Selecting a lens material mainly depends on the strength of the prescription. For mild prescriptions (less than +/-2.00), polycarbonate works well. For moderate prescriptions (less than +3.00 or -6.00) and high prescriptions (above +3.00 or -6.00), 1.67 or 1.74 high-index lenses are recommended to decrease lens thickness (with 1.74 high-index being the thinnest lens available). We do not offer basic plastic (CR-39) lenses, because they are not as impact resistant or UV protective.
We STRONGLY recommend polycarbonate lenses for the following: active people (i.e. athletes), those under age 18, those with only one functioning eye or with serious eye disease, and those working in law enforcement or with machinery. However, these glasses are not intended to be a substitute for sports safety eyewear or occupational safety glasses.
Lens Coatings:
All lenses include a scratch-resistant coating (NOT scratch-PROOF) with a one-year warranty. All lenses also include UV400 protection.
Another beneficial coating is the anti-reflective/no-glare coating (basic and premium options available), which is a clear coating placed on lenses to help reduce glare and reflections, resist smudges and dust, and improves the appearance of lenses especially in moderate to high prescriptions.
The brand of anti-reflective coating applied depends on the prescription and lens material selected. Brands include Triumph (basic), Crizal Alize (premium) and Crizal Sapphire (deluxe). Premium lenses are more superior in quality, and in their ability to reduce glare and smudges. Crizal Prevencia (premium) is the latest no-glare coating technology available which filters harmful light while letting beneficial light pass through. Prevencia is recommended for everybody, but especially those working in front of computer screens and/or with a family history of macular degeneration.
Lens Tints and Transitions:
All of our eyeglass frames can be made into prescription (or non-prescription) sunglasses with the addition of tint or Transition lenses. Tints are available in dark gray or dark brown, and is made by placing a solid coat of color over a lens. Tints help reduce sunlight glare, and are not recommended for use at nighttime.
Ultimate glare protection can be achieved with polarized lenses, which are available in dark brown or dark gray color. Also available are Experio UV lenses, which are polarized lenses with ESPF UV protection available in gray, gray-green, and brown.
Transition lenses change from clear indoors to a dark gray or brown color when exposed to ultraviolet rays outdoors. They are recommended as an all-in-one pair of glasses. The extent to which they darken outdoors depends on temperature and UV levels. Transitions VII are the latest version and are available in brown and gray colors. Transitions XTRActive is the darkest Transition lens in the market, and is available in color gray. Go to Transitions' site to view a demo.
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