No one sees the world quite like you, and it may take a new pair of lenses to help you see your best. Being a bit of a camera bug myself, it’s easy to recognize that many of life’s moments are worth capturing, whether it is seeing your favorite band in concert or the smiling faces of family and friends at a get-together. Even more important than capturing those moments on camera, is the ability to enjoy them fully in the moment, which may require a little help from a trusty pair of specs. Luckily there are plenty of lens options to choose from, so you can see the world with clarity and comfort. Here’s a quick guide to help you find lenses that suit your lifestyle.
Understanding The Basics of Lenses
Single Vision
Single vision lenses can help if you have trouble seeing up close or far away, and can correct astigmatisms. Today’s lenses are also digitally surfaced and your eye doctor can take specific measurements to optimize your lenses for your unique visual needs. Think of it as the difference between buying a suit off the rack, or having one perfectly tailored according to your measurements.
Progressive
You can say goodbye to bifocals thanks to progressive lenses which can help you see clearly both near and far, and at distances in between with a seamless transition. Unlike bifocals, these lenses don’t have a line separating near and distance prescriptions providing a sleek and youthful look.
Computer Vision
If you spend the majority of your work day on the computer, you could benefit from task-specific lenses like computer vision lenses which provide you with an optimal prescription when working on the computer.
Lens Enhancements
After selecting your lens type, you can customize your lenses further with lens enhancements. Lens enhancements perform a variety of functions such as protecting your lenses from scratches, reducing reflection and smudges, protecting your eyes against UV rays, and reducing blue light exposure.
Anti-reflective (AR) coating
Nix glare with this clear lens coating which can also help reduce smudging and scratches.
Light-reactive lenses
Also known as photochromic lenses, these lenses quickly darken in sunlight and turn clear again indoors, providing comfort, clarity, UV protection, and blue-light reduction in any environment.
Blue Light Reduction
Blue light enhancements help reduce exposure to high-energy blue light emitted by many of today’s digital devices. This helps to alleviate eye strain due to exposure. A blue light coating on your lens can offer relief from sore, irritated, tired eyes while working, cramming, e-reading, or binge-watching. Learn more about the effects of blue light on your eyes.
Find out how VSP members can save on UNITY lenses and enhancements here.
Interested in trying out sunsync light reactive glasses? You could enter to win a trip to Maui! Learn more here.
23 Comments
Do you offer eye enhacmets, the kind to make olet eyes look brighter?
When I recently had new progressive lens put in my day glasses and sunglasses I was told you pay nothing to help, so I paid around $630.oo …. Is this true ?
Very good information that I will like to use, all of them, however I read it a week after I ordered new lenses and frame. Also I do not know if this enhancements are included on benefits and how expensive they are or they are offered as standard or special features
Can you get blue light reduction and light reactive both on lenses?
Hi Vanessa,
Good news – you can have it all! You can get a blue light coating like Sharper Image TechShield with light-reactive lenses.
-Angelina F., VSP
Thanks. I’m an IT Shift Lead, so I spend a lot of my day looking at a monitor. I will ask about an optimal prescription when I buy my next pair of glasses.
Are Contact Lenses Covered By vsp. Insurance
Hi Lenny,
Coverage varies by plan. You can check your coverage options by logging into vsp.com in the Claims and Benefits section or call Customer Care at (800) 877-7195 to review your benefits over the phone.
-Angelina F.,VsP
Wish to learn pricing…. Would like to go to Pearl Vision….have used them in rhe past…& am very satisfied with their products & service…..They have a shop in nearby Crystal Lake…..THANKYOU
Hi, I am a recent member. I am interested in RIMLESS frames. Can you help me?
Hi Greg,
A couple options for you. You can search for rimless frame styles on eyeconic.com by refining your search by rim-type. http://www.eyeconic.com/glasses/eyeglasses?prefn1=Frame_RimType&prefv1=Rimless You can also visit a nearby optometrist office to see their frame selection. If you don’t already have a preferred eye doctor you can find a VSP provider in the area using the Find a Doctor search on that same website. Hope that helps!
-Angelina F., VSP
Good morning, All of the new things you can do to lenses are great, but it is so expensive. I can’t get out of the Dr office with out spending 400.00. I have 3 family members that were glasses. The cost needs to be adjusted so my family can enjoy some of your new products.
I ware progressive lens I would like to try a pair, with blue light.
Hi Sandra,
You might be interested in Sharper Image TechShield to help reduce your blue light exposure: https://www.vsp.com/sharper-image-techshield-lenses.html
-Angelina F., VSP
What about safety glasses. You don’t seem to have any safety glasses avalible.
Hi John,
Your eye doctor can help you find safety glasses that are right for you. You may be interested in polycarbonate lenses which are more impact-resistant. You can find a VSP provider near you using the Find a Doctor search: https://www.vsp.com/find-eye-doctors.html
-Angelina F., VSP
That person, Vicky, is so right! As for my personal preferences for a nice pair of glasses, I am 62 and like looking youthful for as long as I can, but how can you have that right or luxury when every frame, no-line,etc is so expensive! It would be nice to make things affordable being we already pay so much for insurance that ends up not covering that much!
I am interested in getting contacts please forward me info on what my benefits cover… I have my prescription already. Thank you
Hi Robin,
To see what your plan covers you can check your coverage options by logging into vsp.com in the Claims and Benefits section or call Customer Care at (800) 877-7195 to review your benefits over the phone.
-Angelina F., VSP
Are there swim goggles available for purchase?
[…] to customize them for perfect vision but for your day-to-day activities too! There are different lens enhancements for every lifestyle that, paired with these hi-tech progressive lenses, give you ultimate vision […]
[…] it comes to lenses, it’s important to know you have choices in lens enhancements and materials. Lens enhancements are things like anti-reflective coatings and blue light reduction. Your needs vary by age, activity […]
[…] coatings can be applied to the front and back of your lenses to help protect them from scratches and smudges, repel dust and water, and defend against UV exposure. Additionally, AR coatings can reduce eye […]