Eyewear Glossary & Lens Guide

The supplementary magnifying power added to the bottom part of multifocal lenses to assist with close-up tasks like reading.

A specialized treatment that eliminates distracting reflections from your lenses, improving both your vision and the clarity of your eyes for others.

A common vision condition where the eye isn't perfectly round, causing light to focus unevenly and resulting in blurred vision at various distances.

Measured in degrees (1 to 180), this number describes the orientation of the cylinder power in a lens to properly correct astigmatism.

Lenses divided into two distinct segments: the top for distance viewing and a visible lower portion for reading.

Lens technology designed to dampen the high-energy blue-violet light emitted by digital screens and the sun, helping to reduce eye fatigue.

Durable, high-tech frames crafted from woven carbon strands. They are incredibly light and hold their shape exceptionally well under pressure.

Advanced color-enhancing lens technology that increases contrast and vibrance, making colors "pop" while providing superior visual clarity in bright outdoor conditions.

Lenses specifically optimized for mid-range vision (roughly an arm’s length) to help reduce digital eye fatigue from monitor use.

A hidden metal skeleton inside plastic arms that allows an optician to bend and adjust the glasses for a custom, secure fit.

The amount of lens power required to correct astigmatism. This indicates that the lens is shaped to correct an irregular corneal curve.

A high-definition multifocal lens that provides a smooth, seamless transition between distance, intermediate, and near vision. Because they are digitally surfaced, they offer a wider field of view and less peripheral "sway" than traditional progressives.

Unlike traditional lenses, these are crafted using computer-guided surfacing. This technology tailors the lens to your specific prescription across every millimeter of the surface, drastically reducing distortion at the edges and providing sharper "HD" clarity.

The standard unit used to measure the refractive power of a lens. Higher numbers indicate a stronger prescription requirement.

A unique identification code found inside the temple arm, listing the model name, color, and size dimensions of the frame.

Specialized lenses featuring high-contrast tints and blue-light filters to enhance screen clarity and comfort during long gaming sessions.

A premium lens material designed to be thinner and lighter than standard plastic. They are highly recommended for stronger prescriptions (-4.00 or higher) to avoid the "coke-bottle" look.

The hardware components that connect the frame front to the temples, allowing the arms to fold inward and outward.

A specialized coating that acts as a water repellent. It causes rain or sweat to bead up and roll off the lens, making them much easier to clean.

Commonly referred to as farsightedness; a condition where distant objects are clear, but nearby items appear out of focus.

A form of health coverage that typically helps reduce the out-of-pocket costs for eye exams and prescription eyewear.

The "middle distance" of your sight, typically about an arm’s length away. This is the zone used for viewing computer screens or a car's dashboard.

Frames designed for those with higher cheekbones or a flatter nose bridge. These feature modified angles to prevent the glasses from sliding or resting on the cheeks.

A non-reflective frame finish. It offers a modern, understated look and is excellent at hiding fingerprints compared to glossy finishes.

Commonly known as nearsightedness; a condition where objects up close are clear, but distant objects appear blurry.

Lenses designed with specialized coatings to minimize the "halo" effect and glare from oncoming headlights and streetlamps after dark.

The part of the eyeglass frame that arches over the nose, supporting most of the weight of the glasses.

Small pieces, typically made of silicone or plastic, that rest on the bridge of the nose to provide comfort and prevent slipping.

A medical doctor (MD) specializing in eye care, licensed to perform surgery and treat complex medical eye conditions.

A technical expert who fits and dispenses corrective lenses. They ensure your chosen frames are adjusted perfectly to your facial features.

A healthcare professional (OD) who provides primary vision care, including eye examinations and the diagnosis of common vision changes.

Intelligent lenses that shift from clear to dark tint automatically when exposed to sunlight (UV rays).

Lenses that block horizontal light waves to virtually eliminate glare from surfaces like water, snow, and roads.

A highly durable, impact-resistant lens material. Because it is virtually shatterproof, it is the standard choice for sports eyewear, safety glasses, and children's lenses.

The natural, age-related loss of the eye's ability to focus on close objects, usually becoming noticeable after age 40.

Prescription lenses used to correct eye alignment issues (like double vision) by shifting the light before it reaches the eye.

Multifocal lenses that provide a seamless transition between distance, intermediate, and near vision without visible lines.

The millimeter measurement between your pupils, ensuring the lens center aligns exactly with your line of sight.

Simple magnifying lenses used to assist the eyes in focusing on small print or close-up manual tasks.

The vertical distance from the bottom of the lens to the beginning of the "add power" section in multifocal or progressive lenses.

Lenses with one consistent prescription throughout, used to correct one field of vision (either distance or reading).

The primary lens power on your prescription, measured in diopters, that corrects for nearsightedness or farsightedness.

The long arms of the frame that extend back over the ears to hold the glasses securely in place.

A premium metal choice that is hypoallergenic, rust-proof, and incredibly lightweight for all-day comfort.

A popular brand of photochromic lenses that darken in the sun and turn clear again when you step back indoors.

A protective coating or lens material that blocks harmful ultraviolet radiation from reaching and damaging your eyes.

The clinical measurement of your vision's sharpness, typically recorded during an eye exam using a standard chart.