SPECTACLES

Spectacle Lenses

While it is common to take a long time on selecting the frame, it is often thought that there is little to choose from when it comes to the choice of lenses. The reality is very different. We are pleased to supply top quality lenses from all the leading lens suppliers that offer a range of designs and materials to suit the changing and challenging needs of today's spectacle wearer.

Lens Technology

Many lenses today have very sophisticated, computer-designed surfaces that mean lenses today are thinner, lighter and flatter than ever before. Lenses are also available that react to UV darkening in the sun and lightening again almost as quickly when you return indoors. In addition they can be coated to absorb UV, reduce scratches and reduce glare.

Sight Correction

Lenses can be made to correct distance vision, reading vision or are available for people who need both a distance and reading correction. Bifocals are often worn when a reading and distance prescription is required, but wearing these lenses can lead to difficulties especially when an intermediate distance correction is necessary. Nowadays wearing a lens that varies in focus is often preferred enabling the wearer to see clearly at all distances.

Glass Lenses

The traditional material used for spectacle lenses. It is available in extra thin forms, can be supplied so that it reacts to light or tinted with a solid colour for sunglasses.

Plastic Lenses

The most popular material used nowadays. Traditionally, plastic lenses are lighter than glass but are thicker.

Lens manufacturers are continually striving to produce thin, lightweight plastic lens alternatives. High index lenses are now as thin as the thinner glass lens materials. Additionally the highest plastic lens materials are up to 45% of the weight of high index glass alternatives.
(Picture from www.essilor.co.uk)

Asperic Designs

As well as using thinner high index materials, lenses can now be made flatter and are much neater in appearance than standard plastic lenses.
(Picture from www.kodaklens.com)

Polycarbonate Lenses

New polycarbonate lenses are ideal for those with an active life. They are virtually unbreakable, over 10 times more resistant than traditional plastic lenses. There can be up to 30% lighter and 25% thinner than the equivalent standard plastic lenses making them very comfortable to wear.

Transitions & Sunsensors

We supply the two major designs of plastic lenses that react to light conditions. They are available as single vision lenses, bifocals and varifocals. Sunsensor lenses are available in brown and grey, while transitions are also available in a stylish green colour.
(Picture from www.essilor.co.uk)

Coatings

Plastic lenses can be coated to help protect them from scratches. Both glass and plastic lenses can now be multicoated to increase light transmission, clarity and cosmetic appearance. Top quality coatings ensure lenses give you the clearest definition and the best contrast throughout their life. It is particularly useful for VDU users and drivers at night helping reduce reflections, glare and dazzle. (Picture from www.hoya.co.uk)

UV Protection

People are far more aware today of harmful UV. Not only should we cover up when we are in the sun, we should protect our eyes from this radiation as long-term exposure can lead to cataracts. Lenses can be coated with a UV inhibitor to filter out this harmful radiation particularly useful if you ski or visit tropical countries regularly.

Hobbies

We also advise on spectacles for hobbies and sports such as swimming, skiing, snooker, squash and cycling.