't, depending on your specific job.

Safety lenses are usually polycarbonate, which is basically jet windshield plastic that is very unlikely to break, even when shot with a bullet!

A good rule of thumb is if you work in an environment that requires the following you should get a pair of OSHA approved Safety Glasses...

• Impact 

  • Chipping, grinding, machining, masonry work, wood working, sawing, drilling, chiseling, powered fastening, riveting, sanding

• Heat

  • Anything emitting extreme heat Furnace operations, pouring, casting, hot dipping, welding

• Chemicals

  • Splash, fumes, vapors, irritating mists Acid and chemical handling, degreasing, plating, working with blood

• Dust

  • Harmful dust Woodworking, buffing, general dusty conditions

• Optical Radiation

  • Radiant energy, glare, intense light Welding, torch-cutting, brazing, soldering, laser work

Transitions

Photochromic lenses, or Transitions lenses, will darken when exposed to ultraviolet radiation from the sun.  The require direct sunlight to darken to their optimum level, this it why they do not darken when you are in your car, but will darken when you step into the sun.  The darkness also depends on the thickness of the lens; the thicker the lens the darker the tint.

You can learn more about Transitions or photochromic lenses by visiting www.transitiions.com or feel free to come in and see Kevin or as Dr. Fiegel at your next exam!

Sunglasses

Sun glasses are eyewear designed to help protect the eyes from excessive sunlight. Eyes are extremely light sensitive and can be easily damaged by overexposure to radiation in the visible and nonvisible spectra. Bright sunlight can be merely a distracting annoyance, but extended exposure can cause soreness, headaches, or even permanent damage to the lens, retina, and cornea. Short term effects of sun overexposure include a temporary reduction in vision, known as snow blindness or welders' flash. Long-term effects include cataracts and loss of night vision. In both cases, the damage is caused by ultraviolet (UV) light, which literally burns the surface of the cornea.

Polarized lenses

Your eyes take a beating while you are out on the lake or slopes, or even just driving from home to work.  

Why Polarized Lenses?   Doctors recommend using polarized sunglasses whenever on the water or driving. The glare caused by both water and pavement cause a significant amount of eye strain, causing your eyes to work overtime.

Ordinary sunglasses can reduce brightness and depending on the lens material provide UV protection, however Polarized lenses reduce the annooying glare that affects your vision.  Light reflects off of water, snow, car windshileds and into your eye causing damage, polarized sunglass lenses reduce and in some cases eliminate entirely the blinding affects of glare on your eyes. 

You can learn more about Polarized Lenses at www.xperiouvusa.com or simply drop in and ask Kevin or Dr. Fiegel at  your next exam