Lenses

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Single Vision

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In most cases, this is what first-time wearers will require. As the phrase suggests, single vision lenses offer a single focal power and correct close-up or distance vision. Typically single vision lenses are worn for reading if you are long-sighted or presbyopic and for distance, if you are short-sighted.

 

Bifocals

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There will come a time when you may need glasses to improve both close-up and distance vision. One option is to carry two pairs of spectacles around but this can be both inconvenient and frustrating. Bifocals are two lenses in one, enabling the wearer to see clearly close-up and in the distance, but not in between. Due to VDU use, most people now choose varifocals.

 

Varifocals

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These offer correction at all distances including the intermediate range between close-up and distance. This makes them ideal for anyone using VDU. As they have no visible dividing lines, they are cosmetically better than bifocals. Recent designs of varifocals are much improved, offering a wide range of vision at all distances. We recommend Jai Kudo Wideview lenses as our first choice of varifocal. They offer great performance, at a very good price.

 

Transitions

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These are photochromic plastic lenses that react quickly and efficiently to changing light conditions. You can wear them anywhere from a sunny beach, working in the office or reading a book. In short, they go clear at night or indoors, but darken when outside, turning into sunglasses when the sun comes out. The latest version, Transitions VI has been released in October 2008 and goes darker than the previous model.

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They also provide 100% protection against the sun's harmful UVA/UVB rays. They do not change fully in a car, so if you are a regular or professional driver you may wish to have a pair of prescription sunglasses made as well.

 

Thinner and lighter

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You may have noticed some people's lenses look thick and heavy.There are many lenses that are now available in high index materials.

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These enable us to greatly improve the appearance of higher powered lenses. In addition, aspheric surfaces are used which result in a thinner, flatter lens offering excellent visual acuity, even in peripheral vision. Such lenses result in lighter, more comfortable spectacles and a more aesthetically pleasing appearance.

In our own workshop, rather than just cutting standard lenses to fit your frame, we will use the smallest lens size for your frame, resulting in a thinner, lighter lens. We will do this at no extra cost to you.

 

Anti-reflection coatings

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These allow more light to pass through the lens enabling it to appear clearer. They all but eliminate reflections with 99% of light entering the eye. The lack of annoying reflections makes everyday tasks far easier, such as helping to eliminate headlight glare when driving at night. They are particularly effective on high-powered lenses. They also add some scratch resistance to help protect the lens from minor abrasions, keeping the lens clearer for longer.