The most important thing while buying your new eyeglasses is the quality and comfort of the lens and frames and the quality of these two things help in determining how happy you are with your new eyewear. With advanced technology, there are so many options of lens and coating that it is easy to get confused about what is best for you. This step by step guide about different types of lenses and frames will help you choose the best eyewear for yourself.
Different Types of Lenses
While choosing the lenses, it is important to keep four factors in mind: Clarity of vision, comfort, safety and appearance. Therefore, it is necessary to take your time and choose the lens with patience.
Glass Lenses: Glass is the oldest lens material that has been used for vision correction for centuries. Although, glass lenses provide amazing optics, but it makes the eyewear is heavy and is easily broken. Therefore, glass lenses have reduced in popularity in recent times with the popularity of plastic lenses.
Plastic Lenses: Plastic lens was first introduced in the eyewear industry by the Armorlite Lens Company of California in the year 1947. The lenses were made of lightweight polymer and had excellent optical qualities. It was also low cost and durable.
Polycarbonate Lenses: Polycarbonate lenses were first introduced in early 70s by Gentex Corporation and it was even lighter and tougher than plastic lenses and it is still one of the most preferred lens materials.
High -Index Plastic Lenses: With the recent demand for lighter and thinner eyewear, high index plastic lenses have come into existence that have high index of refraction and lower specific gravity that makes the lenses exceptionally light and thin.
Aspheric Lenses: Aspheric lenses are a recent inclusion in the eyewear industry. These lenses are not exactly rounded on the surface and are useful for correcting minor distortions in vision. This design also makes the lens even lighter and thinner to give the used a comfortable experience.
Wavefront Technology Lenses: Wavefront technology lenses are specially designed to sharpen visual clarity. The lenses are designed based on exact measurement of the path through the light travels through the eye.
Photochromic Lenses: Photochromic lenses change colour according to the lighting condition. The chemical coating on the lens darkens in bright light and returns to normal colour in ordinary indoor lighting or during the night.
Lenses for Presbyopia
Presbyopia is a special condition seen in people above the age of 40 years. With age, the eye’s natural lens and internal focusing muscles become stiff and can no longer accommodate vision at all ranges. Specially designed eyeglasses with bifocal and trifocal lenses are used to correct presbyopia.
Bifocal Lenses: Bifocal lenses accommodate two ranges of vision. The upper portion of the lens helps in far vision and the lower portion of the brain assists in near vision. The zones are prominently separated.
Trifocal Lenses: Trifocal lenses have three distinct zones for seeing things at three different ranges – near, intermediate and far. These lenses are custom made to adjust to your profession and lifestyle.
Progressive Lenses: Progressive lenses have added advantage over bifocals and trifocals because these lenses allow the user to focus at different distances and provides a smooth transition from one range to another.
Reading Glasses: Reading glasses use normal single vision lenses that enhance near vision for people with presbyopia or hyperopia.
Types of Eyeglass Frames According to Style
The spectacle frames you wear speak a lot about your style, your profession and your lifestyle. Therefore, it is important to choose eyeglasses with care so that you feel comfortable in what you wear.
Full Rimmed Frames
Full rimmed eyeglasses frames are the most common frame type that is considered a classic. The constant popularity of full rimmed glasses has made it an important part of fashion. Celebrities have added to the popularity of full rimmed frames. 
Full-rimmed frame design has a sturdy frame structure that encircles the lens and provides compact protection for the lenses. Such frames provide better protection to eyes and act as a prominent fashion accessory.
Half Rimmed Frames
Half rimmed eyeglasses are the ultimate style accessory for the serious and professional look. The metal frame and sleek design adds a sharp and sophisticated edge to the appearance. In the case of half-rimmed frames, the lenses are supported from the top or bottom by a half frame structure. 
This type of design ensures greater visibility and is lightweight which provides a comfortable experience for the user.
Rimless Frames
Rimless frames have no rims and are therefore extremely lightweight and comfortable. The absence of rims offer a broader field of vision and at the same time makes it more flexible and balanced. The spectacles don’t cover much of the face and help in enhancing the sharp features of the face. The bridges and temples of the glasses are attached directly to the lens.
With the rising consciousness about fashion and style, eyeglasses have become more than a functional device for enhancing the vision to a fashion accessory to match your personality. Now people can choose from a wide range of eyeglass frames for men and women are available online and buy the perfect pair of spectacles that complements one’s appearance.
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