When talking about eyeglasses, one is referring to the “frame” and to the “lenses.” The lenses are the component that enhances one’s vision. Of the many types of lenses available, Visage narrows choice to two types: single vision and multifocal; and three material grades: plastic, mid ­index, and high index. Strength of prescription; type of frame mounting; and patient lifestyle­ needs dictate the type of material used. The “glass” component of glasses is still available but increasingly rare.

Single vision refers either to an all­ reading or all­ distance lens. Multifocal lenses may be lined bifocals or trifocals, or even more commonly “progressive” lenses. Visage primarily uses digitally surfaced or “freeform” progressives. Freeform is the latest, easiest ­to ­use technology that enhances distance, mid ­range, and near vision in one lens. Whatever your individual needs, be assured that Visage uses only the best types, designs, and materials of lenses available.

Anti-reflective coating

Anti-reflective coating (also called AR coating or anti-glare coating) improves both your vision through your lenses and the appearance of your eyeglasses. Premium anti-reflective coatings can virtually eliminate the reflection of light from eyeglass lenses, allowing 99.5 percent of available light to pass through the lenses and enter the eye for good vision.

Anti-reflective coating reduces the glare that you see, as well as the glare that others can see on your lenses.

By eliminating reflections, AR coating also makes your eyeglass lenses look nearly invisible so people can see your eyes and facial expressions more clearly. Anti-reflective glasses also are
more attractive, so you can look your best in all lighting conditions. The visual benefits of lenses with anti-reflective coating include sharper vision with less glare when driving at night and greater comfort during prolonged computer use (compared with wearing eyeglass lenses without AR coating).

Depending on the AR coating formula, most lenses with anti-reflective coating have a very faint residual color, usually green or blue, that is characteristic of that particular brand of coating.

Transitions

Transitions are equipped with photochromatic dyes that enable the lenses to darken when exposed to the sun’s ultraviolet light. The greater the intensity of UV rays, the darker they become. When the UV rays are no longer present, including indoors or at night, they fade back to their original state.

In years past, transition were similar to a “fashion tint”. Lenses were not very clear inside or very dark outside. Today the technology has improved remarkably. The newest generation of transitions is completely clear inside and gets relatively dark when exposed to UV.

We never recommend transitions instead of a good polarized sunglass. Transitions is a useful technology for a lifestyle where one goes in and out throughout the day. But when planning to spend hours in the full sun or driving, it is important to wear a polarized sunglass.

Polarized lenses are the best quality sun lenses. Not only do they remove glare and improve visual quality, they play an important safety role for drivers. The principle behind polarized lenses is best illustrated by thinking of the lens as a Venetian blind. The blind blocks transmission of light from horizontal angles while allowing it from vertical angles. The person looking through the lens can still see clearly but polarization reduces the brightness and glare of light. Color, detail and contrast are improved as well as the comfort of those wearing them.

Progressive lenses address separate visual needs in one lens, with a ‘distance viewing’ area in the upper portion of the lens and a ‘near vision’ area in the lower portion of the lens. Rather than a line separating these areas, the middle area progressively changes from distance to reading. The middle area serves as intermediate vision correction.