LENSES    Like many others, you may be under the impression that all spectacle lenses are more or less the same. The truth is there is a lot more to lenses than meets the eye, with many of the benefits that can be built into them not visible at a glance. Whilst your optometrist will evaluate your visual needs to determine what type of vision correction your lenses need to provide, there are numerous other decisions you can make to enhance their day to day functionality. Understanding the key features and benefits that can be built into your lenses will help you confidently discuss with your optometrist those which are most important to you.    What to consider when selecting your lenses    Features & Benefits Terminology Your Optometrist May Use What this means for you Thin, Light & Flat High index Materials, Aspheric Lens Design With the Latest lens materials and lens designs your lenses will be thinner, flatter, lighter and more attractive, enabling you to choose the latest frame styles and wear them with confidence. Additional safety Polycarbonate Impact resistant materials offer a high degree of Safety. These materials are particularly recommended for children and sporting applications. Reduce Surface Reflections Multi-Coating An anti-reflection coating will minims distracting reflections, improve your clarity of vision (particularly at night), and achieve a more attractive appearance. Easy to clean Multi-Coating Smudge-resistant technology available in some anti-reflection coatings means your glasses will look clearer for longer and be easier to clean. Scratch Resistance Hard Coating For improved durability opt for a scratch resistant coating on the front and back of your lenses. Comfortable vision in changing light Transitions Lenses or Photochromic Lenses Lenses change from clear indoors to as dark as sunglasses outdoors when harmful UV rays are present. Protection from Harmful UV Rays UV Protection Many lens materials and optional lens coatings guard against the sun's harmful UVA and UVB rays.    Lens Design   Single Vision Lenses are used to correct common visual defects such as myopia, hyperopia or astigmatism.    Reading Glasses can be used to correct presbyopia. They will correct near vision but objects at other distances will be blurred.    Bifocals offer far and near correction but the obvious line in the middle can affect vision and there is no intermediate region offered.                                      Progressive Lenses offer uninterrupted fields of natural vision from near to far for presbyopic patients.                                                         Use and Care of Your Spectacles Be sure to keep your lenses and frames clean. It is always a good idea to always use only an optical lens cleaning cloth for regular maintenance. Wash the lenses and frames as often as necessary, clean your lenses by dipping them into lukewarm soapy water and then rinse under running water. (Never attempt to use solvents or ammonia-based cleaners, to avoid damaging the lenses). To dry, gently pat them with a lens cloth. Keep your glasses in a spectacle case. This will protect it from knocks and scratches. Always use both hands when taking off glasses. This will stop any pressure being exerted onto the frame hinges, avoiding possible breakage. Have your Spectacles re-adjusted by our practice staff as required, particularly in the case of progressive lenses which require accurate fitting to optimise their performance. Your lenses will be exposed to a range of conditions that can cause wear and tear and ultimately affect their visual clarity. You will need to replace your lenses at regular intervals as your eyes will also undergo inevitable changes over time.