With lots of styles and colors to choose from, selecting eyeglass frames can be an exciting experience. You want to find something that suits your face and sense of style and may have several options in mind. But in this process, you might be overlooking the most important part of your glasses – the lenses.

While your eye care provider will be there to make a recommendation and fully explain your options, it’s helpful to do some research beforehand and know what products are out there. Let’s take a look:

Type of Lenses

• Single Vision Lenses
  • Single Vision Lenses accommodate one type of correction, such as farsightedness or nearsightedness (but not both at the same time). The lens has the same correction throughout the lens which is determined by your eye care provider during your exam. (Did you know single vision lenses are covered with VBA Solo’s Jasper plan?)
• Bifocals
  • Bifocal lenses contain two prescriptions in one lens to help improve vision up-close and at a distance. A thin line divides the two prescriptions, creating segments. The lower segment corrects vision up-close, and the top segment corrects vision at a distance.
• Trifocals
  • Like bifocals, trifocals have segments that improve vision at different distances. The top segment corrects vision at a distance, the middle segment corrects intermediate (arm’s length) vision, and the lowest segment corrects vision up-close.
• Progressive Lenses
  • Progressive Lenses correct multiple points of vision, without defined segments. The lens is seamless and can help eliminate the “jump” from one segment to another. Progressive wearers can see objects up-close, at arm’s length or at a distance without noticeable transition. (VBA Solo has three plans that offer coverage for progressive lenses: Amber, Moonstone and Diamond.)

Lens Materials

For decades, glass lenses were the only option for eyeglasses. Today, it makes up less than six percent of glasses sold. There are a variety of materials used, and your eye care provider will suggest the best one based on your level of activity, comfort and visual needs.  

• Plastic
  • Plastic lenses are lightweight, durable and impact resistant. They’re affordably priced and have a wide variety of design options, making them a popular choice for many.
• High-Index Plastic
  • High-index plastic can be the way to go for those with stronger prescriptions. They are lightweight, slim and offer a wider choice of frames since they are not bulky. High-index lenses have built-in UV protection but can be slightly more expensive than a standard plastic lens.
• Polycarbonate
  • Polycarbonate lenses are ideal for children and active adults, as they are incredibly durable. These lenses are thin, lightweight and a great option for those with stronger prescriptions. Like high-index plastic lenses, polycarbonate lenses have built-in UV protection.

Lens Treatments

Lenses can be enhanced with different treatments during the manufacturing process. These treatments can help protect your eyes, enhance your vision and increase comfort.

• Anti-Reflective
  • Helps eliminate glare
• Photochromic
  • Clear lenses indoors, will darken outside to protect eyes against UV rays
• Scratch-Resistant
  • A protective treatment to help prevent scratches
• UV Protection
  • Helps protect eyes from UV rays
• Blue Light Filter
  • Prevents eye strain caused by blue light

Consult your eye care provider if you have specific questions regarding the type of lens, material and treatment you should select.