| Frames and lenses | | | | are getting before ordering. |
| There are lots of choices when it comes to | | | | For Polycarbonate (polycarb or poly): This is a |
| frames and lenses. You might get lost in the | | | | shatterproof material - polycarbonate lenses have |
| optician's store. It could be that you are not that | | | | become the must for safety glasses, rimless |
| familiar with the process given all the choices | | | | glasses, sports goggles and children's eyewear. It |
| available to you. In the eye care business, we are | | | | is also good to have in a semi-rimless frame. Over |
| faced with a number of questions on a daily basis | | | | time, with handling of the frame, regular plastic |
| and one of these questions is WHAT KIND OF | | | | might start to chip away. This is a thinner material |
| LENS MATERIAL IS APPROPRIATE FOR ME? | | | | and is good for a higher strength prescription. If |
| Here are some tips to help you make the choice: | | | | for example your prescription is -4.00, you should |
| You should always consult with your eye care | | | | choose polycarb and the glasses will look less |
| professional to help determine what is best for | | | | bulky. The price of polycarb lenses is more |
| you. | | | | expensive but worth it. |
| Some people are under the impression that glass | | | | For high index: This is the material for higher |
| lenses are still available. Glass lenses are no longer | | | | strength prescriptions. High index lenses are a |
| legal in the United States - this is mainly for | | | | must for people with high myopia. Thin eyeglasses |
| safety reasons. | | | | are thought to be more attractive than thicker |
| There are 3 materials for lenses: | | | | ones. Light eyeglasses are comfortable; heavy |
| 1. Regular plastic | | | | ones are not. It is no surprise then that most |
| 2. Polycarbonate | | | | people want the thinnest, lightest eyeglasses that |
| 3. High index plastic | | | | they can find. These are the most expensive |
| For regular plastic: It is a very lightweight and | | | | lenses. |
| durable material which works well for low strength | | | | Be patient when shopping for eyeglass frames. |
| prescriptions. Plastic lenses are the cheapest and | | | | Find an optician you can trust. Ask family and |
| usually they are covered by most insurance | | | | friends for recommendations. Remember, the |
| providers. Since it is an inexpensive option, you | | | | best referrals they get are when patients and |
| may consider a plastic lens with a higher | | | | clients refer friends and family to them. Always |
| prescription, depending on the frame that you | | | | check your insurance for all available options. Even |
| choose. Suppose you choose a heavy plastic | | | | without a specific optical plan, there are often |
| frame, in that case the thickness of the lens will | | | | discount optical plans available that are honored by |
| be hidden by the frame, the plastic lens will work | | | | most opticians. Be sure to check out a few local |
| for you. On the other hand, if you are getting a | | | | stores for valuable offers and coupons. |
| metal frame, the thickness of the lens will be | | | | Tip: Getting your eyes checked and purchasing |
| visible and it might not be as attractive as another | | | | your glasses in the same place saves you valuable |
| option. Always consult with your optician so that | | | | time and money. |
| you can get an approximate idea of what you | | | | |