Lenses & Frames

Frames

New materials are available that offer stronger, lighter and more corrosion resistant frames. Titanium and stainless steel alloys are very strong yet light weight. New zyl materials, such as SPX are available in plastic frames. This material offers both comfort and strength.

As you browse through our frame selection, you’ll also notice innovative styling from Maui Jim and GX by Gwen Stefani, bold designs from Jimmy Crystal New York, and fashion savvy designer frames from Carolina Herrera, Safilo, Tura, Ray-Ban, Marc Jacobs and Ted Baker. The staff at My Family Vision Clinic will be pleased to assist you in selecting the perfect frame for you.

Lenses

Glass Lenses
The trend in lenses is toward lighter and thinner. This results in a more cosmetically appealing correction that offers more comfort to the wearer. The majority of new technology is related to different types of plastic polymers. Worldwide, glass lenses are being relegated to a less important role. However, glass lenses enjoy some popularity locally due to the lifestyles of people here and scratch resistance inherent in this material.

Plastic Lenses
A rule of thumb for traditional CR-39 polymer (plastic) lenses is that they are one-half the weight of glass. Newer lenses are available that are 20% lighter than CR-39. Cosmetically, new materials will be less thick and bulky while being extremely strong and impact resistant. Polycarbonate and other new polymers are commonly used in safety prescriptions for improved eye safety. Scratch resistant coatings are much improved as are new options in other coatings.

Multifocal Lenses
The most popular multifocals are the progressive lenses. Technology has improved greatly to reduce awareness of changes in lens power. The newest designs are called free form due to the fact that new computer driven edgers can make lenses customized to a particular prescription resulting in less peripheral distortions. Progressive lenses are available in all materials and photochromic options.

Anti-reflective Coat
Many people like the anti-glare properties of lenses that are antireflective coated (AR). A/R coated lenses can make night driving glare from reflections on your glasses disappear. Some people who spend a lot of time using a computer find A/R coatings can help relieve visual stress.

Ultraviolet Absorbing Tints
Photochromic lenses absorb the harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun. For anyone not interested in photochromic tints there is a UV coating available for plastic lenses that is virtually invisible. All the excellent quality non-prescription sunglasses that we sell have this UV protection.

Photochromic Lenses
Photochromic lenses were once only available in glass; however most designs and types of plastic lenses are available with photochromic capabilities. These are popular with many patients as they may function well with just one pair of glasses. It is worth noting that any photochromic lens will not darken as much when you are in a vehicle so some light sensitive patients require prescription sunglasses or clip-on sunglasses to drive.

Lens Tints
There is a broad spectrum of tints available for plastic lenses from single to multi-gradient tints. Glass lenses are also available in a number tints, although fewer options than plastic.