Get the 411 on Aspheric Eyeglass Lenses
Many people who wear eyeglasses remember the days of big, bulky, cola-bottle lenses that were not only unattractive, they were heavy and uncomfortable to wear. With new technology, thinner lenses are being created and they're not only more appealing, they are lighter and more comfortable to wear. A newer type of lens gives thin lenses a far more attractive look. Aspheric lenses completely changed the way people wear glasses. Traditional lenses have a spherical surface - like a baseball - so it has the same curve going across the entire surface of the lens. Aspheric lenses, on the other hand, gradually changes in curvature from lens center to the outer edges - giving the lens a more attractive profile.
Most of the aspheric lenses are also high-index lenses and the combination of the aspheric design with the high index lens materials creates a much slimmer, thinner, and lighter lens. Generally, the higher the prescription to correct farsightedness, the more the center of the lens bulges out. Aspheric lenses allow for less bulging because they can be created with flatter curves. This allows someone who has a high prescription to choose from a wider selection of frames without worrying that the lenses will look too thick or have that cola-bottle effect. The slimming effect in eyeglasses that correct myopia is less dramatic because this type of lens is concave, so it has the opposite shape. Yet, aspheric lenses provide a noticeable reduction in the thickness at the edge of the frame when compared with traditional lenses created for myopia correction.
Aspheric lenses are also known for their superior optics. Traditional lenses allow for a slight distortion when you look away from the center of the lens in any direction. Aspheric lenses reduce and often times eliminate the distortions giving you a wider field of view and better peripheral vision. Since aspheric lenses have flatter curves, they fit closer to your face - which benefits anyone with a strong prescription for correction. They can also reduce the magnification that happens with traditional lenses that correct farsightedness. The magnification of the lens can also distort your vision and make objects appear larger and closer than they really are.
Purchasing aspheric eyeglass lenses is just as easy as purchasing any other kind pair of prescription eyeglasses. They're available for correction of farsightedness, astigmatism, nearsightedness, and presbyopia. You can find aspheric lenses in regular CR-39 plastic and glass but they work best when combined with high-index materials. You will get a thinner, lighter result with aspheric lenses. Frame selection is important - you don't want an over-sized frame because it may throw off the curvature of the lens. Your optician can help you select the best type of frame for aspheric lenses. Typically, smaller frames with mid-sized lenses will work best with aspheric lenses but you may want to steer clear of the very popular retro-looking frames that have very large lenses. You may also want to choose an anti-reflective coating for the lens to ward off any glare that may occur from the lens curvature.
Most of the aspheric lenses are also high-index lenses and the combination of the aspheric design with the high index lens materials creates a much slimmer, thinner, and lighter lens. Generally, the higher the prescription to correct farsightedness, the more the center of the lens bulges out. Aspheric lenses allow for less bulging because they can be created with flatter curves. This allows someone who has a high prescription to choose from a wider selection of frames without worrying that the lenses will look too thick or have that cola-bottle effect. The slimming effect in eyeglasses that correct myopia is less dramatic because this type of lens is concave, so it has the opposite shape. Yet, aspheric lenses provide a noticeable reduction in the thickness at the edge of the frame when compared with traditional lenses created for myopia correction.
Aspheric lenses are also known for their superior optics. Traditional lenses allow for a slight distortion when you look away from the center of the lens in any direction. Aspheric lenses reduce and often times eliminate the distortions giving you a wider field of view and better peripheral vision. Since aspheric lenses have flatter curves, they fit closer to your face - which benefits anyone with a strong prescription for correction. They can also reduce the magnification that happens with traditional lenses that correct farsightedness. The magnification of the lens can also distort your vision and make objects appear larger and closer than they really are.
Purchasing aspheric eyeglass lenses is just as easy as purchasing any other kind pair of prescription eyeglasses. They're available for correction of farsightedness, astigmatism, nearsightedness, and presbyopia. You can find aspheric lenses in regular CR-39 plastic and glass but they work best when combined with high-index materials. You will get a thinner, lighter result with aspheric lenses. Frame selection is important - you don't want an over-sized frame because it may throw off the curvature of the lens. Your optician can help you select the best type of frame for aspheric lenses. Typically, smaller frames with mid-sized lenses will work best with aspheric lenses but you may want to steer clear of the very popular retro-looking frames that have very large lenses. You may also want to choose an anti-reflective coating for the lens to ward off any glare that may occur from the lens curvature.
