Spectacle Lens Technology Explored – The Latest Innovations For Your Vision

Glasses have been around for hundreds of years, helping millions of people function better in society. Over this time, spectacle lens technology has drastically advanced making spectacle wearing a more pleasurable experience for many. So what is the latest spectacle lens technology and why do you need to know about it?

Most people leave their annual eye exam without understanding the mechanics behind their change in lenses or their increase in prescription. Here at Eyes By Design, it is important for us to take the time to explain to our patients how better spectacle lens technology enhances the effectiveness of their prescription.

HOW HAS SPECTACLE LENS TECHNOLOGY EVOLVED OVER THE PAST TWO DECADES?

We’ve been in business for 25 years at Eyes By Design and have been witness to many shifts with spectacle lens technology. There are four main aspects of spectacle lens technology that have changed over time. These are – lens design, manufacturing, materials and coatings. 

Lens design 

Once upon a time, as an optometrist, we could only prescribe single vision lenses which have one optical prescription correction. Single vision lenses distribute focus evenly over the entire surface area of the lens.

Fast forward to today, we can now offer variable focus lenses such as bifocal, progessive addition or multifocal, and progressive near lenses. These types of lenses allow for multiple prescriptions within one pair of glasses, allowing the wearer to do close-up work (reading a book), middle-distance work (looking at a computer screen), or distance viewing (driving). 

In addition to lens prescription technology, the design of lens surfacing has also advanced significantly over the years. For example, aspheric lenses have less curvature than their traditional counterpart, which reduces peripheral distortion without compromising optical quality. 

Lens manufacture

Electronic ordering and booking systems have advanced everything with the click of a button over the past two decades. Think Uber Eats, Airbnb, Amazon Prime etc. It was expected that this technology advancement would transfer over to the optometry industry as well. 

Electronic ordering of glasses enables us to order lenses with greater accuracy, because there is a significant reduction of information handling which therefore reduces human error. In addition, with the refinement of lens manufacturing, we are able to provide much faster delivery times for our clients. 

Lens materials

Some of the first frame designs to ever be produced were made with wood or leather and while we can assume these must have done the job, they can’t have been the most comfortable to wear. 

When it comes to materials for spectacle lens technology, there are now a huge range of thinner and lighter lens materials, which not only make the glasses look better but also make them a lot easier to wear. 

Most of the lens materials on the market today are made from resin materials which provide clear optics. They are durable and provide chemical resistance, perfect for those who are rough on their glasses or work in tough environments. This has developed a lot from the days where we mainly used glass lenses and plastic materials which had poorer optical quality and would yellow with age.

Lens coatings

When most people think of spectacle lens technology, their minds go straight to lens coatings. With the increased use of screen time in today’s society, the term ‘blue light blocking’ has been thrown around a lot in the media. However, blue light lens coatings are just one type of coating that can be added to spectacles. 

Photochromatic lenses have been around since the 1960’s – they are lenses that transition from a clear state when indoors, to a dark lens when exposed to bright light, most commonly ultraviolet light from the sun. With the latest in spectacle lens technology, photochromatic lenses continue to improve – most lenses on the market now darken and lighten incredibly quickly. 

Anti-reflective lens coatings are another popular piece of spectacle lens technology in today’s day and age, especially in an office environment with harsh LED lights. Without an anti-reflective coating, reflections from artificial light sources such as computer screens and fluorescent lights cause distracting glare, making it harder to see. Technology continues to advance in this space – making the coatings more durable and easier to clean. 

With increased use of screen time among children and adults, blue light blocking coatings have been developed in an effort to reduce the negative effects blue light has on vision and sleeping patterns. New spectacle lens technology has allowed for blue light blocking to be added to lenses as a stand alone feature or incorporated into an antireflective coating. 

Lastly, antibacterial coatings are now available which have been a sought after feature for those who are very health conscious or work closely with other people.

HOW DOES EYES BY DESIGN STAY UP TO DATE WITH NEW GLASSES LENS TECHNOLOGY?

Our team subscribes to a number of industry journals that allow us to receive regular optical industry updates. In addition we also ensure we stay well connected with our suppliers, and we often attend events as well. 

We are always excited when our partners in spectacle lens technology come to us with new and innovative developments. It is amazing how far we have come in the 25 years we have been in business and we are interested to see what lies ahead now that we have artificial intelligence and other progressive technologies in our sights.  

OUR FAVOURITE LENS TECHNOLOGY INNOVATION

It’s hard to pick just one, especially with how much has changed in spectacle lens technology even in the last decade. If we looked at what has benefited our patients the most, it would probably have to be the latest in progressive lenses. 

The new lens technology for progressive lenses gives a much wider vision across all visual zones, providing a less distorted view for our clients. This spectacle lens technology enables people to fully embrace life with optimal vision. 

TECHNOLOGY IS ALWAYS EVOLVING – WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW WHEN IT COMES TO CHOOSING YOUR OPTOMETRIST

So how can you make sure your optometrist is keeping up to date with the latest in spectacle lens technology? Below is a list of what you should look out for to ensure you’re getting the best optical care. 

1. The practice is up to date with both equipment and lens technology.
2. The practice should share the importance of eye care willingly with the public – their website and social media will be a good depiction of this.
3. You should be able to book appointments online and easily contact the practice via email, or message. 
4. The Optometrist takes the time to explain their findings in a way you can understand – the rest of the team will be friendly and caring too. 
5. Recommendations from the Optometrist should address your concerns, and the benefits of the optical solution should enhance your life.

WHY IS EYES BY DESIGN PASSIONATE ABOUT NEW SPECTACLE LENS TECHNOLOGY?

Just like with any discipline, if you’re passionate about it and an advancement in technology comes along, of course you’re going to get excited! That’s how we feel about new spectacle lens technology.

Here at Eyes By Design, it is our mission and purpose to ensure that your vision is not limited by your abilities. So when new technology comes along that enables us to offer a better eyewear experience for our clients, we’re ecstatic because that means we’re able to do our job more effectively. 

Over 80% of the information you receive from the world is through your vision. And the quality of the decisions you make are based on the quality of the information that you absorb. 

If you’re wanting to book in with Eyes By Design, a practice that is dedicated to providing the best quality optical care, then you can do so here. 

By Dr Nick Altuneg