Eyeglass wearers have many lens options available to them that will enhance their comfort and provide added vision benefits. The listing below details some of the most popular options and explains how they can help you experience the best results from your new eyeglasses. Talk to your eye care professional today to find out more!

High-index lenses

High-index lenses are comprised of a dense material, resulting in thinner and lighter lenses than those produced from plastic. High index lenses are especially useful to those with strong prescriptions, creating eyeglasses that are comfortable to wear without the awkward look of thick lenses.

Photochromic lenses

Transitions® is the leading brand of photochromic lenses in the world, and a covered benefit for many who have vision insurance. Transitions lenses adapt from clear indoors to fully dark in bright sun, providing the wearer with a superior visual experience, and offering a distinct advantage over ordinary clear lenses.

Polarized lenses

Polarized lenses are used in sunglasses and provide wearers with a filter to eliminate the glare experienced from reflective surfaces, such as water or the road’s surface. Polarized lenses are also capable of being worn indoors to protect light-sensitive individuals from light exposure. These lenses are recommended for patients with eye conditions such as cataracts and age related macular degeneration.

Polycarbonate lenses

Polycarbonate lenses are comprised of a lightweight impact- resistant material and are used where eye safety is a concern. Additionally, polycarbonate lenses provide protection from the sun’s UV rays. Popular uses include safety eyewear, sports protective eyewear and children’s eyeglasses.

Scratch-resistant coating

Although no eyeglasses are completely scratch proof, Scratch-Resistant Coating does provide lenses with a harder surface that resists scratches. Scratch-Resistant coating is a must for children’s eyeglasses.

Anti-reflective coating

Anti-reflective coating reflects light off the lens surface, providing wearers with a reduction in glare and eye fatigue. Anti-reflective coating is especially helpful when driving after dark and working on a computer.

Ultraviolet coating

Ultraviolet coating provides sun protection for the wearer’s eyes, blocking harmful ultraviolet light. Too much exposure to the sun can result in eye damage including cataracts and retinal damage.

Progressive lenses

Progressive lenses provide continuous progression of lens powers between multifocal lenses, resulting in many lens powers to facilitate all viewing distances.

Progressive Addition Lenses

Progressive addition lenses (PAL) provide continuous progression of lens powers between multifocal lenses, resulting in many lens powers to facilitate all viewing distances without the visible line of bifocal or trifocal lenses. They are categorized in the following groups within the BCBS FEP Vision formulary, which includes many popular brand names and the latest technology:

• Standard tier
  • Available in traditional designs
  • Wide reading areas with a smooth progression from the distance viewing area down to the reading area of the lens
• Premium tier
  • Available in both traditional and digital designs
  • Wider fields of vision in the distance and reading viewing areas versus stand progressive designs
• Ultra tier
  • Every design is digitally surfaced
  • Greater enhanced visual clarity
• Ultimate tier
  • Best in digital design and cutting edge technology
  • Widest viewing areas for both distance and reading, and every distance in-between

Anti-reflective coating, non-glare (ARC)

Anti-reflective coating (ARC) reflects light off the lens surface, providing wearers with a reduction in glare and eye fatigue. Anti-reflective coating is especially helpful when driving after dark and working on a computer. Anti-reflective coating is typically sold under a variety of brand names. Anti-reflective categories include:

• Standard tier
  • Reduces glare
  • Creates a better cosmetic appearance than ordinary lenses with no ARC treatment
• Premium tier
  • Reduces glare and reflections
  • Easier to clean, and more durable than standard ARC lenses
  • Provides comprehensive UV protection
• Ultra tier
  • Reduces glare and reflections
  • Easier to clean by having superior protection against smudges, oil, and water
  • Provides comprehensive UV protection
• Ultimate tier
  • Exceptional visual clarity and protection against glare and reflections
  • Repels dust and dirt for clearer vision and less cleaning
  • Provides comprehensive UV protection
  • With Crizal and Viso Prevencia, patients will also receive protection from harmful blue light