The Different Lenses Available For Prescription Glasses

Needing prescription eyewear is not simply about walking into your optometrist's office and getting what you may think you need. The reality of the matter is that prescription glasses come in an assortment of lenses. These lenses each have their own distinctive characteristics as well as price points, so it is essential to know what is available to you before you make a decision on what prescription glasses to buy. If you have an appointment with your optometrist coming up, read on for a few of the different lenses that are available for prescription glasses.

High-index prescription lenses

If you are in search of the best prescription lenses in the market, the high-index variety will be right up your alley. They are named for their great refractive index, which allows for the correction of any refractive disparities that your vision may have developed. While high-index prescription lenses are the top choice you could choose, it should be noted that they are not functional for people with astigmatism. Instead, they are typically prescribed for individuals that suffer from either myopia or hyperopia. Another advantage of high-index prescription lenses is that they are much thinner than other lenses in the market without losing their prescription power. If you tend to wear your glasses all day, the lightweight nature of the high-index prescription lenses will be a comfortable option for your needs.

Progressive prescription lenses

This type of prescription lenses has steadily taken over conventional bifocals that are characterised by the visible lines on the glasses. A major reason why progressive prescription lenses have become the preferred option over traditional bifocals is that the lenses have a seamless transition from one part of the lens with specific power to another part of the lenses with varying power. Take note that the problem with regular bifocals was not merely aesthetic. With the different powers on the lenses, people wearing bifocals will find that the image jumps depending on where their eye looks through the prescription lenses. Progressive prescription lenses eliminate this problem since there is no distinct boundary on the lenses.

Single vision prescription lenses

If you are on a tight budget and simply want eyeglasses that are functional, then you could consider single-vision prescription lenses. This type of lens is the traditional option available and can be employed to correct an array of eyesight defects including astigmatism, hyperopia and myopia. However, while single-vision prescription lenses can help correct the damaged refractive power of your eyes, these lenses cannot function past a certain refractive index. Thus, if your vision needs lenses with a higher refractive index, you may have to settle for multifocal prescription lenses or invest in the high-index variety.