Out and About -July-issue-

14 | OUT AND ABOUT COSTA BLANCA
DR. M. ISABEL SIGNES-SOLER
It is another way of saying “prescription
sunglasses”. Rx sunglasses combine the sharp
vision of prescription eyeglasses with the total
protection of sunglasses. Before you can order
prescription sunglasses, you’ll need an up-to-date
vision prescription. An eye doctor can provide you
with one as part of a comprehensive eye exam.
Different types of Rx sunglass lenses
The lenses in Rx sunglasses can feature
a combination of different materials
and coatings. Each has its own
purpose, suiting certain
lifestyles, personal habits
and work environments.
Materials and addons
might seem
overwhelming at first,
but making informed
choices can lead to safer,
more comfortable lenses
in the long run.
Popular lens options
include:
• Polycarbonate lens material
• Trivex lens material
• High-index plastic lens material
• Polarized lens coating
• Photochromic (transition) lens coating
• Gradient lens finish
• Mirrored lens finish
Lens materials
Aside from standard plastic or glass materials, three
of the most popular lens materials are polycarbonate,
Trivex and high-index plastic.
Polycarbonate lenses use a material that’s strong
and resistant to impact, making them a good fit for
sports and other physical activities. The lightweight
lenses are also up to 30% thinner than regular lenses.
Trivex, initially developed for military helicopter
windshields, are also durable yet lightweight.
What are Rx
sunglasses?
However, Trivex lenses have a little less virtual
distortion than polycarbonate, resulting in a slightly
sharper field of view.
High-index lenses offer a thinner, lightweight
alternative for people with a high degree of myopia,
hyperopia or astigmatism. These lenses bend light
in a different way and require less lens material to
correct your vision.
Lens coatings
Choosing a lens material is far from
the only way you can make a pair
of Rx sunglasses your own.
Polarized, photochromic
and gradient coatings help
you further customize the
function of your frames.
Polarized lenses are
excellent at reducing
glare, making them a
solid option for those
who spend a considerable
amount of time near water,
snow or other reflective
surfaces.
People who fish, participate in
summer or winter sports, or simply
want to drive more comfortably on a sunny
day may all be able to benefit from polarized Rx
sunglasses.
As valuable as polarization can be, it’s important to
keep their effect on digital screens in mind. Any type
of polarized sunglasses can make it hard to see the
backlit displays on devices like:
• Cell phones
• Smart watches
• Laptops
• ATMs
• Digital car dashboard controls
Photochromic lenses (also known as transition
lenses) automatically get darker when they’re
exposed to sunlight. In addition to offering the