Myopia, or near-sightedness, is the most common reason for getting glasses, followed by hypertrophy, or farsightedness, and astigmatism. While myopia tends to stabilize with age, hypertrophy becomes more common, leading to bifocals or transitional lenses. When you visit an Optical Store in Chicago, you can choose from many different frames. However, the most important choice you will make is the type of lens.
The type of lens you choose will be determined by the type of eye problem you have. If you are just near-sighted or just far-sighted, for example, you can opt for single-vision lenses. However, if you have trouble seeing at different distances, you can choose bifocals (or trifocals) or progressive lenses. While bifocals have two distinct lenses in the same frame, a progressive lens is a single lens that changes gradually from top to bottom. If you have cataracts or other more serious vision problems, your optometrist may prescribe high-definition lenses. These use a distinct computerized manufacturing process that optimizes the surface of the lens for a sharper image and better peripheral vision.
Once you determine the type of lens you need, you may need to select the material. Glasses lenses are made in several different types of plastic, including C-39, polycarbonate, and high-index lenses. C-39 was the first plastic lens ever developed. It is a relatively inexpensive and lightweight material, and it works well for single-vision lenses if the prescription is not too strong. They end up looking thick for a strong prescription. Polycarbonate is a tougher, more impact-resistant material that is often preferred for children’s glasses. Polycarbonate was originally developed as a bullet-proof glass for the military. High-index lenses are the lightest and thinnest, and they are the most expensive of these three materials.
Finally, you can choose among different types of coatings on the lenses. These include an anti-scratch coating, an anti-reflective coating (which helps with night vision), UV-blocking treatment (standard with polycarbonate and high-index lenses but not C-39 lenses), and a photochromic treatment that makes lenses light adaptive. If you’re looking for an Optical Store in Chicago that can offer a wide range of lens types, check out Business Name.
