Single Vision Lenses What are they? Single vision lenses are just that; they help you with a single, particular vision correction need. When most people develop a "refractive error," they need glasses to help them see faraway objects clearly. They've become nearsighted , and single vision lenses compensate for this condition. Somewhat less common is farsightedness (called hyperopia), where you usually need help to see objects up close. Here, again, single vision lenses can help you to see clearly. Finally, if your distance vision is good but you need help reading up close, single-vision reading glasses can help. Bifocal Lenses Bifocal lenses help us to see objects both faraway and close-up. Traditional bifocals achieve this with two vision zones. The top part of the lens provides the distance refractive correction. That allows us to clearly see faraway objects. The bottom segment provides the near refractive correction, called the "add" powers. This segment helps to see objects up close. With conventional bifocals, the two segments, with two different "powers," are separated by a visible line. Sometimes the near segment is a small crescent shape inset into the larger distance lens. Do bifocals take getting used to? Bifocals represent a different way of seeing the world. That takes time, but most people can do it quite easily. A first-time wearer learns to look down at what they are reading. Trifocal Lenses Why would I need trifocals? You may not need them. Trifocals serve a special purpose for people with particular needs. They're made of three zones. The first is a distance zone, on top, for seeing far away. As with bifocals, there's a near zone, located on the bottom. With trifocals, there's a mid-range zone, for clearly seeing objects at mid range. Trifocal lenses are similar to bifocals, but provide a mid-range segment above the reading segment for arm's length or intermediate viewing. Progressive Addition Lenses What are they? And why are they called "progressives"? Progressive lenses (also called "no-line bifocals") offer a continuous, gradual change in prescription strength from the lower (reading correction) to the upper (distance correction) portion of the eyeglass lens, providing correction for all distances. Progressives lenses derive their name from the fact that they have progressively more "add" power from the top to the bottom of the lens. In a sense, progressives are bifocals or trifocals without the lines. Are progressives easier to get used to than bifocals? In many ways, yes. Progressive lens wearers have their own "adaptation period," which can last a week or two. During this time, you learn to locate the areas of the lens needed for different viewing distances. Progressive lens wearers find that this becomes "second nature." As newer progressives with high-tech designs are introduced and refined, this adaptation period grows ever shorter. Of course, adaptation differs for all individuals. What if I can't adapt? What makes the difference? Like so many things, expertise makes the difference. With scores of progressive lens designs, it takes a good eye-care professional to know which one works best for you. If the first lens you try is not working out, tell your optician right away. He or she can fit you in another design that works for you. Our policy is to ensures that your are satisfied with our service. Therefore if you are unable to get used to progressive lenses, we will give you two pairs spectacles from our extensive Everbrite range with single vision lenses at no extra charge. What about the fit? A good fit is important to your success. It is our policy that a qualified Opticians is directly involved in the dispensing of all lenses, to ensure that your new progressive lenses are resting in a position that yields the best possible vision. Like a good tailor, an optician will also recognise and adjust for any irregularities in your face. Commonly, eyes are located at slightly different horizontal and vertical distances from the nose, and an optician can adjust accordingly to maximize the performance and comfort of your new progressive lenses. Will I know if my progressive lenses don't fit right? You certainly should. If the lenses are set too high on your face, your vision may be blurred as you gaze straight ahead or to the side. Also, you may experience double vision, "ghosting" or eyestrain that can lead to headaches. What should I do? If after an adaptation period of one to two weeks, you're not happy with your new lenses, let us know about it. Success with progressives often requires several practice visits, and we will be happy to deal with any problem. Also, it pays to be straightforward. We only know about problems if you tell us about them. Are there different kinds of progressives? Indeed, there are a wide line of progressives lenses that let us offer you the best possible result. These include the SOLA XLGold that features an extra-wide intermediate and soft boundaries suitable for wearers who recently entered the presbyopic years. For current progressive or bifocal wearers with a pronounced near-vision need, there's SOLA VIPGold, that features an extra-wide near zone and wide clear distance. How can I keep all this straight? Depend on us......We are qualified and fitted our successful progressive lenses over 10 years ago Our policy is to be first at keeping up to date with all technological developments in eye-care, we are the first Irish based opticians to have a formalised continuing education policy for all opticians. If I wear bifocals now, am I a good candidate for progressives? You may well be, and your eye-care professional is best trained to evaluate that possibility. Countless numbers of bifocal wearers-who wore bifocals quite comfortably-have switched over to progressives. If you've worn traditional bifocals for many years, having an open mind and being motivated makes all the difference in success with progressives. In many ways, progressives are "easier" than bifocals, and you may need to "un-learn" certain motions that you make with bifocals-and "relax" into the comfort of progressives. Specialists Lenses for Computer Use and Other Special Needs I wear glasses for reading, but I'm having difficulty seeing my computer screen clearly. What can I do? Many people who need near-vision correction wear single vision lenses (lenses that have a single prescription throughout the entire lens) or traditional reading glasses. But these options do not provide clear vision for objects in the mid-range area-from two to ten feet away. This inability to focus clearly in the mid-range area not only interferes with work-related tasks, but with many leisure time activities as well. Whether you're a computer user, an artist or a musician, if you need to maintain clear, uninterrupted vision from reading distance up to ten feet, you can benefit from enhanced near-vision lenses. Access lenses by SOLA were designed specifically to enhance near vision. The no-line lenses provide generous near vision in the bottom of the lens, and clear mid-range vision in the top of the lens. Access is a good choice for: Single vision lens wearer who need additional clear, wide mid-range viewing for up to ten feet. Computer users who need wider vision from the reading area to the computer monitor. Bifocal or trifocal lens wearers who want wider, clearer mid-range vision. Contact lens wearers who need assistance with reading and mid-range. If you've been missing out on the clear close-up and mid-range vision you need, Access. Lens Options With all these lens options, how do I keep it all straight? Ask us..... If you express your vision and lifestyle needs, we can guide you to a variety of lens options and enhancements that are right for you!