It’s no secret that our eyes help us see the beautiful world around us. Glasses continue to make this possible for those who can’t see clearly without them. If you’ve just received a new prescription, you’ll likely get to have some fun trying on different frames to complement your style. But aside from your new look, having the right lens is arguably the most important part of choosing new glasses because this ensures your sight, comfort, and safety. Let’s explore the factors to consider when determining the best type of eyeglass lens for your next purchase.

Lens Materials

Different materials offer unique benefits for your vision needs and lifestyle. Here are some of the most common types:

  • Polycarbonate: Known for their impact resistance, polycarbonate lenses are suitable for those who play sports or frequent environments with higher risks of eyeglass damage.
  • Trivex: These lenses have properties similar to polycarbonate but can provide higher-quality optics for clearer vision. These are lightweight, thin, and also impact-resistant.
  • High-Index Plastic: This is a special plastic that bends more light due to a higher index of refraction. It allows people who require stronger prescriptions to wear lighter and thinner lenses.

Lens Shape and Design

Your eye test in Ottawa results will inform the shape and design of your lens. You are likely farsighted if you have a plus sign in front of your prescription. On the other hand, a minus sign indicates nearsightedness. A lens curve helps to focus light into your eyes based on these seeing needs. Here are the possible curves you may encounter: 

  • Concave Shapes (inward curves) are for nearsightedness.
  • Convex Shapes (outward curves) are for farsightedness.
  • Cylindrical Curves are for astigmatisms.

Additionally, you may need progressive lenses, which are an improved version of bifocals and trifocals, because there will be no visible line in the middle of your glasses. These designs split the lens into sections. For bifocals, the upper part is typically for distances, while the lower half is for nearer lines of sight. Trifocals add a third section for better vision of objects close by, like a computer screen. 

Lens Coatings

Depending on your preferences, you can get various coatings on your glasses. Some of the lens coatings available include the following:

  • Anti-Reflective: Helps with reflections, glares, and halos around light.
  • Scratch-Resistant: Defends against wear and tear.
  • Light-Adjusting Coating: Protect from UV rays by tinting depending on the amount of sunlight exposure.
  • Colour-Tinted: Certain tints can increase contrast or ensure that colours around you remain the same.
  • Polarized Coating: Protects your eyes from reflections off of water, roads, or other surfaces.

Finding the Right Fit for You

Our experts at Laurier Optical can help you understand these factors for choosing the best type of eyeglass lens. We can work with you to find the right fit for your vision needs and lifestyle and ensure you walk away seeing clearly and feeling happy about your decision. Contact us today to speak with us.