Lens Menu Bifocal Multifocal Sungalsses - RI Eye Institute New England

This quick and easy “menu” can help you and your eye care professional select the lenses that are best for your lifestyle.

Trying On Glasses

Single Vision—an all-purpose lens available in all materials, for either distance or near vision correction.
Bifocals and Multifocals—recommended when both distance and near vision correction are needed.
No-Line Progressives and Trifocals—correct for near, far, or intermediate vision. Progressives have no visible lines on the lens, whereas trifocals have visible lines.
Thinner, flatter lenses—recommended when a prescription is either “high-minus,” meaning the lenses are thicker at the outer edges, or “high-plus,” when lenses are thicker in the middle. These lenses enhance appearance and are lighter weight.
Specialty lenses—provide additional design features for occupational or recreational use, including industrial lenses, computer lenses, and sports lenses.
Computer lenses—variable focus lenses that correct vision for people who use a computer more than two hours a day, and help prevent repetitive use injury and eyestrain. The Rhode Island Eye Institute offers PRIO, a new technology for testing and prescribing lenses for patients with symptoms of eyestrain due to computer use.
Sun lenses—polarized, tinted, or mirrored lenses are available to provide ultraviolet (UV) protection.
Photochromic lenses—these lenses darken and lighten according to the amount of light exposure.

UV protection—special lens coating that shields and protects your eyes from harmful ultraviolet rays.
Scratch-resistance—help protect lenses from everyday wear and tear.
Anti-reflective—help reduce eye fatigue in all situations, particularly while viewing a computer screen and driving at night.
Plastic—lightweight and versatile lens.
High-index—a thinner, lighter lens recommended for people with strong prescriptions.
High Impact Resistant—recommended for children, teens, and active adults. Used in many types of specialty lenses for occupational safety.
Glass—offers superior optics and the best scratch resistance, but can be heavier and less safe than other lens materials.

Lens Menu