Lens Enhancements
Extras and options for your lenses.
Eyeglasses come with almost as many options as new cars. Some are functional, some are cosmetic, but all are available for most kinds of lenses.

Photochromatic lenses darken automatically in sunlight, then lighten when you go inside. If you don't like switching between regular glasses and sunglasses every time you go through the front door, these may be for you. Photochromatic lenses are available in both plastic and glass, but plastic loses its darkening ability after a few yeas, while glass retains it forever. the degree and speed of darkening varies between different types of plastics.

All photochromatic lense have UV protection, which blocks harmful ultrviolet rays and is available on all types of lenses. UV light is suspected of causing age-related eye diseases, like cataract and macular degeneration, so UV protection is a good idea for anyone who spends lots of time outside.

Scratch protection is recommended for anyone with plastic lenses, especially if you're rough on your glasses. The coating can crack in extreme temperatures so be carful where you leave your glasses.

An anti-reflective coating on the lenses can reduce glare, reflections and ghost images which can be useful for people who drive at night. The coating makes your lenses almost invisible in the frames, which makes them a good choice for public speakers.

Tints can help light sensitivity, but ortherwise they're purely cosmetic. They add color to your face and tend to hide wrinkles and dark circles under the eyes.

Edge treatment is a technique that grinds the edges of the les down to where it's nearly flush with the frame. It helps eliminate the blocky appearance of thick lenses and sharp edges, plus, it can significantly reduce the weight of the lens.

What is the difference between polarized and non-polarized lenses?
Seeing is believing. . . a polarized lens cuts down on glare allowing more light into your eyes. Polarized lenses vary by manufacturer, but most work on the same concept. Stop in and try on a pair of polarized sunglasses . . . you won't believe the difference.

Does the color of your lens in sunglasses make a difference?
Yes . . . depending on the intended use, some colors are more functional than others. For example, if you wear your sunglasses while driving, however as a hobby you like to go deep-sea fishing, a gray polarized lens allows you to see fish in the water better. If your hobby is flats fishing, the brown contrast lens would give you the same benefit. Before you purchase any sunglasses, make sure you tell the optician what you intend to do while wearing your sunglasses. The optician guides you to the correct product for your needs.