Purchasing a pair of eyeglasses can be an Lens materials popular and more cost-effective additions to intimidating experience for many people, even While emeralds and crystals were used by the regular eyeglass frames. In addition, the though over 50% of all Americans use some type affluent as vision aids as early as the Roman era, photochromatic lenses require direct exposure to of prescription eyewear. Patients typically only glass lenses were the most common lens material sunlight to change, so they are not as effective in a buy glasses every few years, so it’s difficult to stay from 1,000 A.D. until the 1980’s. Glass lenses car with closed windows. abreast of changes in technology, styles, brands continue to be available today, although they are and pricing. The goal of this brochure is to heavier, thicker, less protective and less Polarized lenses are available in non-prescription educate patients on eyeglasses and the buying cosmetically appealing than other types of lenses. and prescription sunglasses as well as sunglass experience so they will make the decisions best clips. Polarized lenses reduce the glare coming suited to them. Plastic lenses were first introduced in 1962 and from objects you are viewing, such as a wet street, became more popular than glass lenses in the windshield, oncoming cars and snow. In Lens types 1980’s. Traditional plastic lenses are as thick as particular, fishermen find that polarized lenses Single vision lenses are intended to correct for glass lenses, but they are much lighter. provide significant vision improvement in lakes and one of the two common types of refractive error – rivers on sunny days. An in-office tool can quickly nearsightedness (myopia) or farsightedness In 1983, the polycarbonate lens became demonstrate the usefulness of polarized lenses. (hyperopia) – and may also correct for commercially available. Polycarbonate lenses astigmatism. For example, patients with myopia were lighter, thinner and more scratch-resistant Lens options have difficulty seeing objects in the distance, so (when combined with scratch coating) and impact- Once you select a lens material, you can also the lens is made to improve distance vision. resistant than glass or plastic lenses, but the select whether to add the following options:. optics in these lenses were still not as sharp as Multifocal lenses correct for more than one glass or plastic lenses. In the past twenty years, Scratch-resistant coating can be applied to refractive error. The most common multifocal lens the optics quality of polycarbonate lenses has plastic lenses; they generally are a standard is the bifocal lens, where the upper portion of the improved dramatically and, because they are the feature on progressive, high-index, photochromatic lens is corrected for distance viewing and the most impact-resistant lens available, they are and polycarbonate lenses. The coating provides a lower portion of the lens is corrected for near recommended for all children as well as for safety harder finish to the lens, making the lens more viewing (14 – 20 inches). Trifocals add a third glasses. scratch resistant. Depending on the optical store, segment, typically just above the near segment, to patients who purchase this coating may receive a allow for intermediate viewing (20 – 36 inches). Several years later, high-index plastic lenses no-cost twelve-month scratch warranty, where With traditional bifocals and trifocals, the near and were introduced with great fanfare, since they each lens will be replaced once if it becomes intermediate segments are distinct, so they are were light, provided excellent optics, good scratch scratched in the year following the lens purchase. often referred to as lined bifocals or lined protection, and eliminated the ‘Coke-bottle’ look for trifocals. patients with high prescriptions. While high-index Anti-reflective coating is a multi-layered coating lenses are more expensive than regular plastic that reduces lens surface reflection and improves Progressive lenses were developed in 1958 to lenses, high-index lenses are the best option for vision by allowing more light to pass through the eliminate the lines on bifocals and trifocals that over half of all patients when considering the lens. Without anti-reflective coating, eyeglass many patients find bothersome. Progressive weight, thickness and cosmetic appearance of the lenses have a tendency to produce glare, lenses also allow both distance and near vision, lenses. reflections and halos around lights. Anti-reflective but provide a gradual transition between the coating reduces these distortions and the lens different segments. Because there are no lines, Photochromatic lenses, which darken when reflections that other people see on your glasses progressive lenses are often considered to be exposed to bright light and become transparent when they look at you. Early versions of anti- more attractive than lined bifocals or trifocals. when in dim light, were first introduced by Corning reflective coating wore off easily, but current Varilux™ is perhaps the most widely known brand in the 1960’s. The most common photochromatic coatings such as Crizal and Zeiss Advantage of progressive lenses and, because the Varilux™ lens today is the Transition™ lens. The speed at eliminated these problems. A one-year no-cost company is so confident that patients will like