Lenses

At Keith Murphy Opticians we recognise that to achieve optimum visual performance there needs to be time and thought given to the choice of lenses. There are now many different options for lens material, design and coating.

We are committed to assessing your needs and giving expert, honest advice about what will meet your requirements and budget. Being an independent practice means we are not confined to a particular manufacturer or range.

Lens Materials
The vast majority of lenses dispensed in the UK are plastic polymers, although glass lenses are still available but tend to be used only for specialist applications.

There is a wide choice of refractive indices both in glass and plastic. By increasing the refractive index of the material used, the thickness and the weight of the finished lenses can be reduced, giving a more comfortable and cosmetically pleasing result. The benefits of higher index lenses become more marked the higher your prescription.

Photo chromic lenses which change colour in reaction to UV light are available in plastic or glass materials in many different designs of lens. Specially toughened materials are also available for sporting or industrial environments, where extra protection is advised.

Lens Design
As well as the choice between single vision, bifocal or progressive lenses there are many options in each of these categories. This is particularly the case with progressive or what have become known as “Varifocal” lenses.

There are many radically different designs of “Varifocal” that effect the amount of the lens which is distortion free;

• the size of reading area
• the distance the eye has to move between distances and near zones
• the size and stability of the intermediate zone

The choice of design is equally critical for existing progressive lens wearers and new wearers. The correct design ensures good comfortable vision and easy adaptation to the new lens.

Lens Coatings
There are several options designed to improve the optical quality, cosmetic appearance and durability of the lenses. We would be happy to advise you of what is available and show you how they look and perform.