Eyeglass Lenses – Belmont, MA
Choosing the Best Lenses For Your Needs
Walking into a display room of eyeglass frames and being given the rundown of all of the different lens options available to you can be an overwhelming experience. Choosing the best eyeglass lenses from our Belmont, MA optometrist is important, which is why we’re providing you with some advantages of each of the options that we have to offer. That way, you don’t feel like you have to make an on-the-spot decision when you come in for your comprehensive exam.
Why Choose EyeSmile Optometry & Dental Care
of Belmont for Eyeglass Lenses?
-
Ease Digital
Eye Strain - Several Convenient Lens Treatments
- Custom-Tailored Reading Glasses
Why is it Important to Choose the Right Eyeglass Lenses?
We offer a variety of eyeglass lenses that can benefit people with different needs and visual impairments. It’s important to consider what you do every day, and whether you have any eye conditions, such as nearsightedness, also known as myopia, or astigmatism. Based on these factors and what appeals to you, you can choose the best lenses for your needs.
Eyeglass Lens Materials
Depending on the strength of your prescription, it may be beneficial to choose a specific lens material. Here are three different lens options that we offer at EyeSmile Optometry & Dental Care of Belmont that provide some unique sets of advantages.
Plastic Lenses
Plastic lenses are made from a polymer called CR-39. This is our most cost-effective, lightweight, and comfortable lens option that is popular among patients. They’re highly break-resistant and provide great protection for your eyes in everyday situations.
Polycarbonate Lenses
Polycarbonate lenses are a relatively modern option that originated in the 1970s and were used for safety glasses. Today, they’re used for regular glasses because they’re made from a lightweight material called Trivex. They’re effective, durable, and have impact-resistant properties.
High-Index Plastic Lenses
If you have a higher prescription that causes your lenses to look thicker, high-index plastic lenses are a great choice because they’re thinner and lighter than CR-39 lenses. They’re a more appealing and versatile lens that looks sleek and won’t affect the types of frames you choose.
Eyeglass Lens Treatments
Once you decide on the type of material you’ll have your lenses made from, you can also choose lens treatments to suit your everyday needs. To make the best choice, it’s important to consider what you do in your daily life, such as how much time you’re spending at the computer and if you’re working on small, intricate objects that require a sharp close-up view.
Anti-Scratch Coating
This is a basic lens treatment that is great for everybody. Lightweight eyeglass lenses are softer and more prone to scratching. The anti-scratch coating can help you avoid annoying defects on your lenses if you accidentally drop them.
Anti-Reflective Coating
Whether you’re working on the computer for most of the day or night, or you regularly drive in the evening, getting anti-reflective treatment on your lenses is a great way to reduce contrast and provide you with clear vision. They’re also less likely to have glare spots in photos!
UV-Blocking Treatment
Over your lifetime, excessive exposure to UV light can lead to age-related ocular issues, such as macular degeneration and cataracts. UV-blocking lenses have absorptive properties that protect your eyes.
Photochromic Treatment
These lenses are commonly referred to as “transition lenses” because they automatically darken when exposed to UV and high-energy visible light rays. When you go back indoors, they transition back into regular, clear lenses.
The Cost of Eyeglass Lenses and Eyeglasses
The price tag of your lenses and frames depends on the materials and treatment you choose, as well as any insurance coverage that can be applied to the purchase. Throughout the shopping process, don’t hesitate to check-in with one of our friendly staff members to learn more about the cost of your frames and compare lens prices.
Selecting the Right Glasses for Your Face Shape
The best place to start while choosing eyeglasses that look great on you is to figure out what style looks best on your facial shape. It’s also a good idea to consider whether you need nose pads on your glasses to keep them from sliding off the bridge of your nose and what size frame best fits you.
How to Choose Frames for Your Face Shape
Benefits of Custom-Made Reading Glasses
Did you know that reading glasses can be customized just for you? This is a great option for patients who don’t have the exact same prescription in both eyes, who have astigmatism, or experience headaches and eye strain due to choosing a ready-made prescription pair of reading glasses from the pharmacy.
The Cost of Eyeglass Lenses and Eyeglasses
Not everyone ends up paying the same amount when it comes to eyeglasses. The cost can vary based on a few factors, which we will explain to you before you have to make any decisions. Don’t be afraid to talk to one of our staff members if there’s anything you don’t understand or if you need help comparing lens prices. We’re also here to explain your insurance benefits and how they can be used to reduce your out-of-pocket costs for your eyeglasses.
