Types of Lenses for Glasses

At one time, eyeglass lenses were made of glass and were very heavy and could shatter; however, now lenses for glasses are made from lightweight plastics that do not break as easily and may offer protection from harmful light and injury as well.

Polycarbonate Lenses

• Polycarbonate lenses are impact resistant and often are used for people who participate in sports; these often are popular in children's glasses as well.

Trivex Lenses

• Trivex lenses also are impact-resistant; however, these type of lenses have better optics than polycarbonate lenses for some people and may offer better vision.

High-Index Lenses

• For people who need lenses with higher prescription strengths, high-index lenses can offer the appropriate correction without the heavy, thick lenses from the past.

Aspheric Lenses

• Aspheric lenses are often high-index lenses as well and are often much thinner and lighter than conventional lenses. The shape of these lenses work well for people who have high hyperopia (farsightedness).

Polychromatic Lenses

• Polychromatic lenses darken when in sunlight and offer some protection from ultraviolet rays from sunlight. Polychromatic lenses can replace prescription sunglasses.

Polarized Lenses

• Polarized lenses can be used in sunglasses to lessen glare; they cannot be used with regular prescription lenses in regular glasses.