Lens Technology

Understanding the right lenses for your vision needs.

1Vision Types

Single Vision

These lenses have the same power covering the entire lens. They are used to correct Nearsightedness, Farsightedness, or Astigmatism.

Most Common

Bifocals

Lenses with two distinct optical powers. Traditionally, the upper part is for distance and the lower part (seg) is for near vision. There is a visible line separating the two.

Traditional

Progressive Lenses (PALs)

Also known as "no-line bifocals," these provide a smooth transition from distance correction on top to near correction on the bottom, with intermediate vision in between.

Standard Progressive

Good all-around performance but may have narrower reading corridors.

Digital / Free-form

Customized surfacing for wider field of view and sharper vision.

2Refractive Index (Thickness)

The higher the index, the thinner and lighter the lens.

1.50

Standard

Basic plastic

1.56

Mid-Index

Thinner, lighter

1.60/1.61

High-Index

Great for rimless

1.67/1.74

Ultra High

Thinnest for strong rx

3Materials

CR-39 (Plastic)

Pros: Low cost, good optical clarity

Cons: Thicker, scratches easily without coating

Polycarbonate

Pros: Impact resistant, UV protection, lightweight

Cons: Lower Abbe value (more chromatic aberration)

Trivex

Pros: Impact resistant like Poly, but sharper optics

Cons: Slightly more expensive

Glass

Pros: Best optical clarity, scratch resistant

Cons: Heavy, can shatter (safety risk)