Choosing Eyeglasses That Suit Your Needs and Style
Our doctors combine high-end technology and a personalized approach to help you choose a pair of eyeglasses that address your areas of concern and help you enjoy your everyday life.
Digital Free-Form Progressive Lenses
At our doctor-owned lab we have just installed the Satisloh free-form generator. This technology applies your prescription to the lens material using a computer controlled device with accuracy to 1/100th of a diopter. Prior technology was accurate to a 1/12th of a diopter. This precision, combined with highly sophisticated designs customizes the curvatures to limit unwanted distortion and widen the “sweet spot” of lenses. Progressive lenses using Free-Form technology widen reading areas by 30% and eliminate the “swim” and distortion present in older generation progressive lenses.
Progressive Lenses
Progressive or “no-line bifocals” have become the lens of choice for patients over 40 who need help to see both far and year. No-lines provide a smooth transition from focusing on nearby to focusing on distant objects because they do not have a distinct line which separates the focusing powers. Instead, a gradual change in power allows the wearer to focus on objects at all distances. Distant objects are viewed through the upper portion of the lens, while near objects are viewed through the middle or lower portion of the lens. Progressive lenses also great for computer users.
Cosmetic and Specialty Tints
Eyeglasses can be a stylish accessory, a part of your personality, or a way for you to be unique. There are a variety of frames to choose from, but you may not know that there are also many ways to improve the appearance of the lenses. Cosmetic tints are also available. These tints offer a variety of colors and shades. You can choose light blue or any other color of the rainbow. Some lenses are clear at the bottom and gradually get more colored towards the top of the lenses. There are many ways to adjust your lenses to whatever style suits your personality. Some tints are also functional. A special tint for your glasses can reduce eyestrain associated with Computer Vision Syndrome.
Light-Adaptive/Self-Tinting Lenses
If you have ever felt frustrated at needing both prescription glasses and prescription sunglasses to accommodate an outdoor lifestyle, you should consider photochromic lenses. Photochromic lenses darken when exposed to UV rays. The change is caused by photochromic molecules that are found throughout the lens or in a coating on the front of the lens. When the wearer goes outside, the lenses darken or tint. When the wearer goes back inside, the glasses become clear.
The most common types of photochromatic lenses are called Transitions.
There are a variety of photochromic options available. Depending on what you choose, you can customize the lenses to your needs. Some lenses darken only in direct sunlight, while others darken in little or no direct light. Some are designed to darken while you are in the car to reduce road glare while you are driving. You can even choose the color of the tint. Ask your doctor what options are available.
UltraThin & Light - High Index Lenses
High index materials are named because they have a higher index of light refraction. That means it takes less thickness to bend light. High index lenses are much thinner and lighter. With high index lenses, you can avoid having “coke bottle” lenses. High index materials come in several “flavors”.
Polycarbonate
The most popular high index plastic is polycarbonate. Polycarbonate was originally developed for fighter jet cockpits. It is very strong, very light, and resistant to scratches and breaking. Most sports lenses and safety lenses are made of polycarbonate.
Mid-Index
Other high index materials are classified by numbers. The higher the number, the thinner and lighter the lens. The lower numbers are classified as mid-index lenses. Mid-index lenses, such as 1.54, 1.56, and 1.57, are thinner than glass, and nearly as strong as CR-39.
High-Index
High index lenses, such as 1.67 and 1.74, are much thinner than regular glass or plastic. Talk with your doctor to decide which high index lens is right for you.
Light-Adaptive/Self-Tinting Lenses
If you have ever felt frustrated at needing both prescription glasses and prescription sunglasses to accommodate an outdoor lifestyle, you should consider photochromic lenses. Photochromic lenses darken when exposed to UV rays. The change is caused by photochromic molecules that are found throughout the lens or in a coating on the front of the lens. When the wearer goes outside, the lenses darken or tint. When the wearer goes back inside, the glasses become clear.
The most common types of photochromatic lenses are called Transitions.
There are a variety of photochromic options available. Depending on what you choose, you can customize the lenses to your needs. Some lenses darken only in direct sunlight, while others darken in little or no direct light. Some are designed to darken while you are in the car to reduce road glare while you are driving. You can even choose the color of the tint. Ask your doctor what options are available.
Bifocal Lenses
For many people, different lenses are needed for seeing at different distances. Bifocal lenses allow the wearer to look through two areas of the lens, each separated by a line. One area focuses on distant objects. The other is used for reading. A little-known fact is that bifocals were invented by Benjamin Franklin, and his style of bifocals are still available today.
