Usually when we are talking about lens category, we refer to three main types of lenses: eyeglass lenses, sunglass lenses, and light-adaptive lenses. With the following guide, you will learn more about each type of lenses, and will be able to select your perfect match.
Many people buy prescription eyeglass lenses to correct near, medium, and distance vision, or any two or three of these vision problems. They also buy eyeglass lenses to protect their eyes. However, these days there are also people who buy eyeglasses for decoration or fashion reasons, which means the eyeglass lens will have no prescription with it. At the same time, they can still be coated for various functions. For example, lenses with blue light blocking coating are designed to protect eyes from harmful blue lights from computer, cell phone, and many other mobile devices. We provide both prescription and non-prescription eyeglass lenses.
High quality sunglass lenses can filter harmful sunlight and ray, and keep our eyes away from discomfort and eye strain. There are so many kinds of sunglass lenses that more than what people usually think about. We carry tinted, gradient, mirrored, and polarized sunglass lenses, and we believe that these choices can maximally satisfy your needs. Tinted sunglass lenses are very popular among young people; gradient lenses are extremely practical in multi-task situations; mirrored lenses are so cool that they work perfectly with aviator frames; polarized lenses can reduce glare and are popular among outdoor activity enthusiasts and drivers. We provide both prescription and non-prescription sunglass lenses.
Light-adaptive lenses are also called photochromic lenses. Usually, when we are talking about photochromic lenses, we refer to Transitions® Lenses (Transitions Optical), which are so far, the best photochromic lenses. Light-adaptive lenses are clear indoors, and can automatically darken outdoors on exposure to UV radiation. Better than many other brands that manufacture photochromic lenses, Transitions Lenses change color very quickly, usually less than one minute to change from clear to dark. With developing technologies, the color changing speed will be much faster.
To correct different kinds of visions, there are several main types of lenses. We should pick the right lenses with the optician’s prescriptions to meet our individual vision needs.
Single vision lenses are prescribed to create only one field of vision: everything, computer or reading vision. This means that the amount of vision correction is the same within the entire lens. Our lenses feature anti-scratch, anti-static, anti-reflective, UV protection and blue light blocking coating. When you buy our frames, we provide free 1.61 hi-index single vision lenses.
Usually, bifocals are used to correct presbyopia for adults over 40. However, kids and young adults who have focusing problems can also use bifocals to reduce eye strain when reading or working.
The upper part of the bifocal lens corrects distance vision and the lower part corrects near vision. Generally speaking, when you are focusing on distant objects, you look up and use the upper portion of the lens. When you are looking at close objects, you look down and use the lower portion. Since bifocals contain two prescriptions, you can see a noticeable segment line between the two prescriptions within the same lens. Please note that you need to provide us your ADD value when you order bifocal lenses.
Different from single vision lenses, which have only one, consistent focal to correct a single vision condition, progressive has multifocal. This means that progressive lenses provide a full range of vision correction, which include near, intermediate, and distance without a visible line separating them. Progressive lenses are also called progressive addition lenses (PAL), varifocal or multifocal lenses.
Our progressive lenses are also scratch-resistant, and feature anti-reflective, anti-static, and UV protective coatings. It provides a more natural correction of presbyopia than bifocal or trifocal prescription eyeglasses. Please note that you need to provide us your ADD value when you order progressive lenses. When you are wearing your first pair of progressive lenses, you may need a short adaptation period to become fully comfortable. This might take a few hours or a couple of days.
Free-Form Progressive lenses are also called digital progressive lenses. They are made from computer-controlled surfacing equipment and top technology software for the highest precision.
Free-Form technology is very popular and allows you to obtain better vision and wider visual field.
Which lens thickness is right for you? It really depends on you and your prescription. Typically, the stronger your prescription is, the thicker your lenses will be. “Thick” can also be subjective. Lenses can be very thin compared to “Coke Bottle” glasses, but can also be considered thick compared to hiding lenses within a frame.
