Lens Materials and Treatments
Glass was once the standard for eyewear but is rarely used today for safety reasons. High quality plastics are now preferred, and at Montgomery Vision Care we often recommend Trivex or Hoya Phoenix lenses for their exceptional tensile strength and optical quality. These lenses are ideal for children and active adults who benefit from impact resistance.
For higher prescriptions, we may suggest High Index 1.67 or 1.74 lenses to create a thinner, lighter profile.
We recommend Anti Reflective, or non glare, treatment for every pair of lenses. This treatment increases light transmission for sharper vision, reduces eye fatigue, minimizes distracting reflections and enhances color clarity. Anti Reflective coatings also add scratch resistance and typically include hydrophobic and oleophobic properties to repel water, oils and dirt. Depending on your needs and insurance, we may use Hoya Super Hi Vision EX3, Crizal Alize or Avance, or VSP Unity Plus Anti Reflective coatings.
Transitions, also known as photochromic lenses, darken automatically when exposed to sunlight. Modern technology allows these lenses to remain fully clear indoors and then darken quickly once outside. The newest Transitions Vantage lenses even become polarized when activated, creating exceptional clarity in bright sunlight.
Lens Styles
Single Vision lenses correct for one distance, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism. Reading glasses are also single vision lenses and provide clarity at one focal length.
Multifocal lenses help address presbyopia, commonly known as “over 40 eyes.” Progressive lenses are the most popular choice, allowing seamless vision at distance, computer range and reading distance with no visible lines. Modern digital progressives are easier to adapt to than older designs and offer smooth transitions between zones with minimal edge blur.
Bifocal lenses include two distinct areas for distance and near vision, separated by a visible line. They do not offer an intermediate zone for computer use. Trifocals include three segmented areas for distance, intermediate and near vision. Some patients find the lines distracting while others prefer the clarity of defined zones.
Buying Your Glasses Online
Only an experienced Licensed and Certified Optician like Kim Bowling, LDO, can take the precise measurements and make the visual assessments needed to ensure your lenses and frames are truly customized for you. An optician evaluates posture, fit, visual habits and lifestyle to determine your ideal lens design. They also partner with trusted local labs to produce high quality lenses and perform a detailed quality check before your eyewear is dispensed. For these reasons, we do not recommend purchasing glasses online. The quality can vary significantly, and your vision is too important to leave to chance.
