Day 3.4 - Lens Material

Lens Material

There are many different options when it comes to lenses and lens materials.  This will help you know the difference so you can help your customer make an informed decision based on what is offered at Success Vision.

CR-39

As you may know, CR-39 is a type of plastic.  It is the most common lens material used today.  They do not come with UV protection unless the customer purchases the ProPlus package.

Polycarbonate

Poly lenses are the most safe material on the market today.  They are ideal for almost everyone.  They are 1/3 thinner and 1/3 lighter than CR-39 lenses.  In order to avoid aesthetically unpleasing, thick glasses, polycarbonate lenses are recommended for prescriptions that are stronger than +/-2.50.  They are also perfect for children, those who play sports, or anyone needing safety glasses.  They are also the lens to use with a semi-rimless or drill-mount frame because they are impact resistant. *Side note: because of the material, Success Vision does not tint polycarbonate. The material is so strong that it does not absorb the lens tint in a uniform manner.

High Index

High Index lenses are thinner than CR-39 and polycarbonate lenses, but are not as safe as polycarbonate because they are less impact resistant.  They are typically more expensive than Poly and we typically do not recommend them unless there is a really strong prescription or a special circumstance.  Before recommending this lens check stock and availability.

Photocromic (Transitions is a popular brand name)

These lenses come in either a mid-index or Polycarbonate material.  This is a changeable tint lens that changes from light to dark when the lens is in direct sunlight.  It is important to inform customers that these lenses only change when in direct UV light from the sun.  They will not change in a car, behind a window.  Also, they will not get as dark as typical sunglasses.  They only change to a medium grey. Before recommending this lens check stock and availability.  Because Transitions is marketed heavily, customers will ask for it often.  Unfortunately, it is an expensive $100 upgrade/pair.  Often, customers getting two pairs of glasses will tint one as sunglasses with the ProPlus package.

Polarized

These lenses are sunglass lenses that provide maximum protection from glare.  Medium to dark tints protect from discomfort while polarized lenses can also eliminate blinding glare.  A polarized lens virtually eliminates glare by absorbing sunlight reflecting off water, glass, snow, or sand.  Polarized lenses improve contrast and enhance the visibility of all colors.  This lens provides 100% protection from harmful UVA and UVB rays.  Before recommending this lens check stock and availability.

Anti-Reflective Coating

AR coating is a type of optical coating applied to the surface of the lens to reduce reflection.  These lenses produce less glare, which is particularly noticeable when driving at night or working in front of a computer monitor.  This is not to be confused with polarized lenses.  Polarized lenses absorb the visible glare of the sun reflected off surfaces such as sand, water, and roads.  AR relates to the reflection from the surface of the lens itself, not the origin of the light that reaches the lens.