Polarized Sunglasses, Comfortable Attractive-Looking Sunwear

The material from which a lens is made has little impact on the corrective power of the lens, but it can have a major impact on lifestyle. Learn about the different lens material options and make the best choice for your next pair of eyeglasses.

Polarized Sunglasses

For years, boaters and fishermen have used polarized sunglasses to reduce glare from the water that they spend so much time on. In the past few years, however, the benefits of polarized sunglasses have been realized by a variety of other outdoor sports enthusiasts as well as by drivers and general use wearers. The popularity of polarized lenses has increased dramatically, as has availability.

Besides boaters, people that benefit most from polarized sunglasses include skiers, golfers, bikers, and joggers, who enjoy a clearer view and elimination of glare.

These sunglasses can be used for driving and in fact can reduce the glare that comes off a long, flat surface such as the hood of the car or the surface of a road. Polarized sunglasses can also be used indoors by light-sensitive people such as post-cataract surgery patients or by those exposed to bright light through windows.

Advantages of Progressive Lenses Over Bifocals and Trifocals 　　
In addition to cosmetic advantages, progressive multifocal lenses provide a more natural correction of presbyopia than bifocal or trifocal prescription eyeglasses.

Instead of having just two or three lens powers like bifocals or trifocals, progressive lenses are true "multifocal" lenses that provide a seamless progression of many lens powers for all viewing distances.

With progressive lenses, you can look up to see clearly across the room and in the distance. You also can look ahead to view your computer in the intermediate zone and drop your gaze downward to read and do fine work comfortably through the near zone of the lenses.

And it's easy to adapt to today's modern progressive lenses.

Trivex Lenses:
Trivex is a relatively new material that is similar to polycarbonate lenses but with higher quality optics, and thus provides clearer vision. Trivex is lighter in weight than standard plastic but not quite as thin as polycarbonate. Trivex is a more rigid material, making it a better selection for rimless or drill mount frames. Trivex is just as impact resistant as polycarbonate and may also be prescribed for children’s lenses, sport lenses and safety lenses.

Aspheric Lenses:

An aspheric lens design gives several advantages to eyeglass lenses. An aspheric lens has flatter peripheral curvatures than a regular spherical lens. This reduces the amount a lens may bulge out of an eyeglass frame, reducing magnification of the eyes, which improves cosmetic appearance. Flatter peripheral curves also reduce distortions that occur when looking away from the center of the lens, making vision much crisper. Aspheric lenses are also much lighter in weight than standard spherical lenses.

Anti-reflective Coatings:

Anti-reflective coating is applied to eyeglass lenses to reduce the amount of internal and external reflections on a lens. This increases the amount of light transmitted through the lens, which improves quality of vision. Anti-reflective coating also decreases unwanted glare and halos at nighttime. It also makes the lenses appear somewhat invisible and very thin. While everyone could benefit from an anti-reflective coating, it is especially beneficial for people with high prescriptions, people who have a decrease in vision at night, and professions in which cosmetic appearance is important.