The Eyeglass Basics
Today in Northern Colorado we are seeing that eyeglasses are still the most popular option for the correction of eyesight. Fashion frames that are branded with designer names are always in demand. The materials that are used in the making of eyeglasses had changed with the introduction of new plastics and different metals.
Glasses made for specific purposes, like safety glasses, you may want an extra tough plastic, such as polycarbonate. If you have skin allergies, then hypoallergenic metals such as titanium or stainless steel would be better choices. If you find that your glasses are prone to breaking there are now frames which are made of highly flexible metal alloys, that reduce the possibility of breakage. Spring hinges are also for added durability, they are also a good option for children’s eyewear.
Eyeglass frames styles
Here in Fort Collins, Loveland and Greeley and across the country, eyeglasses are also quite popular as fashion accessories. There are many different colors and styles available to match wardrobes or just a special occasion.
There are seemingly endless possibilities in multi-colored inlays, composite materials, designer emblems, and enhancements such as insets of precious stones that might also be found in popular frame styles.
Rimless styles have become more popular in recent years as an understated way to wear eyeglasses without obvious frames. This particular style of glasses tends to make the face of the wearer seem more ‘open’. Rimless styles mainly involve attaching plastic or metal temples directly onto the lenses rather than onto a frame.
Advances in eyeglass lenses
There are many options to choose from when you are looking for the lenses for your eyeglasses. Some of the most popular types of lenses and lens options prescribed today are:
- Aspheric lenses, which are more slender and thus have a more attractive profile than other lenses. Because of this they are also able to eliminate that magnified, “bug-eye” look caused by some prescriptions.
- High index lenses, are made of new materials that now enable the lenses to be noticeably thinner and lighter than regular plastic lenses making them an incredibly comfortable choice.
- Polycarbonate lenses are thinner, lighter and up to 10 times more impact-resistant than regular plastic lenses. These lenses are a wonderful option for safety glasses, children’s eyewear, and for any other purpose that requires lightweight, durable lenses.
- Photochromic lenses are a nice option if you like multi-function glasses. These lenses are sun-sensitive which mean that they quickly darken in bright conditions, and quickly return to a clear state in ordinary indoor lighting – it’s like having glasses and sunglasses all at the same time!
- Polarized lenses cut glare from flat, reflective surfaces (like water) and in doing this also reduce eye fatigue.
Some of the more popular additions to glasses are anti-reflective coatings. They can dramatically improve the look and comfort of your glasses by minimizing the amount of light that reflects off the surface of your lenses, which also has the added benefit of reducing glare and thus easing eye fatigue. Other lens coatings include scratch-resistant, ultraviolet treatment, and mirror coatings.
Eyeglass lenses for presbyopia
Presbyopia is defined as the normal, age-related loss of near focusing ability. This condition makes reading and other close-up tasks more difficult after age 40.
Here in Fort Collins, Loveland and Greeley, the usual type of eyeglass lenses you’ve likely been accustomed to wearing, known as single vision lenses, no longer will work well for you if you have this condition.
Multifocal eyeglass lenses available for presbyopia correction include:
- Bifocals: Lenses with two powers – one for distance and one for near – separated by a visible transition line.
- Trifocals: Lenses with three powers for seeing at varying distances – near, intermediate and far – separated by two visible transition lines.
- Progressive lenses: These lenses have many advantages over bifocals and trifocals because they allow the wearer to focus at many different distances, not just two or three. Because they have no definitive lines, progressive lenses allow for a smoother, comfortable transition from one distance to another.
If your distance vision is good, then simple reading glasses with single vision lenses may be all you need to correct the near vision problems caused by presbyopia.
Advice for Buying Eyeglasses
Here in Northern Colorado we recognize that your appearance, personal taste and lifestyle should all be brought into consideration when choosing eyeglasses. We can help you choose the frames and lenses that will both complement your appearance and meet all of your lifestyle needs.
For additional information or to schedule an appointment, please call 970-204-4020 or click on the link on the side of the page.
