Lens Options
Lens options can improve comfort, appearance, durability, and how your glasses perform in different situations.
Once the right lens design has been chosen, there are additional options that may make your glasses more comfortable, practical, or suitable for your lifestyle.
We will explain which options are useful for your prescription and visual needs, and which ones may not be necessary.
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Common lens options
- Anti-reflection coatings
- Scratch-resistant coatings
- Photochromic lenses
- Polarised sunglass lenses
- Tinted lenses
- Thinner lens materials
- UV protection
- Blue light / screen-use options where appropriate
Choosing options that suit how you use your glasses
Not every option is needed for every pair. The right choice depends on whether your glasses are for everyday use, driving, reading, computer work, outdoors, or a specific task.
Everyday glasses
Anti-reflection and scratch-resistant coatings are often useful for glasses worn every day.
Outdoor use
Tints, polarised lenses, and photochromic lenses may be useful for bright light, driving, fishing, boating, or outdoor work.
Higher prescriptions
Thinner lens materials and careful frame choice can help reduce lens thickness, weight, and edge appearance.
We will explain the practical difference
Some lens options make a noticeable difference for many people. Others are more situation-specific. We will talk through the advantages and limits so you can make an informed choice.
Anti-reflection coatings
Anti-reflection coatings, also called AR coatings, reduce reflections from the lens surfaces.
Reduced reflections
AR coatings reduce distracting reflections from the front and back of the lenses, which can improve lens appearance and comfort.
Useful for night driving
Reducing reflections may help many people feel more comfortable with glare from headlights and bright lights at night.
Better appearance
Lenses with good AR coatings usually look clearer, allowing your eyes to be seen more easily through the lenses.
Diamond Plus replacement lens offer
When you choose Diamond Plus anti-reflection coating, you receive access to our 70% off replacement lens offer for the first two years.
This can provide extra peace of mind if your lenses become scratched, damaged, or worn during normal use. Conditions apply.
Photochromic lenses
Photochromic lenses darken in response to UV light and fade back toward clear indoors.
Convenient everyday option
Photochromic lenses can be useful if you move between indoors and outdoors during the day and want one pair that adapts to changing light.
UV activated
They darken when exposed to ultraviolet light. They can still darken on cloudy days because UV can pass through clouds.
Car performance varies
Some photochromic lenses do not darken as much inside a car because many windscreens block UV. Specific driving/photochromic options may be available.
Polarised lenses
Polarised sunglass lenses are designed to reduce reflected glare from surfaces such as roads, water, and wet or shiny surfaces.
Reduced reflected glare
Polarised lenses can be especially helpful around water, on bright roads, while driving, fishing, boating, or spending time outdoors.
Comfort in bright light
By reducing reflected glare, polarised lenses may make bright outdoor conditions more comfortable for many people.
Screen visibility can vary
Polarised lenses can make some LCD or LED screens harder to see, including some car dashboards, phones, petrol pumps, or digital displays.
Thinner lenses
Thinner lens materials can be useful for stronger prescriptions, but the frame choice matters as well.
Reducing thickness and weight
Higher index materials may reduce lens thickness and weight compared with standard materials, depending on the prescription and frame.
Frame choice still matters
Smaller, well-centred frames often help reduce thickness more than a very large frame. We can help balance lens appearance with frame style.
Other useful options
Some lens options are chosen for comfort, protection, appearance, or specific tasks.
Tints
Tinted lenses can be useful for sunglasses, light sensitivity, comfort, or cosmetic preference. The right tint depends on how the glasses will be used.
UV protection
UV protection is important for sunglasses and outdoor use. We can explain which lens materials and options provide UV protection.
Screen-use options
Some people ask about blue-light or screen-use options. We will explain the practical benefits and limits so you can decide whether they are worthwhile for you.
Do I need every option?
No. The best choice is not always the most options. We will recommend options that make sense for your glasses, prescription, and lifestyle.
Can options be added later?
Usually not. Most coatings and lens options need to be ordered as part of the lens manufacturing process, so it is best to choose them before the lenses are made.
What is best for driving?
It depends on when you drive. AR coatings may help with reflections at night, while polarised or tinted lenses may be useful for bright daytime driving.
What is best for outdoor work?
For outdoor work, options such as tint, polarisation, photochromic lenses, UV protection, and durable coatings may be worth discussing.
Need help choosing lens options?
You can book online, phone us, or call in and see us at Waipapa Eyecare.
For urgent eye problems, sudden vision changes, flashes, floaters, eye pain, or injury, please phone us rather than using online booking.