Duracoat - Scratch Resistant Coating
If you have hard resin lenses (CR-39), we recommend a scratch-resistant coating. Resins and plastics are more susceptible to scratches than glass. Scratches damage the cosmetic look of the lenses and compromise their performance. With a scratch resistant coating, you do not have to worry as much about minor scratches on your lenses.
Another advantage of scratch resistant coatings is that they come with a 2-year warranty. They are a great investment to prevent minor scratches. However, it is important to remember that scratch resistant does not mean scratch-proof. All lenses are susceptible to scratches.
Specialty Lenses
We all have heard the phrase, “Different strokes for different folks.” Well, this also holds true when it comes to selecting glasses. There are different lenses for just about everybody. No matter what your particular need, there is probably a specialty lens designed for you.
For example, a specialty lens that is becoming increasingly useful is designed for computer users. Computer lenses have “windows” designed for viewing your computer screen, documents on your desk, and distant objects. The lenses are designed to reduce Computer Vision Syndrome, or CVS, which is characterized by headaches, eye strain, neck and backaches, dry eyes, blurred vision, and double vision.
Another example is called the double D-segment lens, also known as the double flat-top lens. If you look through most of the lens, you can focus on distant objects. But you can also look through a D-shaped segment near the top of the lens to see nearby overhead objects more clearly. This is very useful if you are involved in work where you are looking at nearby objects above your field of vision, as with carpenters and pilots. The D-shaped segment near the bottom of the lens allows for reading.
UltraClear AR - Anti-Reflective Coating
Normal eyewear often creates glare, reflections, and “ghost images.” Glare and reflections can be greatly reduced by an anti-reflective coating. (Sometimes in the office we simply refer to anti-reflective coating as “AR.”)
Anti-reflective coatings increase light transmission through the lenses to 99.5 percent. They make it easier to see and easier for others to see you. These coatings are especially useful for those viewing computer screens and driving at night. Anti-glare coatings let other see your eyes, and not the reflections of all the lights in the room. For professionals who depend on great eye contact with their colleagues and clients, anti-glare coatings are an excellent choice.
The technology used in today’s AR lenses is far superior to that available even just a few years ago. Today’s AR also incorporates excellent scratch-resistant coatings, they’re easier to clean, last longer, and don’t peel off like older versions used to do.
Polarized Lenses
Glare from wet roads, light reflecting off other vehicles, and glare from your own windshield can be annoying and dangerous. To eliminate this glare, we offer polarized lenses. Polarized lenses eliminate almost all glare, reducing eye strain and increasing visibility. Polarized lenses are the most effective way to reduce glare.
Most glare comes from horizontal surfaces, so the light is “horizontally polarized.” Polarized lenses feature vertically-oriented “polarizers.” These polarizers block the horizontally-polarized light. The result is a glare-reduced view of the world.
Polarized lenses can make a world of difference for any outdoor enthusiast. Fisherman can eliminate the bright reflections from the water and actually see into the water more easily than with other sunglasses, golfers can see the green easier, and joggers and bikers can enjoy reduced glare from the road. In addition, drivers can enjoy the safety and comfort that polarized lenses provide while driving.
Trifocal Lenses
Bifocals allow the wearer to read through one area of the lens, and to focus on distant objects through another area of the lens. As the eyes age, though, a stronger prescription is often needed to read. This would be fine, but the stronger prescription that allows for reading makes it difficult to focus on objects at intermediate distances, such as grocery items on a shelf or your speedometer. Thus, trifocals are necessary for a third prescription for intermediate focusing.
Trifocals, also known as line trifocals, feature three areas of focusing power, each separated from the other by a distinct line. The three windows allow for focusing on distant objects, intermediately distanced objects, and for reading. The downside of trifocals is dealing with the lines between the different focusing powers. Fortunately, recent advances in technology have led to developments in no-line, or progressive, lenses.
Progressive Eye Care
Dr. Jeffrey Broadhead, OD and his team of optometry and ophthalmology providers offer comprehensive treatments to improve the vision of patients from our offices in South Jordan, UT. Our doctors are members of professional associations, including:
American Academy of Ophthalmology
American Optometric Association
American Board of Ophthalmology
Utah Optometric Association
American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery
American Academy of Orthokeratology & Myopia Control
To schedule an appointment at our South Jordan optometry practice, you can contact us online or give us a call at (801) 676-2020.
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South Jordan Office
- 10654 S River Heights Dr Ste 110 South Jordan, UT 84095