Eyeglass lenses

Types of corrective lenses for glasses: from single-vision to progressive lenses

Eyeglass lenses, also known as corrective lenses or spectacle lenses, come in various types designed to correct different vision impairments. Among the types of corrective lenses, we can primarily distinguish progressive lenses, indoor (office) lenses, and single vision lenses. In the following paragraphs, we will discuss these three types of lenses, compare them, and present their advantages and disadvantages.

Single vision lenses are the most basic type of corrective lens. They have a single field of vision that corrects one refractive error, such as myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism. These are the cheapest and most popular corrective lenses, but they have their limitations, especially for people with presbyopia (age-related farsightedness), as they only provide vision at one distance – far or reading distance.

Progressive lenses are advanced corrective lenses. Thanks to the smooth transition between distance and near zones in the lens, they enable comfortable vision at various distances. They are recommended for people with presbyopia, as they allow for reading, using electronic devices such as laptops, tablets, or smartphones, and for looking into the distance without the need to change glasses. In terms of price, compared to single vision lenses, progressive lenses are more expensive but improve visual comfort in various everyday situations, such as shopping or using navigation while driving.

Indoor lenses are an ideal solution for people who have presbyopia (need reading support after the age of 40). These are progressive lenses, but they differ from classic progressive lenses in that there is no distance zone at pupil height in the glasses; instead, there is support for working at intermediate distances (around 1m). Thanks to this, they provide excellent visual comfort in the range from near distances (40cm) to intermediate distances (1m), and in some cases, at the upper edge of the frame, they can provide good vision up to 4m, depending on the chosen design.

In summary, the choice between single vision lenses and progressive lenses depends on individual needs and vision impairments. Single vision lenses are cheaper and generally do not require adaptation but limit the range of vision distances for individuals over 45. Progressive lenses offer greater visual comfort at various distances but are more expensive. It is important to consult with an ophthalmologist, optometrist, or optician before deciding on the appropriate corrective lenses. Progressive glasses are not available in our online store because advanced designs of spectacle lenses require precise measurements of lens fitting parameters. We perform measurements only in our physical store.

Choosing lens coatings for your eyeglasses: what are the best for your vision?

Choosing spectacle lenses is crucial for visual comfort and quality. To make the right choice, it's worth paying attention to several aspects, such as the type of vision defect, lens material, and any additional coatings. In this article, we will provide tips on choosing spectacle lenses and discuss which lenses are best for various vision problems.

Selecting spectacle lenses begins with determining the type of vision defect. For myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism, single-vision lenses are suitable. However, for people with presbyopia (age-related farsightedness), progressive lenses (universal or office type) are recommended, which allow for smooth transitions between different fields of vision, or single-vision lenses for reading.

An important aspect of choosing spectacle lenses is also the material they are made from. Lenses made of optical plastic are lightweight and, when equipped with appropriate coatings, are also scratch-resistant. Some materials are also very impact-resistant and can be used in safety glasses for OHS. Mineral (glass) lenses are heavier, very scratch-resistant, but can easily crack upon impact; they are rarely used. We do not recommend mineral lenses. A better solution is organic (optical plastic) lenses and good refining coatings that provide adequate protection for the spectacle lens surface and comfort when wearing glasses.

Additionally, it's worth considering the use of anti-reflective coatings, which include hydrophobic and dirt-repellent, dust-repellent coatings. Anti-reflection reduces light glare, improving visual comfort, especially when working at a computer or driving. A protective coating increases the lenses' resistance to scratches, and a hydrophobic coating makes the lenses less prone to getting dirty and easier to clean.

In summary, what the best spectacle lenses are depends on individual needs and vision defects. It is important to consider the lens material and any additional coatings. Consulting with our advisors will help you make the right choice of spectacle lenses, tailored to the user's needs and expectations.

What material should my glasses be made of?

Eyeglass Lenses: Differences Between Plastic, PNX, and Mineral Lenses

Plastic lenses, PNX material lenses, and mineral lenses are the three main types of materials used in the production of eyeglass lenses. Each of them possesses characteristics that influence their properties and applications.

Plastic lenses are lightweight, which contributes to the comfort of wearing glasses.

PNX lenses are also lightweight, but their main advantage is high impact resistance. As a result, they are particularly recommended for children, athletes, and people working in conditions where there is a risk of damaging their glasses.

