Why are lenses so expensive? They’re just bits of plastic, aren’t they?
These are questions we are often asked. The simple answer is no, lenses are not all the same. In this blog we will try our best to explain the difference between the many different types of lenses.Different types of lenses: Digital, HD, and stock.
Have you ever wondered how your spectacle lenses are made? Advanced technologies can be used to make lenses in two main ways.- Pre-manufactured Lenses
- Custom Manufactured Lenses
Pre-manufactured Lenses
These types of lenses also commonly known as “Stock” lenses are manufactured to a standard prescription and all lenses made to that prescription in that way are exactly the same. Once manufactured the lenses are polished. These lenses are pre-manufactured with a certain base curve, prescription and blank size. Lenses can then be coated with anti-glare, anti-scratch or both, and packaged for glazing into a frame. Once the lens is finished, optical or optometry retailers will offer these lenses for customers based on their visual needs.Custom Manufactured Lenses
A surfaced lens is created by taking a blank piece of plastic (without any prescription) and grinding the prescription into the plastic. These lenses are custom made and are manufactured with a custom base curve, prescription and blank size. Digital lenses utilise state-of-the-art technology to enhance quality and performance. In our digital lenses, we use camber technology to create a single vision lens that delivers superior clarity and performance. With 1/100th diopter precision, this technology allows for ultra-clear vision with minimal edge distortion. Free form lenses provide the absolute best optical quality of any digital lens. A revolutionary digital manufacturing process, Free Form uses computer-aided design and surfacing to produce high-quality, customised lenses providing the viewer with an unsurpassed visual experience.Just like a HD TV
Remember the first time you saw high-definition television. Do you recall how your old analog TV picture seemed pixelated and blurry? With high-definition, you can see more detail and colours appear brighter, shapes are sharper, and everything is in sharp focus. Just imagine how your glasses would feel in that situation. With your current lenses, you can probably see fine, much like watching analogue TV was fine, but what if you could see in high-definition? Try our free form digital lenses if you are looking for a better clarity of vision. Just imagine how your HD TV screen will look then! Pre-manufactured Lenses Benefits:- Ideal for single vision prescriptions (SPH: +3.75 to -6.00 & CYL: 0.00 to -2.00)
- Turnaround times that are faster (convenience)
- The least expensive (affordable)
- Size restrictions for prescriptions and blanks
- A lens with average optical quality due to internal stress
- After manufacturing, different parts of the lens harden at different rates, resulting in minor vision distortions. Especially noticeable for certain prescriptions and eye sensitivity.
- Measures OC/seg height, pantoscopic tilt, wrap angle, and back vertex distance aren’t taken into account
Custom Manufactured Lenses
Benefits:- With this method, we can create almost any prescription (high SPH, CYL, ADD, Prism, etc.)
- Have a better optical quality, since they are not subject to internal stress
- Custom prescriptions with base curves and OC/seg heights
- Adaptable to any frame shape with wrap for less distortion (any size blank can be made)
- Custom lenses cost more, but they are well worth the extra cost due to improved visual performance
Free Form HD Lenses
Advantages:- Night and low light vision is exceptional with free-form lenses. Some sources of light at night, like headlights, can cause glare and halo effects.
- Exceptional contrast perception: Freeform lenses enhance vision
- Exceptional colour vision: By optimizing the optics inside your lenses, you’re able to enjoy brighter, more intense colors
- With this method, we can create almost any prescription (high SPH, CYL, ADD, Prism, etc.)
- The optical quality of these lenses is better than stock ones because they are not stressed internally
- Custom prescriptions with base curves and OC/seg heights
- Prescriptions based on eyewear measurements, like pantoscopic tilt, wrapping, and back vertex distance
- Adaptable to any frame shape with wrap for less distortion (any size blank can be made)
- There is an additional cost for these high definition lenses because they were custom made, but it is definitely worth it
