Lens Materials

Polycarbonate Lenses
Polycarbonate lenses are the lightest and most durable and impact-resistant lenses available today. They are as close possible to shatterproof lenses. They are 10 times stronger, 30% lighter and up to 50% thinner than plastic lenses. Not surprisingly, this is the lens of choice for young people and active patients. And, because of their unique strength, polycarbonate lenses can be made with ultra-thin edges.
 
High Index Lenses
High index lenses are wonderful alternatives for people with strong prescriptions. Modern technology has created lenses that bend light differently, so stronger corrections can be made of thinner, more attractive materials. These lenses significantly reduce the weight and thickness of plastic lenses.
 
Plastic Lenses
Plastic or hard-resin lenses are lighter and more durable than glass lenses. They are the most commonly prescribed lenses on the market today and are available for every prescription.
 
Glass Lenses
Glass lenses were the original prescription lenses. They are heavier than plastic, and are used very rarely today. There is no real benefit to glass over plastic. While they are difficult to scratch, they are much heavier than plastic lenses. Due to the safety issue of glass lenses, most doctors rarely prescribe them.

Lens Enhancements

Ultraviolet Protection/ UV Coating
If you are outdoors a great deal, in strong sunlight, or spend a lot of time in offices with fluorescent lighting, you risk exposure to harmful UV rays. Protection against these rays can be added to your lenses.
 

Tinted Lenses
Tinted lenses are most commonly used in prescription sunglasses, but fashion tints in a wide range of colors, and tints to protect light-sensitive eyes, are also popular. 

Photochromic Lenses                                                                              

Activated by UV rays, photochromic lenses quickly adjust to changing light reducing eye fatique, indoors and out. Available in gray and brown, these lenses block harmful UV and UVB rays. Convient, automatic protection in all light conditions. Because photochromic lenses are activated by UV rays they will not darken inside of a car. Prescription sunglasses or sunglass clips should be used for driving. 
 

Polarized Lenses                                                                                              
The most popular sun lens for it's light filtering ability that significantly reduces road glare and improves depth perception. Polarized lenses are available in brown, green and gray, and are popular with fishermen, boaters, drivers and golfers.
 

Scratch Resistance Protection
Lightweight hard-resin lenses can be more easily scratched than glass lenses. Special coatings have been developed to help protect lenses from normal scratching. When purchasing scratch protection make sure the coating is applied to both sides of the lens and comes with warranty.                                                       

Anti-Reflective (AR) Lenses
Anti-reflective coated lenses eliminate common glare discomfort. Glare from computer screens, from fluorescent lighting, from headlights driving at night -- all can cause stress and strain on your eyes. AR-coated lenses reduce the glare that causes eye fatigue and eliminate the white light effect on your lenses. They also allow your eyes to focus faster during night driving. Horizon recommends Crizal Alize AR Coating for all our patients.