Resources useful for student's in the optical related careers and also
for interested parties.

LENSES

Lens Materials

Plastic or Hard Resin

These lenses are half the weight of glass lenses. Most plastic lenses are scratch-resistant.

Polycarbonate

These are the most impact-resistant lenses on the market today. They are thinner and lighter than conventional plastic lenses. This type of lens should be the choice for children and adults who participate in sports or maintain an active lifestyle.

High Index Lenses

This thinner and lighter material allows a stronger prescription to appear more cometically attractive. It reduces eye magnification for those with farsighted prescription, will minimize thick edges on a nearsighted prescription and allows more frame alternatives.

Lens Designs

Single Vision

These lenses are used for either distance or near vision correction.

Bifocals

Bifocals provide both far and near correction in one lens with a line separating the tow and are available in different styles eg. Executive Bifocals, D-Seg Bifocals

Trifocals

These have three portions of viewing - distance, intermediate and near. The intermediate reading portion allows clear vision ar arm's lenght. All three are separated by lines.

No-Line Bifocals

The lens of this choice is for those who want uinterrupted vision at all distances - near, intermediate and far. These lenses have a gradual visual transition from near to far with no lines. Because there are no visible lines, these lenses are the most cosmetically desirable multifocal.

Computer Lenses

For those who have intermediate vision problems and work on the computer more than 2 hours per day; than these lenses are useful which help correct vision for specified distances from your eye to the computer screen and the the immediate vicinity.

Lens Treatments

Scratch-Resistant Coating

Glasses are exposed to wear and tear in everyday use. A hard protective layer can be applied to the surface of the lens to help reduce scratching.

Ultraviolet Protection

Sources of ultraviolet rays are the sun and computer terminals. Ultraviolet Protection apploed to the lenses absorbs harmful ultraviolet light and may help in the prevention of cataracts.

Anti- Reflection Coating

For those who would like to reduce eyestrain associated with glare and improve their personal appearance by allowing eyes, not glare, to be visible through the leses. AR coating improves night vision greatly by reducing reflections from streetlights and vehicle headlights. AR coating also reduces glare and 'ghost object' reflections from inside the surface of the lens.

Special Lenses

Photochromic Lenses

Lens of choice for those who want a changing tint that will lighten or darken according to light exposure. Photochromic lenses darken in sunlight, lighten indoors, reduce glare from overhead lights and computer screens, and provide ultraviolet protection. These lenses are available in virtually all lens materials and designs.

Polarized Lenses

One of the best lenses for outdoors. Any surface can create glare in sunlight, including water, sand, snow, windows, vehicles and buildings, and these lenses reduce eye strain associated with glare. They are great for all outdoor activities including boating, fishing and skiing.

FRAMES

How to choose a frame according to the shape of the face

Oval Face

Rounded forehead and chin of equal size
Frame Type: Most frame styles, particularly geometric or round frames

Round Face

Larger curved forehead, full cheeks with a round chin
Frame Type: Rectangular, navigator, square or geometric frames to sharpen the features and create definition

Square Face

Wider forehead, cheek and chin area with a slightly angular jaw
Frame Type: Round or oval frames soften angular facial lines

Triangular/ Heart Face

Wider forehead narrowing gradually to a slightly rounded chin
Frame Type: Square, navigator, rectangular or geometric styles to add width to the chin and cheek area

Types of Frame Shapes

Geometric, Oval, Round, Square, Rectangular, Navigator, Aviator