Types of Lenses

Single Vision Lenses – Single vision lenses are prescribed for short-sightedness, long-sightedness, mid-distance and reading. All ages can be affected by these common eye conditions, but can be corrected with these lenses and will help your vision in everyday activities such as driving, walking, computer use, reading, trips to the cinema etc.

Bifocal Lenses – Bifocal lenses are necessary when you have a prescription for reading and distance, therefore, rather than having two separate pairs of glasses, bifocals provide the convenience of distance and reading all in one. Unlike varifocals lenses, bifocals have a clear visible line through the middle to separate the distance and reading portions of the lens and have larger areas of vision than varifocals.

Varifocal Lenses – Varifocal lenses are for those who have separate prescriptions for reading and distance, and want the convenience of being able to have all within one pair of frames. The great things about varifocals are that they are cost effective, convenient and have no visible lines on the lens that show the separate prescriptions; distance, mid-distance, and reading. Here at Hollands, we specialise in varifocals using a highly reputable company called Essilor and provide basic and bespoke designs.

Transition Lenses – Transition lenses are where the lenses go darker to protect the eyes from UVA and UVB, which damages the cornea and retina of the eyes. Recently, transition lenses have introduced a new product which goes from extremely light to very dark and react to 50% darkness inside a car which makes them very useful for driving.

High Index Lens – High index lenses are where any type of lens (varifocals, single vision etc) can be made thinner & lighter via the index of the material. The higher the refractive index the thinner the lens.

Coatings

Hard coating – This is a thin layer of coating on the lens that is scratch- resistant, but not completely scratch-proof.

Multi coated lens – This coating is designed to reduce glare and reflection, and are more resistant to scratches. They are very robust and are available with a 2-year guarantee against scratches. They operate like a shop window where you can see directly through the glass without any lighting halos interfering with your vision.

Two of the main companies we use for most of our lenses and coatings are Essilor & Hoya whose products we have found to be of a great high quality and design. Essilor and Hoya always aim to improve and innovate their products, which is how we always improve and perfect our patients´ vision by giving them the best products on the market.