Single Vision

The single vision lenses are prescribed for corrections either only for distance vision or only for near vision (items up close). This basic lens has the same optical focal point or correction over the entire span of the lens, hence it's called the "single vision" lenses. Global Sunglass offers you many options for top quality single vision lenses for your glasses. Single vision lenses come in several forms: Plastic lenses, Polycarbonate lenses, High Index lenses, Transitions lenses, Polarized lenses, and other sun wear options.

Aspheric Lenses

Aspherics are ideal lenses for stronger prescriptions because they are flat and thin. They also look better because they reduce the farsighted eye magnification and nearsighted eye minification.

Multifocal Lenses

Some time over the age of 40, you will begin noticing the symptoms of presbyopia. This means that you begin losing the ability to naturally change the focus of your eyes due to age. Multifocal eyeglass lenses can help you see better - they are the bifocal lenses and trifocal lenses that come in many configurations, depending on whether you sit at the computer all day or stay active outside. These lenses contain two or more lens powers in the span of you lens and it will help you see objects at all distances better. Ask us for help to assist you in choosing the right multifocal lens for you.

Progressive Lenses

Progressive lenses are like multifocal lenses but without the lines inside of it. Please email or call us for us to assist you on the types of high quality progressive lenses that may suit you best including Zeiss and Varilux lenses.

Eyeglass Lens Coatings

When purchasing eyeglasses from us, it's important to consider protective coatings for the lenses. They will extend the life of the glasses while protecting the eyes. The following coatings are the most common and recommended:

Anti-Reflective Coating

An AR coating works by reducing reflections, halos and glare, presenting a more clear visual field for the eyeglass wearer. This can be especially helpful when driving at night.

This coating is similar to those used on lenses in cameras and microscopes. It is made up of mineral deposits that act as a barrier to reflected light. It also minimizes reflections on the lenses themselves, which makes them appear much thinner. When this coating is used on sunglasses, it is only applied to the back part of the lens to keep the front section from becoming too smudged.

As with AS coating, glasses with AR coating must be cared for with special solution and cleaning cloths. A well-cushioned case with hard outer shell will also prevent scratching and breakage.

Scratch Resistant Protection

Plastic lenses are revolutionary in that they are lighter than glass but they are also more suseptible to getting scratched. The life of plastic lenses can be extended with a scratch resistant coating. This type of coating is clear and firm and works best when applied to both side of the lens.

Most plastic lenses do come with scratch-resistance, however, this should always be confirmed by asking the optician, to be on the safe side. Plastic lenses also do well when cleaned with a proper solution and cleaning cloth. Never use Windex, plain water or paper towels. This is the main cause of scratched lenses that end up having to be replaced sooner.

UV Protection

Studies have shown that most of the damage to eyes caused by UV light happens before age 18. Too much UV exposure can lead to vision problems such as retinal damage or cataracts. Protection from UV light should start at an early age.

UV coating is invisible and very easy to apply to standard and sunglass lenses. For maximum effectiveness, sunglasses that offer 100% protection from UV/UVB rays are the best choice. It should be noted that certain cosmetics and medications can increase sensitivity to UV light. Check with the doctor and read all medication labels carefully.

Mirror Coating

Mirror or flash coatings are used primarily in sunglasses and offer nothing in the way of protection from glare nor do they make the visual field clearer. Some are very attractive with many choices for color such as copper, gold, silver and all the shades of the rainbow but their use is only cosmetic. UV and anti-reflective coatings are a much better investment that will actually protect eyesight.

While choosing the right protective coating for eyeglasses is very important, it is also vital to have regular eye exams by a licensed doctor of opthamology to ensure eye health. This is especially true after the age of 40 when many age-related changes such as presbyopia and macular degeneration can begin.

High index 1.74 lenses are the newest technologically advanced ultra thin lenses that offer a more aesthetic look for individuals who wear thick lens eyeglasses, which cause the eyes to appear magnified. They also are available to individuals who wear glasses that cause the eyes to appear smaller than they truly are.

High index lenses available in the United States are normally made from plastic materials offering faster fabrication and less weight compared to glass lenses. Additionally, plastic lens can be placed in a wide variety of different frames. These lenses are less dense as they usually have a specific gravity level that is lower than the counterparts of traditional plastic and glass. When adding up the advantages of thinner lenses and lighter frames, the result is glasses that weight less and are less bulky. In addition, with these lenses, the eyes appear normal sized, offering an improved appearance.

High index lenses also are available in aspheric shapes and designs. With this aspect, the front curvature of the lens is gradually changed towards the edge of the glass. This feature allows the individual’s eyes to look normal sized instead of minified or magnified. Aspheric designs also make the use of thinner lens possible, adding to the aesthetic value. High index lenses, when worn by those who are near-sighted, offers a more apparent change in appearance, when compared to far-sighted individuals. Because of the changes in the materials of the lens, they can be thinner in the center of the lens and when these lenses are combined with an aspheric design, they offer noticeable changes in appearance.

Although these lens reflect more light than regular glass or plastic lens, high quality lenses are offered with an anti-reflective coating. Anti-reflective coating not only cuts down on the amount of glare that occurs during night driving, but it also offers better aesthetics in person and when being photographed. When choosing these lens, smaller frames are best suited with the 1.74 lens. Because there is less lens used, thickness and weight are reduced. Choosing frames that are smaller also reduces the amount of aberrations that can be experience, especially for those who need strong corrective eyewear.

Most ultra thin lenses are offered in both UVB and UVA rays that are available in transitions, photochromic, tinted, polarized and mirrored. For those who require strong corrective eyewear or currently wear wrap arounds or large frame glasses, these new high quality lenses not only offer improved aesthetics, but provide lighter and less bulky eyewear. Glass ultra thin lenses are also available, when doctor recommended.