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Lightweight lenses and special coatings can enhance your view. But they’re not always needed. Here’s how to know if they’re right for you.
It’s human nature to want the best. But when it comes to selecting your eyewear, what’s “best” for you isn’t necessarily “best” for others.
Case in point: lenses and lens coatings. The best choice for people who only occasionally wear glasses is probably different from the lenses favored by people who wear their glasses all day long.
So, does the person who just needs a vision boost during certain tasks, such as driving, reading, or working at the computer, need to invest in advanced lenses and special lens coatings?
To help you understand and weigh the options, optometrist Brian Rashid, O.D., whose practice is located within America’s Best Contacts & Eyeglasses in Columbus, Ohio, shares his best advice.
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I only occasionally need to wear glasses, but I like the idea of thin, light lenses. Is that overkill for me? Do I really need high-index lenses?
Those thin, light lenses you’re thinking of are called high-index lenses, Dr. Rashid explains. They have a higher index of refraction. That means they can bend light more effectively, compared with a standard, lower-index lens.
They are cool and have a lot going for them. “But not everyone needs to spring for high-index lenses, which do cost a bit more,” Dr. Rashid says.
His advice is to let your prescription guide your choice. He says he recommends Verithin high-index lenses for his patients with a plus/minus 4 or higher.
“A high-index lens is thinner and lighter and will deliver better optical quality for those higher prescriptions,” he says. “Otherwise, higher prescriptions will require a lens so thick that it will distort your peripheral vision.”
That’s not worth it, even if you’re only wearing the glasses for a short time each day. A thinner lens material is needed for crisp sight all the time.
Another benefit? Verithin lenses can fit into most frame styles, he adds.
Learn more about how to find frames that work with your prescription here.
My prescription isn’t that strong. What are my other lens options?
For a minus 1.5 to 3.75 prescription, “you’ll get better optics from a plastic lens, Dr. Rashid says. Plastic lenses are included in America’s Best two-pair offers.
Plastic lenses are thicker and therefore heavier than high-index lenses — which can be all right if you’re not wearing them all day. Other benefits of standard plastic lenses, according to Dr. Rashid:
- They provide better clarity.
- They are less expensive than high-index lenses, which is nice if you only need glasses for specific tasks.
Another option is a polycarbonate lens. These durable lenses have a higher index of refraction, which makes them thinner. High-index lenses are still thinnest. Polycarbonate falls in the middle, Dr. Rashid explains.
The upside to polycarbonate lenses is that they’re tough. That’s why they’re the standard lens for children 13 and under at America’s Best.
Does this mean I can skip lens coatings?
Dr. Rashid says he recommends that most patients consider special lens coatings — whether they have a mild prescription or a strong prescription. These lens treatments can improve the durability of your eyewear and the clarity of your vision, and they can even help you improve your sleep quality at night.
Here’s a look at a few options.
Scratch-resistant. This coating hardens the lens, making it more durable and tougher to scratch. Certain lenses, such as high-index ones, may already have a scratch-resistant coating built in. Ask your optician what’s included with your lens choice.
Anti-reflective. This coating helps block glare to improve the clarity of your vision. It’s especially useful if you work at the computer, Dr. Rashid says. “It makes it easier for you to see your computer screen. Plus, during video meetings, colleagues looking at their screen can see your eyes better,” he says. Anti-reflective coatings are also beneficial when you’re driving or if you’re bothered by the glare of oncoming headlights.
Blue light filtering. The exposure to blue light from screens affects your body’s melatonin production. Melatonin is a hormone that helps regulate your sleep-wake cycle. “If you work on the computer late into the evening, blue light blocking may be a good option for you,” Dr. Rashid says.
Some lenses combine anti-reflective and blue light–blocking coatings in their lenses. If you have to choose between the two, he says to go with anti-reflective, since it offers a broader range of protection.
The eye care specialists at America’s Best can help you find lenses that are just right for you! Learn more here.
How do I know I’m making the right decision?
“When shopping for glasses, there are so many options. It can feel overwhelming, but it’s a good problem to have,” Dr. Rashid says.
While it’s great to go into your appointment aware of all your options, let your optometrist and optician guide you. Tell them how often you wear your glasses and what you’ll use them for.
“If you don’t wear your glasses that often, we can guide you to a high-quality lens at your price point,” Dr. Rashid says. “Our job is to talk through all of your options with you, so you leave here seeing better and feeling confident in your choices.”