Factors for the Cost of Eyeglass Lenses and Eyeglass Frames
In the United States, the average cost of eyeglasses is around $200, but it could be much higher or much lower depending on the circumstances. Many different factors can change the amount you end up paying, such as:
- Retailer: Different stores sell eyeglasses, and the amount you pay can be influenced by which one you pick.
- Type and Style of Frame: Different brands offer different kinds of eyeglasses frames, and each comes with a different price.
- Lens Type: Eyeglass lenses fall into three categories: single vision, bifocal, and progression. The type you get has a major influence on the final cost.
- Prescription Strength: Prescription eyeglass lenses come in different strengths. The stronger the lens is, the more costly it’s likely to be.
- Lens Add-Ons: Eyeglass lenses can come with all kinds of different features, such as an anti-glare coating. Any add-ons you get will add to the cost.
When considering the factors above, it’s important to remember that the cheapest eyeglasses aren’t always the best eyeglasses. During your vision, we can go into more detail about your vision needs so that you have an idea of what needs to be prioritized when choosing new eyeglasses as well as what to expect cost-wise.
Does Your Vision Insurance Cover Eyeglasses?
Most vision plans cover new eyeglass lenses and frames. Usually, you need to have an eye exam performed first before your insurance agrees to pay for eyeglasses. This examination is also covered under your insurance. It should be noted, though, that there’s usually a maximum for how much your insurance will pay for vision expenses in a single year, meaning your plan might not cover the entire cost of eyeglasses. It’s best to confirm with your insurance company how much coverage is available under your current plan so that you have a number in mind when choosing frames and lens add-ons.
Other Options for Making Eyeglasses Affordable
You can use CareCredit financing at locations within the CareCredit network to break up the cost of eyeglasses into more manageable monthly installments. Uninsured patients can also sign up for our Direct2Wellness vision plan, which includes a 20% discount on new frames and lenses, as well as a 50% discount on your annual eye exam. We’ll make sure that you’re well aware of your financial options so that you can feel comfortable and confident when the time comes to pay for your new eyeglasses.
Eyeglasses & Frames FAQs
Although we’ve covered everything from the cost to the type of lens materials and treatments on this page, you may find that you still have a few questions on your mind. Good news: we can help you find the answers! For specific questions, we encourage you to give our team a call directly. If, on the other hand, you’d simply like to learn more on the topic of eyeglasses and frames, then read on for the answers to some FAQs.
How Often Should I Get New Eyeglasses?
That depends! If you’ve had changes in your vision, you want to change the shape of your frames, or something similar, then you should get new eyeglasses. During your annual eye exam, we will review factors like these as well as several others. That way, we can ensure your glasses are functional and fashionable.
Can My Prescription Be Used with Any Pair of Frames?
In short, there are some frames that are better for certain prescriptions. For example, bifocals and trifocals require bigger frames to provide the proper support. If you’re worried about the look of your glasses, don’t worry – we can help you find a pair that suits you perfectly. As a result, you won’t ever have to feel self-conscious about wearing yours!
How Can I Avoid Annoying Reflections On My Eyeglasses?
Do you experience annoying glares with your current glasses? Fortunately, there is a solution: anti-reflective coating (AR coating). This treatment helps reduce contrast while providing you with clear vision, which helps prevent glares. This coating even helps reduce glare in photos!
Do Sunglasses Really Help To Keep My Eyes Healthy?
It may sound like a myth, but there is actually truth to this statement! The sun’s UV rays are quite powerful. So much so that you have to wear SPF to avoid premature aging and skin cancer. Similarly, you should wear sunglasses to protect your eyes. There is even research that shows exposure to UV light can result in eye diseases like cataracts and macular degeneration. It’s also important to note that artificial light from sources like tanning lamps can also burn the surface of your eye, much like a sunburn.
Why Do Some Frames Irritate My Skin?
If you’ve experienced irritation from your frames in the past, it could be the result of the nickel in metal frames or the nose pad on them. Luckily, there are more hypoallergenic options, including titanium, gold, and silver. Of course, this is not a completely comprehensive list. If you’ve struggled with an allergic reaction in the past or irritation of any kind, don’t hesitate to let us know.
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