its which these lenses change color has improved warranty is provided with these anti-reflective lenses, they offer a no-risk 60-day trial for these dramatically in the past ten years, but their coatings. lenses. popularity is waning as sunglass clips become Ultraviolet coating is an additional lens • Material – Frames can be constructed from areas of the lens, reducing distortions, eye application that blocks ultraviolet A (UVA) and plastic, stainless steel, titanium, metal alloy, fatigue and neck pain. ultraviolet B (UVB) emissions from the sun. and other derivatives of plastics and metals. Research suggests that UVA and UVB may cause Each material varies in terms of weight, • Reading glasses are similar to computer early cataract formation, macular degeneration flexibility, durability and cost. In addition, glasses but are corrected to see objects 14 – and eyelid damage. rimless frames are also widely available and 16 inches away. These glasses are ideal for minimize the cosmetic presence of reading books and newspapers or for hobbies Tinted lenses are an option for patients who are eyeglasses. that require fine near vision. Less expensive particularly sensitive to bright lights and sunlight. over-the-counter reading glasses can be used While tinting is an affordable option, it often • Hinges – In addition to the traditional hinges for this purpose if a patient has limited reduces a patient’s vision in dimly lit environments. on eyeglass frames, many frames have spring astigmatism and needs the same correction Many patients now find more success with hinges that bend in both directions. This power in both eyes. photochromatic lenses, prescription sunglasses or feature is particularly important for children regular glasses fitted with a removable sunglass and active adults who are more likely to have • Sports glasses and goggles are form-fitting clip. their glasses hit by balls, toys and other eyepieces with sturdy frames and people. Without spring hinges, the force of a polycarbonate lenses that can safely withstand Frame options blow may damage the frames; with spring the impact of collisions, racquetballs and other Selecting the right eyeglass frame for you can be hinges, the glasses are more likely to flex with traumatic events. exciting, particularly if you want a new ‘look.’ the impact and then return to the original Your optician can help you find the frame material, shape. Finally, due to flexible materials like • Hunting glasses are made with sturdy frames size, shape and color that best suits you, although titanium, some frames may have no hinges, and polycarbonate lenses that can withstand many patients rely on a family member or friend eliminating the opportunity for lost screws and the rigors of hunting and provide needed eye for final approval. Just like in the clothes industry, enhancing the durability of the frame. protection. In addition, the lenses are often there are a wide variety of eyeglass frame styles, corrected to specifically enhance distance and cyclical trends may dictate what is ‘hip’ now. • Nosepieces – Virtually all metal and metal vision, and a yellow tint may be utilized to For example, large eyeglasses were quite alloy frames rest on the nose using ‘floating’ increase vision in dimly-lit environments. common in the 1970’s, and after two decades of nose pads, while plastic frames often rest ‘smaller is better,’ it is now fashionable to again directly on the nose. When nose pads are Opticians wear oversized sunglasses. The list below used, a smaller area of the eyeglasses is in Anyone can be an optician – someone who is a includes some of the features that you should contact with the nose, which may increase hammer salesman this week could decide to be an consider when selecting a frame: comfort. In addition, nose pads are adjustable optician next week – but the best opticians have for those of us with noses that are narrow, years of experience and certification in their field. • Size – While smaller frames are still the norm broad or slightly askew. Before purchasing a The American Board of Opticianry is a national for prescription eyeglasses, bifocals and frame without nose pads, be sure the frame organization that certifies those who dispense and progressive lenses do require a minimum properly rests on your nose. work with spectacles. Certification is voluntary frame size in order for the lens to function and the test is quite difficult, but successful properly. Larger frames provide a wider field Specialty glasses completion and maintenance of the certification is of vision, but dramatically increase the weight While less commonly sold than general-purpose evidence of the skill and dedication of the optician. and edge thickness of the lenses. eyeglasses, the following types of specialty eyeglasses are available: Opticians play many key responsibilities. They • Shape – Eyeglass frames are quite varied, so assist patients in selecting the correct style and lens shapes may be round, oval, rectangular • Computer glasses generally have single- material for the frame and lenses, as well as the or any combination of shapes. The popularity vision lenses corrected to crisply see objects lens options that will be useful. They take key of lens shapes is subject to fashion trends, 18 – 30 inches away. Because the lenses are measurements to prepare for the manufacturing of and the shape of a