Choosing the right lenses is an important decision, and with all the options available today, it can also be confusing. Here's a closer look at some of the options you may want to consider. Our staff can help you choose the right lenses for your lifestyle and vision correction needs.

Bifocals – provide both distance and near correction in one lens.

Multifocals – When near and distance vision correction are needed together, multifocals are typically recommended.

No-line progressives – These lenses provide correction at all levels of traditional sightedness, including far, intermediate and near; however, there is no visible line distinguishing one focal from another. The “no line” option makes these lenses a common choice for cosmetic appeal.

Photochromic – These lenses darken in the sunlight and lighten indoors, allowing wearers to benefit from prescription sunglasses and vision correction in a single pair of lenses.

Single Vision – This corrective lens is considered all-purpose. It is available in all materials and can be used for near or distance vision.

Specialty lenses – Some patients have specialized needs for their lenses because of work-related tasks or frequent hobbies. Typical specialized lenses include industrial/occupational designs for safety; computer lenses, which provide correction between your eye, the computer screen and work area; and sports lenses, which provide both protection and vision correction.

Sun Lenses – These lenses, which should include UV protection, include a polarized option, which eliminates glare, reduces eye fatigue, and is particularly beneficial for sportsmen; tinted lenses, which provide for various levels of darkness; and mirrored lenses, which creates a reflective surface on the lens, making the eye virtually invisible to viewers.

Thickness Reduction – For high-minus or high-plus prescriptions, options are available to reduce lens thickness. Depending on the prescription, lenses may be thicker on the outer edges or in the middle. Flatter lenses are cosmetically appealing because they weigh less, appear thinner, and can provide greater visual clarity. Flatter lens options are either aspheric or atoric, depending on the patient's prescription. Aspheric lenses reduce the appearance of magnification or minification in the eyes and provide greater clarity outside the center of the lens. Atoric lenses provide for a wider field of view.

Transition lenses – These lenses adjust tint based on changing light conditions. They are clear indoors and at night but automatically darken in sunlight.

Trifocals – are like progressive lenses but with visible lines. The majority of the lens is for distance viewing, the center portion is for intermediate focusing while the lower portion is for near-viewing.