Lens Options

Our opticians will help you select the proper lenses for your frames. Should you need progressive/no line multifocals, reading glasses, prescription sunglasses or Transitions, our staff will help determine the proper lens design for your lifestyle.

What Types of Eyeglass Lenses Are Available?
As technology advances so do eyeglass lenses. In the past, eyeglass lenses were made exclusively of glass. Today most eyeglasses are made of high-tech plastics. These new lenses are lighter, do not break as easily as glass lenses, and can be treated with a filter to shield your eyes from damaging ultraviolet light.

The following modern eyeglass lenses are lighter, thinner, and more scratch-resistant than glass lenses or the older, common plastic lenses.

Polycarbonate lenses 

These eyeglass lenses are impact-resistant and are a good choice for people who regularly participate in sporting activities, work in a job environment in which their eyeglasses may be easily scratched or broken, and for children who may easily drop and scratch their eyeglasses. Polycarbonate lenses also provide ultraviolet protection.

Trivex lenses

These lenses are made from a newer plastic with similar characteristics of polycarbonate lenses. It is lightweight, thin, and impact-resistant and usually result in better vision correction than the polycarbonate lenses.

High index plastic lenses

Designed for people who require strong prescriptions, these eyeglass lenses are lighter and thinner than the standard, thick "coke bottle" lenses that may otherwise be needed.

Aspheric lenses

These eyeglass lenses are unlike typical lenses, which are spherical in shape. Aspheric lenses are made up of differing degrees of curvature over its surface, which allows the lens to be thinner and flatter than other lenses. This also creates an eyeglass lens with a much larger usable portion than the standard lens.

Transitions lenses

These lenses darken and adapt in changing outdoor conditions-helping to optimize your vision by reducing glare, eyestrain and fatigue. They also block 100 % of UV rays, helping to protect your long-term eye health.

Polarized sunglasses

Light reflected from water or a flat surface can cause unwanted glare. Polarized lenses reduce glare and are useful for sports and driving. These lenses may cause the liquid crystal displays on the dashboard of cars to appear invisible.

Anti-reflective treatments

 If glare becomes a problem, consider an anti-reflective treatment. Anti-reflective treatments will reduce reflections that can make it hard for you to see clearly and comfortable, decrease halos around light, and create a nicer cosmetic appearance.  Older anti-reflective "coatings" would chip and peel off the lens.  Illinois Eye Associates use only the newest anti-reflective treatments that are now part of the actual lens itself.  This virtually eliminates peeling or removal of the anti-reflective properties.