Breaking down the jargon: What does it all mean?
Breaking down the jargon: what does it all mean?
Reglaze
Love your frames but need a new prescription? A reglaze is simply the term for providing replacement lenses in your own frames. So if your prescription needs updating or your lenses are damaged, at Direct Sight we can reglaze your glasses from just £10, saving you the money you would ordinarily spend on a brand new pair of specs. Click here for more information on our reglaze service.
Single Vision
As the name suggests, single vision lenses are suitable for a single purpose only. This may be distance only or near-vision only spectacles for reading.
Bifocal
Bifocal lenses combine the qualities of two lenses in one. For people who require glasses for distance vision and near vision, bifocal lenses combine the two in one convenient lens. There is a visible segment on the lens where the two parts meet. Now available for an additional £30.
Varifocal
Varifocal lenses are similar to bifocal lenses because they combine the powers of two lenses in one. However, varifocals have no visible segment separating the two parts of the lens and are therefore preferable for a smoother finish.
Anti-glare coating
An anti-glare coating (also called anti-reflective or AR coating) is primarily used to eliminate reflections on the surface of the lenses which may occur when watching television or exposed to bright lights. This provides sharper vision and greater comfort when looking at a computer screen, driving or watching television.
Scratch-resistant coating
At Direct Sight, a scratch-resistant coating can be applied to your lenses for an additional £5 for added protection for your glasses.
Transition lenses
‘Transitions’ is the brand name for lenses which automatically change from clear to a dark tint according to the light conditions. These are convenient for those not wanting to switch between ordinary prescription glasses and sunglasses due to their dual functionality. These are available in grey or brown tints, now for only £40.
High index lenses
‘High index’ is the term used to describe lenses which have been thinned. This is normally recommended for a prescription greater than +4.00 sphere to improve the appearance. They are also preferable for rimless glasses as they offer a superior strength. To give you an idea of the difference: a 1.60 index lens is approximately 25% thinner/lighter than a standard thickness lens and a 1.74 index lens is 40% thinner/lighter. All our high index lenses come as standard with anti –reflective, anti-scratch and UV-400 Protection coatings.
Pupillary Distance
When ordering a pair of prescription glasses online, you will need to provide some basic information from your prescription. This includes your pupillary distance (often referred to as PD). It is the correct term for the distance between your eyes, measured between the centre of the pupils. This measurement is important for ensuring your glasses provide the visual clarity you need, exactly where you need it. The centre of each lens must line up with the centre of the pupils to prevent any discomfort or eye strain.
Pupillary distance measurements are sometimes provided during an eye test with your optician. Alternatively, at Direct Sight, we can calculate the measurement from an existing pair of your glasses if you send them to us (bear in mind we must be notified within 24 hours of you placing your order).
Our qualified opticians can accurately calculate your measurements to ensure your glasses are designed for optimum performance. If you would rather measure your pupillary distance yourself, try asking a friend to measure it for you. Look straight ahead and ask someone to measure the horizontal distance between the centre of the pupils with a ruler.
For more information or queries, check out our website or call us for free on 0800 862 0361
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