OMNI Optical - Choosing Your Lenses

LENS TOPICS:
	Lens Designs
	Photochromic Lenses
	Lens Treatments
	Sun Lenses
	Lens Materials

LENS DESIGNS

*Single Vision*	An all purpose lens available in all materials. This lens can be used for either near or distance vision correction.
*Bifocals*	Prescribed when both near and distance vision correction are needed.
*Trifocals*	Similar to Bifocals, this lens offers both a distance and near correction. It also provides an intermediate correction for a total of 3 corrective powers.
*Progressives*	These lenses correct for distance, near, and intermediate vision much like a trifocal. Progressives offer the advantage of no visible lines so that the lens looks like single vision lenses. They are more cosmetically pleasing as a result.
Aspheric Designs	Offers less magnification of the eyes. Edge to edge clarity of vision means that your sight remains clear as your eyes move.
Specialty Lenses	Special designs allow the dispenser to customize lenses for virtually any hobby or work environment. Examples include golfers, divers, and mechanics.
Sports Lenses	Safety is key with any eyewear designed for sports. Polycarbonate lenses are the most commonly recommended.
Computer Lenses	If you use a computer for more than 2 hours per day, you may need a variable focus lens. These lenses correct your vision for a specified distance from your eye to the computer screen. Special tints, filters, or anti-reflective coating may also be needed.

PHOTOCHROMIC
LENSES

Photochromic lenses darken and lighten according to exposure to light. When worn in the sun, the lenses darken. When worn indoors, they become very light. These lenses are available in virtually every lens design and material.

LENS
TREATMENTS

*UV Protection*	The sun produces ultra-violet rays that pose a potential threat to your eyes. Adding UV protection to your lenses shields your eyes from these harmful rays. Plastic and Glass lenses may need to have UV coating added. Most Hi-Index and Polycarbonate lenses have UV built into the material.
Scratch Coating	This treatment is recommended to protect your lenses from scratches due to every day wear and tear. Most Hi-Index and Polycarbonate lenses already contain a scratch coat. It may have to be added to Plastic.
Anti-Reflection Coating	AR coating provides several benefits to the wearer. It can help reduce eye fatigue as well as reduce distracting glare from office lights and night time driving. Your eyes will also be clearly visible behind your glasses.

SUN LENSES

Polarized Lenses	Polarization eases eye stress and fatigue in the sun and comes in many colors. They are a top pick with drivers, boaters, and outdoor sportsmen. Polarization uses filters in the lens to eliminate the light waves that cause glare.
Tinted Lenses	Lenses can be tinted from very light to very dark and can be a solid color all over or gradient (darker to lighter). Most lenses can be tinted to suit the needs of the wearer. A rainbow of colors is available.
Mirrored Lenses	They look cool while at the same time protecting your eyes. Mirror Coat provides a reflective surface that makes your eyes virtually invisible to viewers. You can get Mirror Coat in a variety of colors.

LENS
MATERIALS

*Glass*	The original material for eyeglass lenses, glass offers superior optics and the most scratch resistance. However, glass can be much heavier to wear than the newer materials and it has to be specially treated for impact resistance.
*Plastic*	Also known as CR-39, plastic was the first non-glass material used for eyeglass lenses. Plastic is much lighter than glass and can be tinted to almost any color.
Hi-Index Materials	Available in Glass and Plastic, these technologically advanced materials offer a thinner profile for wearers of strong prescriptions. They are more comfortable and offer a more cosmetically pleasing appearance.
*Polycarbonate*	Offering the benefit of being lightweight while being highly impact resistant, these lenses are great for children, active adults, athletes, and occupational safety applications.

OMNI Optical Laboratory
4925 West Cardinal Drive Beaumont, Texas 77705
Phone: (800) 364-6664 Fax: (800) 393-6664
omni@omnioptical.com