Lens Options

Lens Styles:

SINGLE VISION LENSES: These lenses have the same focal power throughout (top to bottom) and can be used to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, or a combination of these disorders. Single vision lenses are available in all lens materials.

BIFOCALS: These lenses are composed of two parts: the upper portion normally used for distance vision and the lower portion used for near-vision tasks such as reading. The bifocal portion is available in a variety of widths to help with various close up tasks. Bifocals are made in every type of lens material and, of all bifocals, offer the widest area of optically pure vision.

TRIFOCALS: These lenses have three different focal areas: the top for distance vision, the center for intermediate vision, and the bottom for near vision. Although bifocal lenses usually are designed so that the line of division is at the level of the lower eyelid, trifocals are fitted higher, with the top line of the middle region at the level of the pupil. Trifocals come in a variety of designs and widths and are available in all lens materials. 

PROGRESSIVE (No Line Bifocals): These lenses provide all the benefits of bifocals and trifocals.  Progressive lenses have the cosmetic advantage of having no lines, so they never reveal the user is wearing multifocal lenses. Progressives are available in all lens materials. Vision Care Associates offers a variety of progressive lens options.  Below are a few of our most popular:

• Varilux^® Comfort^®
• Varilux^® Physio^®
• Varilux^® Ellipse^®
• Accolade™

Lens Materials:

POLYCARBONATE: Polycarbonate lenses are light weight, 30% thinner than plastic, and have superior impact resistance and UV protection.  As the most impact-resistant material for lenses, polycarbonate is recommended for children, young adults, individiuals with active lifestyles, and for safety eyewear.  A built-in scratch coating is also an added feature of this material.

TRIVEX: Trivex is the lightest weight of any lens material available.  It is also thinner than plastic and has the benefit of UV protection as well as a built in scratch coating.  This material is ideal for drilled rimless frames and high-wrap sunwear.

CR-39 PLASTIC: Plastic lenses are half the weight of glass lenses, however the lens surface is softer and easier to scratch.  Scratch resistant coatings provide a harder surface and are recommended.  Like glass lenses, plastic lenses do not provide UV protection.  It is recommended to add this UV protective coating on all plastic lenses.

HIGH INDEX:  High index lenses provide a benefit in reduction of thickness and weight, especially for high-power prescriptions. This material is the thinnest material available and also has the added benefit of a built-in scratch coating and UV protection.

GLASS: Glass was the first lens material available for years, and still offers superior optics. Glass is also the most scratch-resistant material. The downside of glass is its roughly twice the weight of plastic and it can shatter more easily.

Lens Enhancements:

ANTI-REFLECTIVE (NON-GLARE) LENSES: Anti-reflective (AR) is a type of treatment applied to the surface of a lens to reduce reflection. This decreased reflection enhances the cosmetic appearance of lenses and most importantly reduces glare to the wearer. Glare is dramatically reduced from on-coming headlights during night time driving, computer screens, and even over head lighting. Less glare means your eyes will be less tired, especially at the end of the day. These are some of our featured Anti Glare coatings:

Crizal^® Easy^{® -}- offers excellent glare and scratch resistance, along with smudge resistance greatly superior to standard AR lenses. 
Crizal^® Alize^®  - combines excellent smudge resistance with superior dust repellence, while maintaining glare reduction and scratch resistance excellence.
Crizal^® Avance^® with Scotchgard Protector - This lens has all the benefits of Crizal Easy and Crizal Alize plus the best durability and scratch resistance.