We carry 5 types of lens indices. With the same prescription and frame, the higher the index is, the thinner the lens is. The following lens index guide will help you choose the right lens thickness.
These standard or “regular” lenses, made from a plastic named CR39, are recommended for relatively low prescriptions. In addition, they are also relatively thick lenses.
Note: we don’t carry 1.5 index lens currently because of its limitations on frame and prescription choices.
These lenses are thinner and lighter than 1.5 index lenses and can handle stronger prescriptions. They are on average 20% thinner than 1.5 index lenses. They are recommended for SPH corrections from +5.00 to -5.00, and CYL corrections from +4.00 to -4.00. 100% UV protection.
Polycarbonate lenses are lightweight, impact-resistant, and are less likely to fracture than regular plastic lenses. They are also great for rimless and semi-rimless frames.
Made of MR-8, these hard resin lenses are our most tough and durable option, and they come FREE with all LifeArt glasses frames. Up to 35% thinner and 40% lighter than the standard lenses.
We recommend these 1.6-index lenses for SPH corrections from +4.00 to -4.00, and CYL corrections from +3.00 to -3.00. 100% UV protection.
These lightweight and thin lenses are ideal for stronger prescription, and are Up to 45% thinner and 45% lighter than the standard lenses. They work perfectly in rimless and semi rimless frames. We recommend them for SPH corrections from +8.00 to -8.00, and CYL corrections from +4.00 to -4.00. 100% UV protection.
Based on the feature, quality and price, it is strongly recommended to use.
These are the thinnest and lightest plastic lenses we carry, and can be up to 60% thinner than the standard lenses. They are definitely the 1st choice for very strong prescriptions, and they work best for all our frames. As refractive lenses, they're recommended for prescriptions with SPH corrections from +10.00 to -14.00 or above, and CYL corrections from +6.00 to -6.00. 100% UV protection.
After selecting your lenses, it is time for you to think about what kind of coatings will fit you well. We offer 5 kinds of coatings with different functions to satisfy your needs.
Plastic lenses are usually lighter and more comfortable than glass lenses, but they’re also easier to have abrasions and scratches.
Even with our anti-scratch coating, it doesn’t mean that your lenses will not scratch at all. Please remember that even the best anti-scratch coating can't 100% protect your lenses from wear and tear. To prolong lens life, please put them in your case when not in use, and clean your lenses regularly with our FREE cleaning cloth.
Static electricity sometimes can be really annoying, especially in dry or dusty environment, because dust and dirt can cling to the lenses and blur your vision. The anti-static coating repels dust and dirt, and keeps lenses cleaner. Since it can keep debris from sticking to lenses, the anti-static coating makes it easier to clean.
Anti-reflective coating (also known as “anti-glare coating” or AR coating) helps improve vision and reduce eye strain by eliminating reflections from both sides of the lenses. Different colors make your eyeglasses look more attractive. AR coating is especially recommended for high-index lenses because high-index lenses reflect more light than standard plastic lenses. The advantage of AR coating is also obvious at night when it makes your lenses almost invisible, so that you can have better eye contact with people and can see more clearly.
We are so proud that ALL LifeArt glasses lenses have AR coating.
Not only does our skin needs sunscreen, our eyes also require protection from sun exposure. Harmful UV radiation may cause age-related eye problems and diseases. The UV protection coating is like the “sunscreen” for our eyes, minimizing the damage from the sun. Professional sunglasses are recommended to use since childhood.
We are so proud that ALL LifeArt glasses lenses have 100% UV protection built-in.
Research has shown that prolonged exposure of “High Energy Visible” (HEV) blue light can cause eye strain and blurred vision. Eye diseases including glaucoma, retinal degenerative problems, macular degeneration can be expected during excessive exposure of harmful blue light for a long time. Artificial blue light mainly come from computers, cell phones, LED lights and other digital devices, causing eye fatigue without your notice.
We spend almost half of every day using our devices: our computers at work, our TVs at home, and our tablets and smartphones anywhere and everywhere in between. Got one to protect your eyes!
