10 Types of Glasses Lenses: How To Choose

The right lenses can make a world of difference. With clear vision, eye protection, and style, your frames can perfectly complement your outfit and personality. With Pair, you can create an unlimited number of frame and style combinations to display your unique self.

The lens you choose is just as important as your frame style. Many lens options are available, from fog-resistance to shatterproof lenses that can withstand a beating.

In this article, we’ll cover the different types of lens materials available and some of the high-tech coatings that make it easy to handle any environment or situation.

What Are the Kinds of Lens Materials?

Still think lenses are only made of glass? Think again. Today’s eyeglass lenses are available in various materials, and some of the most effective ones have dual functions:

1. Polycarbonate

Polycarbonate is a durable, shatter-resistant material that gives the wearer crystal-clear optics and the benefit of UV protection. Polycarbonate material is naturally UV protective, making it an excellent option for people who need safeguarding from ultraviolet radiation without adding darker lenses.

Polycarbonate lenses are found in safety eyewear as well as standard eyeglasses. It’s about 10 times more durable than other types of plastic and glass, which means it’s a go-to solution for kids’ glasses, sports glasses, and everyday eyewear.

2. High Index

High-index lenses are an ideal option for people who need progressive lenses (a more seamless alternative to trifocal lenses).

These lenses can handle higher vision correction prescriptions without adding extra material — which means you get everything you need in an uber-lightweight lens that is more comfortable to wear.

3. CR-39 (Plastic)

Columbia Resin #39 is an expensive, base-level lens that you’ll find lining drug store shelves as a base model lens. Plastic lenses aren’t known for their high-quality visibility. Instead, they get dirty easily, show fingerprints, and scratch quickly — unless they have a scratch-resistant coating.

4. Trivex

Trivex is a type of polymer similar to plastic but with a higher level of shatter resistance.

Compared to traditional glass lenses, trivex isn’t remotely in the same weight category. These ultra-lightweight lenses also pack much more impact resistance than CR-39, making them a better option for children’s lenses and safety eyewear.

5. Glass

The old standard, glass, is still an option for those who prefer it. In terms of visibility, glass offers pristine optics and unmatched scratch resistance compared to any other type of lens. Despite its benefits, glass is heavy and shatters easily.

For these reasons, many people opt for other lens materials that still provide great optics with the addition of shatter resistance.

At Pair, we find that most of our customers want brilliant optics in a lens that is lightweight, durable, and capable of handling strong prescriptions if need be. That’s why we create our lenses from polycarbonate. This multitasking lens material makes it easy to create prescription and non-prescription lenses and has the additional benefit of UV-ray protection.

Once you’ve selected a lens material, you can shop for lens coatings. Lens coatings are like adding customized options to a new car to make it more applicable to your lifestyle.

What Are Special Coatings Are Available for Glasses?

From blue light-blocking filters to anti-fog coatings, the options are practically limitless. No matter what you need, there’s a coating to make your life easier and your vision safer:

6. Polarized

Popular with water sports enthusiasts, polarized lenses reduce surface glare and make it easier (and safer) to see. These lenses are excellent options for wearers who spend time in the water, sand, or snow.

Polarized lenses can help keep your eyes from burning because of the sun's reflection on sand, snow, or water. This type of corneal sunburn, known as photokeratitis, can lead to eye pain lasting up to a week — or longer.

7. UV Protection

Speaking of protection from the sun, everyone needs at least one pair of eyewear with UV protection. Remember that polycarbonate lenses are naturally UV-blocking, but if you’re going to be in direct sun, you’ll likely want to grab a pair of sunglasses, as well.

Sunglass lenses provide UV protection, keeping your eyes comfortable when outdoors. Be aware that the depth of shade on your glasses does not equate to more UV protection. Your eyewear should specifically state that it is UV-protective — otherwise, you could find yourself the owner of dark shades that aren’t actually keeping your eyes safe.

8. Anti-Reflective Coating

AR coatings help reduce the reflections that are naturally produced on the front and back of your lenses. They aren’t visible to the naked eye, but ensure you see clearly when reflections are present. AR coatings are also more visually appealing.

9. Photochromic Lenses

Want to streamline your life? You’ll want photochromic lenses. These lenses are UV light responsive. When you step out for your lunch break, for instance, your lenses will naturally darken in response to UV light. When you return to your desk, they’ll gradually return to normal.

These can be an ideal option for folks who regularly move between indoors and outdoors or who’d rather have one single pair of glasses.

There is, however, one caveat: These lenses won’t work their magic in your car. Your car’s windshield has UV protection built in, so your lenses won’t darken. In fact, they may make it hard to see when driving.

10. Blue Light Blocking

Blue light is a part of the visible spectrum of light. The majority of blue light comes from the sun, which may surprise you. After all, blue light-blocking eyewear is typically marketed to folks who spend a lot of time on screens (so, pretty much everyone).

Although blue light comes from the sun, it’s true that it also comes from tablets, smartphones, computer screens, and LED televisions. As such, our exposure to it is fairly constant.

Blue light can reach our retinas, where our retinal cells are located. Experts aren’t sure about the potential implications of blue light on our retinas, but we know that it can impact sleep cycles and contribute to eye strain. Blue light-filtering lenses can send rays of blue light away from your eyes, supporting your eye health and even your sleep.

These 10 options are just a preview of what’s available in the world of eyeglass lenses. The best lens for you is one that meets your vision needs and works best with your prescription glasses.

People with single-vision lenses or reading glasses (also known as bifocal lenses) may benefit from a slightly heavier but more budget-friendly material, while folks who need multifocal lenses may opt for featherlight lens materials to keep their frames comfortable.

No matter what type of lens you choose, you should always choose your frames from Pair.

Why Should You Choose Pair Eyewear?

Pair’s solution to run-of-the-mill eyewear is unlimited possibilities with just one simple frame.

First, select your Base Frame style. Next, customize your lenses. We handle prescription lenses for nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism. Whether you need single-vision or multifocal lenses, we’ve got you covered.

Last, have some fun shopping our countless Top Frame styles. We’re continually adding new looks and collections, so check back often so you don’t miss a frame that could be limited edition (like Halloween). That’s all there is to it!

Put Your Lenses to Work

Your glasses' lenses are made to do more than just correct your vision or offer shade from the sun. With a few specialized add-ons, you can get lenses that are shatter-resistant, lightweight, and have features that help you live more comfortably.

For the latest in lens and frame innovations, check out the rest of the Pair blog.

Sources:

Photokeratitis (Ultraviolet [UV] burn, Arc eye, Snow Blindness) | College of Optometrists

Protecting your eyes from the sun’s UV light | National Eye Institute

Sunglasses With Transition Lenses: Pros and Cons | American Academy of Ophthalmology

How blue light affects your eyes, sleep, and health | UC Davis