person’s head may lend corrected for only one distance, the patient the lenses, and they work with the laboratory to itself to a few specific lens shapes. can view the entire computer screen from all ensure the lenses are made correctly. Most patients find their eyeglasses need adjustments In general, Consumer Reports readers tend to be may be sacrificing the quality of the product and after a few months of wearing, if only from putting more cost-conscious than the average shopper. optician, as well as speed and service. them on and taking them off, and performing For example, the 2001 Consumer Reports adjustments without breaking the eyeglass frame revealed that half of its readers had purchased Two-for-one sales, etc. is a true art. Finally, with their strong scratch-resistant coating, while in the Midwest this In the marketing world, savvy advertisers understanding of optics, the best opticians are percentage is closer to 80%. The market share of understand that ‘two-for-one,’ ‘half-off frames,’ and expert problem solvers when patients have vision progressive lenses and high-index lenses has also ‘$100 off’ sales grab and keep patients’ interest. problems with their glasses. grown considerably since 2001, further increasing Consequently, for those chain eyeglass retailers the average price of eyeglasses. that advertise, these offers are much more Guarantees and warranties common than ‘check out our fairly-priced glasses.’ Guarantees and warranties vary widely by optical Economy eyeglasses However, once these special offers are applied to store, with some stores providing these at no You’ll undoubtedly see advertisements for “Two high beginning retail prices, the final price is on charge, while others will provide warranty pairs of glasses and an exam for $89” from average more expensive than prices found at coverage for a fee of $30 - $50. A reputable discount retailers. In the Consumer Reports study, independent retailers, as noted by the 2001 provider of eyeglasses will provide the following the largest discount retailer in the Midwest did Consumer Reports survey listed above. guarantees and warranties at no cost: provide the lowest costs as advertised, but it also was the worst-ranked seller overall and in terms of National chains are able to purchase eyeglasses • A satisfaction guarantee allowing you to return service, quality and speed. Patients using this and lenses at lower costs than local and regional your glasses, for any reason, within 90 days of discounter had almost three times as many retailers. However, annual reports for these purchase for a full refund. problems with their eyeglasses as the average for national chains indicate that the chains spend 7 – • A one-year warranty on any scratch coating all sellers. 10% of their receipts on advertising, more than purchase you make, limited to one free eliminating the purchasing power that they hold remake per lens. Discount eyeglass sellers are able to provide over smaller optical shops owned by doctors. • A one-year warranty on any anti-reflective these low prices by purchasing discontinued coating purchase you make, limited to one free frames and lenses in large lots. Because the Comparison shopping and brand names remake per lens. manufacturer no longer produces the frames, The 2001 Consumer Reports survey evaluated these frames are essentially disposable; when the optical sellers in four areas: quality, service, speed • Free cleaning, adjustments, hinge screw replacements and nose pad replacements for frames break, they often cannot be repaired by the and cost. If cost is the patient’s primary concern, the life of your glasses. seller. Similarly, lens styles made by Varilux™ they should be encouraged to compare prices at and other manufacturers that were discontinued different optical sellers. While it may be difficult to over 20 years ago are still being sold by compare eyeglass frame costs unless the same Eyeglass prices discounters frame is stocked by each seller, the comparison of Eyeglasses come in a wide range of price ranges, lenses is quite easy. from $50 to well over $1,000 for exclusive brands. These discounters typically do not provide Consumer Reports noted in June 2001 that, based warranties or guarantees on their products. In Well over half of eyeglass frames on the market on their survey of readers, the average price for a addition, although the majority of eyeglass sellers are designated with the brand name of an optical pair of glasses was approximately $195. The will remake lenses for free if the doctor has to manufacturer, fashion company or celebrity. In survey, based on 64,000 responses, revealed the refine the eye prescription, discount eyeglass particular, celebrities will allow manufacturers to following prices by category: sellers may charge full retail price for the new use their name on frames for a licensing fee, and lenses. the popularity of the celebrity may not correlate to Eyeglass seller Average price the quality of the frame. In evaluating the quality Ophthalmologist/optometrist $197 Discount eyeglass sellers serve a useful purpose, of the frame, look past the brand name and ask office since not everyone can afford to spend $200 on a the optician to comment on its quality. Lenscrafters $201 pair of eyeglasses. However, patients should Pearle Vision $208 understand that in exchange for low prices, they Eyemasters $219