Lenses and Frames

Eyeglasses

In investing in your next pair of glasses, you have three components to consider: the eyeglass frame, the lenses that fit into the frame, and the lens treatments that either coat the lenses or are embedded in the lenses. Getting the right combination of these three components makes the difference between frustration and effortless vision, between  headaches and comfort, and between replacing your glasses every year and having glasses that last for years. Therefore, it is important to consult your optometrist and optician to discuss your eyewear needs, determine your options, and weigh quality and cost.

The knowledgeable staff at Iron Horse Optometric Group will help guide you through your specific visual needs and consider long-term wearing comfort, style, features and function when suggesting a new pair of eyeglasses. The eyeglasses become as unique as the person taking them home.

Eyeglass Lenses

Selecting the right eyeglass lens depends largely on its intended function. From single-vision lenses to progressive multifocal lenses, we are happy to help you find the lens designs that best suit your needs. A nurse who stands at a computer workstation and checks tiny medicine labels uses her eyes very differently than a receptionist who sits at his computer monitor and greets people across the room. The doctors and opticians at Iron Horse Optometric Group are experts at occupation-specific lens designs. Regardless of your situation, your eye care provider can help determine what types of lenses will work best for you in terms of comfort, function and design.

Frame Styles

When choosing a frame, the shape and size of the frame should enhance the color of your eyes, complement your skin tone and play up the best features of your face shape. The durability of the frame’s materials and workmanship of its construction should be appropriate to its intended environment. We strive to carry a wide variety of glasses frames to suit most needs at any budget.

Most people need more than one pair of glasses, such as one for everyday wear and another for outdoor activities. Not unlike shoes, it is useful to have different style frames for different activities and occasions. You wouldn’t wear dress shoes on a hike.

Sunglasses

With the wide variety of lens options available, you can customize your “sunnies” to meet your visual, protection, performance and comfort needs. Sunglasses protect your eyes from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which is present even on cloudy days. Quality sunwear provides 100 percent UV protection and can significantly reduce the risk of vision problems caused by sunlight such as cataracts and retinal damage.

Sunglasses are equally useful for protecting your precious eyeballs from the elements, like dusty and windy environments, that can lead to chronic irritation. What is appropriate for running or cycling is quite different than what is appropriate for fishing or skiing.

Glare, an issue that makes it difficult to see objects clearly by washing out colors and details, can be combated by polarized lenses. Looking at a scene with polarized lenses, you’ll notice the colors are deeper, richer and bolder, and details are clearer and more distinct. Polarized lenses also help reduce squinting, which, in turn, reduces eye fatigue, tension and eyestrain.

Anti-Reflective Lenses

Wearers of prescription glasses and sunglasses commonly encounter annoying glare and reflections caused by light bouncing off their lenses. This glare makes it more difficult to see, especially at night. Anti-reflective lenses reduce these reflections allowing more light to pass through to your eyes.

All lens surfaces naturally reflect light and this reflection can prevent between seven to 14 percent of the light needed for optimal vision. Wearing non-AR lenses is like trying to read a book in a dimly lit room. Since AR lenses allow more light to reach your eyes by reducing reflections, it’s like turning up the lights in a room, making it easier to see.