Choosing the right lenses for your glasses is important for the best vision and comfort. With many options available, it can be overwhelming to know what you need. Here are some factors to consider when choosing the right lenses for your glasses:
Vision Needs
Your eye doctor decides what kind of lenses you need based on how well you can see. The prescription will fix any issues you are having with your eyesight.
Farsighted
Farsighted means you can see things far away more clearly than things up close. You might be farsighted if you have trouble reading the menu at a restaurant but can see the license plate number on a car from far away.
Nearsighted
Nearsighted means you can see things close to you clearly, but stuff far away is blurry. If you have trouble reading signs far away but can see your phone up close, you might be nearsighted.
Astigmatism
Astigmatism means your eye isn’t shaped perfectly round. Instead, it’s shaped more like a football. This makes things look blurry or stretched out in different directions. It can affect how clear things are, both close and far away, and might cause headaches or eye strain.
Types of Lenses
If you wear glasses or know someone who does, you might have heard about different types of lenses. It can be a bit confusing. Each type of lens will help you see near, far or both.
Single Vision Lenses
Single vision lenses are the most basic and common kind of lenses. They help you see clearly at one distance. If you have trouble seeing things up close or far away, single vision lenses can fix that. For example, if you can’t read books without squinting, single vision lenses can make the words clear again.
Bifocal Lenses
See a line in the lens? Then you’ve got bifocal lenses. They’re great if you have trouble seeing both near and far. The top part of the lens helps you see things far away, like road signs or the TV. And the bottom part helps with up-close tasks, such as reading or using your phone. You don’t need to switch glasses; just look through the right part for what you’re doing.
Progressive Lenses
Progressive lenses are a bit like bifocals, but smoother. Instead of having a distinct line separating the two powers, progressive lenses blend them together. That means you can see clearly at any distance, whether it’s up close, far away, or in between. They’re a popular choice for people who need help with both reading and distance vision but want a more natural look without any lines on their lenses.
Lens Materials
Lenses can be made from different types of materials like glass, plastic or special plastics called polycarbonate and high-index. Each material has its own benefits, including how heavy they are, how quickly they can break and how clearly you can see through them. You will talk with your eye doctor about which material would work best for you and what you like.
Lens Coatings
In addition to materials, you can add a special coating to your lenses to make them work even better. This can make it easier for you to see through the lenses and will make your glasses last longer.
Anti-Reflective Coating
Anti-reflective coating is like sunscreen for your lenses. It helps reduce glare from lights, like reflections from screens or headlights at night. This makes it easier to see without squinting and helps prevent eye strain. It also makes your lenses look clearer because less light gets bounced off them, so people can see your eyes better when they look at you.
Scratch-Resistant Coating
To make your lenses tougher and more durable, you can get a scratch-resistant coating. This protects your lenses from getting scratched from everyday use. Your glasses stay looking new for longer and you don’t have to worry as much about accidentally scratching them.
UV Coatings
Harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun can damage your eyes. The UV coating acts as a shield from UV rays. Even though you can’t see UV rays, they’re still there. This coating helps keep your eyes safe when you’re outside in the sun.
Ask Your Eye Doctor
It’s important to visit an eye doctor to when you are choosing the right lenses for your glasses. They’ll do some tests to understand your vision and help you choose the best option. Delta Dental of Arizona members who have DeltaVision® can find an in-network eye doctor using the provider search tool on our website and save money on exams, glasses and more!
