Tager Optical partners with Carl Zeiss, Varilux, Hoya, Crizal and Transitions Lens Technology.
At Tager Optical, our philosophy is to offer the latest advancements in ophthalmic lens technology. We believe that the lenses are the most important component of your eyewear.
You can trust that we will never recommend anything that you do not need and prefer to advise you on all the options available and advise you with your choices.
We are knowledgeable with the optical manufacturing process and will suggest lens materials based on your individual prescription for optimal vision and cosmetics.
Lens Designs Explained
Anti-reflective Treatments
Anti-reflective treatments (anti-glare) enhance your vision by helping light refract more accurately through the lens substrate resulting in clearer vision. All the lenses in your eye doctor’s phoropter (this is the 1 or 2, 3 or 4 part of the exam) have anti-reflective treatments so it is not just a cosmetic “add-on”, it is genuinely recommended to help you see better.
Transitions/Photochromic Lenses
Transitions Lens technology is far more advanced than what your parents or grandparents used to wear. Transitions are on the 8th generation and perform far better than ever before. Standard Transitions are virtually clear indoors and activate/deactivate with in 2-3 minutes. Transitions also come in an Extractive version which will also activate in your vehicle depending on degree of window tint and they get extra dark with full ambient light/UV exposure. Additionally, there are Transitions Style Colors and Transitions Style Mirrors.
Polarized Lenses
Polarized sun lenses have a built-in filter that creates vertical openings for light. This means that only light rays that approach your eyes vertically can fit through those openings. The lenses will block out all the horizontal light waves bouncing off a smooth pond or a shiny car hood or bumper for instance. Another benefit is the fixed color in the lens will not alter or fade like a dyed/tinted sun lens over time.
Progressive Lens Designs
Progressive Lens designs are probably the most mis-understood in our industry and are often referred to by patients as “transitions lenses”. Progressive lens technology has had extreme advancements over the past decade. There are so many to choose from that it can be over whelming and confusing. We are happy explain some of the differences and why we recommend certain progressives based on your prescription and lifestyle/vision needs.
Near Variable/Computer Lenses
Computer lens designs are the newest “hybrid” to our optical industry. Like progressive lens designs, they have no line but are designed to deliver 2 fields of vision for computer and near viewing. They offer a wider field of vision than progressive lenses and are ideal for patients that use multiple monitors and also need to view documents in front of them. This lens design will not correct for distance viewing and is recommended as an additional pair to progressives.
Flat Top Bifocals and Trifocal Lenses
Flat top bifocal and trifocal lenses are still available in various materials but in a more limited supply than progressive lenses due to less demand. The increase in computer use has reduced the demand for bifocals because they do not correct for intermediate viewing. Trifocal lenses include intermediate correction however the average wearer is not typically using a computer for extended periods of time.
Lens Materials Explained
Crown Glass Lenses
Glass lenses were the first and only material used for prescription eyewear. It is It is an excellent material for refracting light with virtually no refractive error. The downside is that it is thick, heavy and is fragile which is why there are no warranties on this material. It is available with limited supply and lab manufacturing time can be extensive.
CR39 Plastic Lenses
CR39 Plastic lenses were the next material developed for prescription eyewear. It is thinner and lighter than glass and an excellent material for refracting light. It is not ideal for prescriptions higher than +/- 2.00 diopters due to weight and thickness.
HI Index Lenses
HI Index lens materials are ideal for higher prescriptions (especially high astigmatic correction) as they are the thinnest lenses available with excellent refractive properties. It is recommended to pair them with Anti-reflective treatments for overall enhanced vision.
Trivex Lenses
Trivex Lenses are the newest material available for prescription eyewear. It is thin, light, impact resistant and includes UV protection. It is ideal for rimless and semi rimless frame designs as it is guaranteed to never split, chip or crack. It tends to be thick and cosmetically unappealing in prescriptions over +/- 3.00 diopters.
Polycarbonate Lenses
Polycarbonate lenses are thinner and lighter than CR39 plastic as well as impact resistant. It is primarily used in safety and sport eyewear, and includes UV protection. Polycarbonate is not an ideal material for rimless or semi-rimless frame designs as it can split or crack at certain pressure points.