Mineral lenses are made of glass, which makes them heavier than plastic and polycarbonate lenses. Their main advantage is high scratch resistance, however, they are also susceptible to cracking upon impact. Due to their weight and lower impact resistance, mineral lenses are increasingly less chosen by eyeglass users.

Consultation with an optician will help you make the right choice of eyeglass lens material, tailored to your needs.

Choosing optical lens coatings. Lens coatings: anti-reflection, hardening, and easy-to-clean layers

Lenses with an anti-reflective coating are popular solutions used to improve the comfort of wearing glasses. Coatings on eyeglass lenses perform various functions, such as protecting the lenses from scratches, improving transparency, or increasing dirt resistance.

Anti-reflection, or anti-reflective coating, reduces light reflections on the lens surface, which translates to better visual quality, viewing comfort, and eyewear aesthetics. Thanks to anti-reflection, the user's eyes are more visible to others. It is worth combining it with other protective coatings to improve functional properties.

Protective lens coatings - this is a general term for various types of coatings designed to increase the durability and strength of eyeglass lenses. The most popular include:

Hard coating - increases the scratch resistance of lenses, which translates to a longer lifespan of the glasses. Various hard coatings are available, and their protection effectiveness can differ by more than 7 times.

Oleophobic coating - repels dirt, making cleaning easier. Different coatings have more or less efficient coatings that facilitate keeping eyeglass lenses clean.

Hydrophobic coating - causes water and other liquids to easily run off the lens surface, making it easier to keep glasses clean; water does not leave streaks on the surface of eyeglass lenses.

Antistatic coating - is responsible for repelling dust particles so they do not adhere to eyeglass lenses.

UV blocking layer - High-index materials 1.60, 1.67, 1.74 block UV 100% even in colorless lenses, but some UV radiation can reflect off the inner side of the lens. To protect the eyes from reflected UV, special layers can be used, available for example in HOYA Longlife UV lenses.

Blue light filter - e.g., HOYA BlueControl provides protection against high-energy blue light emitted by screens or LED lighting, among others.

In summary, different types of coatings on eyeglass lenses are designed to improve the comfort of wearing glasses and their durability. The choice of appropriate coatings depends on the individual needs and preferences of the user. Consultation with an optician will help in making the right choice of coatings, tailored to your needs and expectations.

Mounting eyeglass lenses: process and costs

Mounting spectacle lenses is an important stage in the process of creating prescription glasses. Proper lens mounting ensures wearing comfort and optimal adaptation to the user's needs.

The lens mounting process involves checking whether the chosen lenses can be fitted into the selected frame. Spectacle lenses have their production ranges for lens power and diameters. Not every lens can be fitted into a selected frame. Our system matches lenses based on prescription parameters and displays spectacle lenses that fit the selected spectacle frame.

After grinding, the lenses are mounted in the frames, and the glasses are thoroughly checked for quality.

The mounting price for spectacle lenses depends on many factors, such as the type of lenses, frames, and the chosen mounting service. For simple single-vision lenses and standard frames, the mounting cost in physical stores can range from PLN 40 to PLN 100. In our online store, mounting is free when you purchase a frame.

Sun protection: photochromic, sunglasses, and polarized

Photochromic lenses (photochromic eyewear) are innovative solutions that automatically adapt to changing light conditions. Thanks to this, they ensure wearing comfort on both sunny and cloudy days. In the case of sunglasses and sunglasses, their main task is to protect the eyes from harmful UV radiation and reduce glare.

Prescription sunglass lenses and prescription sunglasses combine the benefits of corrective lenses with UV protection. Prescription tinted lenses are also available, which can be fitted into corrective frames, providing both vision correction and sun protection.

Polarized sunglasses and polarized lenses are other solutions worth considering. Polarization eliminates glare and increases contrast, which is particularly useful when driving or participating in water sports.

The advantages and disadvantages of photochromic and sunglass lenses vary. Photochromic lenses adapt to light conditions, making them comfortable in various situations. However, their reaction time to changing light may be longer, which can be disadvantageous in case of rapid changes in conditions. Sunglass lenses provide constant UV protection but do not adapt to changing light conditions.

Which sunglasses to choose? If you spend a lot of time outdoors on both sunny and cloudy days, or want to use one pair of glasses all day (including after dusk), consider photochromic lenses. On the other hand, if you need constant sun protection during the day and vision correction, prescription sunglasses may be the solution. For outdoor activities such as cycling, water sports, or driving on sunny days, it is worth investing in polarized sunglasses.