What Are the Best Lenses for Me?
Eyeglass lenses come in many different options, and our opticians are highly skilled in helping you choose the best lens for your lifestyle and budget. We recommend high definition digital lenses to give the ultimate in visual performance. Whether for indoors, outdoors, or changing light conditions, high definition digital lenses provide the best visual acuity possible.
Get the process started now by using our interactive online Eyeglass Builder tool, or continue reading below for more information on lenses and treatments.
High Definition Digital Lenses
What are High Definition Digital Lenses?
Just like high definition revolutionized the clarity of television, we now offer sharper, crisper vision in high definition digital lenses, or HD lenses for short. HD lenses use sophisticated software and manufacturing processes to take into account not only the prescription itself but how it fits in the frame and rests on the face. We take custom measurements to personalize the lenses to your unique visual needs.
Standard lenses correct vision in the center of the lens, but based on the prescription, the peripheral vision can remain slightly blurry. HD lenses use point-by-point digital mapping throughout the entire lens to correct for these optical errors and give you edge-to-edge clarity. The more complex the prescription, the more dramatic the result.
Progressive lens wearers benefit the most from HD technology. Progressive lens designs create areas of blur as a result of fitting the reading power into the lens. HD progressive lenses correct for much of that, resulting in wider, clearer, sharper fields of view. We also offer HD computer lenses for the broadest field of view within a few feet.
HD Computer Lenses
What are HD Computer Lenses?
General-purpose progressive lenses, even high definition ones, are optimized to give the best vision far away and up close, while providing adequate vision at arm’s length. These lenses work well in everyday life, but when you are doing things up close there are better options to provide wider vision and reduce symptoms of visual fatigue.
Our HD Computer lenses come in a variety of options to optimize vision for a specific viewing range. Whether you work in an office where you need clear vision in the 10-15 foot range in addition to up close or you spend most of your time in a cubicle where your visual tasks are within 5 feet, we have a solution for you!
HD Computer lenses are also outstanding for playing cards, painting and sculpting, doing hair and makeup, working on the car, and more. Talk to our opticians about your unique visual needs.
Do HD Computer Lenses Filter out Harmful Blue Light?
We have many options for filtering various amounts of blue light.
- Most of our lenses come with a small amount of blue light filtering to help relieve visual fatigue.
- For added protection, we can apply a special non-glare filter that will reflect a more significant amount of blue light away from the eyes. These lenses are excellent for patients who spend extended periods of time on digital devices, but have a slight mirror effect which some may find distracting.
- The utmost in blue light protection is a special lens called BluTech®, which has a distinct champagne color to it from a melanin filter that absorbs the blue light.
We will be happy to guide you as to what level of protection is right for you.
Why is Blue Light Protection Important, Anyway?
In the visible light spectrum, blue light is at the end with the highest energy. Studies show high-energy visible light has the potential to damage retinal cells. Most of the blue light that we are exposed to comes from the sun, and quality sunglasses provide an adequate level of protection. We are also getting additional amounts of blue light from our digital devices and artificial lighting like LEDs. This constant exposure creates visual fatigue. Not all blue light is bad, as specific wavelengths of blue light help regulate the sleep-wake cycle. This blue light signals to our body that the sun is in the sky and it’s time to be awake, so our brain suppresses melatonin production. When we are using our digital devices after dark, we are tricking our brain into thinking it’s day time, so lenses that selectively filter out this blue light can also make it easier to fall asleep at night.
What Are Symptoms of Visual Fatigue?
- Eyestrain
- Dry Eyes
- Blurred Vision
- Headache
- Neck Pain
- Shoulder Pain
HD Computer lenses with a blue light filter can help relieve these symptoms, but also check the ergonomics of your environment as your posture and positioning of monitor and keyboard play critical roles as well.
What About Ultraviolet Light?
Ultraviolet light, or UV for short, is light just below the visible blue light on the spectrum (under 400nm). This type of light is also emitted from the sun, and can be harmful not only to the skin but to our eyes as well. It has been linked in numerous studies to the development of cataracts, which increasingly cloud your vision over time. The good news is that most of our lenses have full UV protection built-in. Talk to one of our opticians for more details.
Non-Glare Lenses
All patients can benefit from having a non-glare treatment applied to their lenses. This allows more light through the lenses, making them much less noticeable, and significantly reduces glare from light sources such as headlights. Non-glare lenses are also more durable and easier to clean than standard lenses. Once you wear non-glare, you’ll wonder how you ever got by without it.
Sun Lenses
Nobody should be without a good pair of sunglasses. Not only do they showcase your style, but they protect your eyes and the delicate skin surrounding them. The sun’s ultraviolet rays can not only damage your skin, but can also lead to cataracts. Every pair of sunglasses we offer features 100% UV protection. Most patients prefer polarized lenses to virtually eliminate blinding glare, which can be dangerous when driving on a sunny day. Polarized lenses improve contrast, making your world sharper and more vivid, and are available in a variety of colors, including several mirrored options. Talk to one of our opticians about your needs and preferences.
Light-Reactive Lenses
Enjoy the convenience of lenses that adapt to changing lighting conditions with light-reactive lenses such as Transitions®. Virtually clear indoors, they are activated by the sun and quickly change to sunglass darkness outdoors, keeping your eyes comfortable in any lighting condition. While not a replacement for a good pair of polarized sunglasses, light-reactive lenses are a convenient option for busy lifestyles.
Custom Clips
For the ultimate in versatility, we can add a custom magnetic clip to any pair of glasses we offer. With 24 polarized colors to choose from, we have something for every outdoor activity. Need a clip for reading? We’ve got you covered there, too. Plus, our reading lenses are available with a blue light filter to help reduce visual fatigue. Need to read in the sun? No problem – our clips can stack on each other to give you both benefits at the same time.
Schedule an Appointment
Schedule an appointment today to experience the GRO difference. Call 616.588.6598 or click here.