Glasses in Stockton, CA

Learn More About Our Lens Technologies

High Index Lenses

With the advent of high-index lenses, unattractive, thick, and heavy lenses are mostly obsolete. Recent advances in lens material technology can now make even the most high-power prescriptions appear more attractive than ever before. High-index lenses provide the same vision as your old lenses but are lighter and appear much thinner.

Because high-index lenses are thinner, many more frame materials and styles will be available for your previously challenging prescription. The performance of high-index lenses is often complemented with the addition of the anti-glare lens treatment to minimize reflections and maximize their cosmetic benefits.

Progressive Lenses

When we are young, the lens inside the eye is soft and flexible. To change focus from near to distant and back again, the muscles surrounding the natural lens contract and relax, changing the optical power of the lens. This ability of the lens to change its shape and focus is called accommodation. Around the age of 40, a condition known as presbyopia develops when we lose the ability to change the shape of the lens inside the eye. As this occurs, we increasingly depend on reading glasses to see close objects.

Benjamin Franklin invented a way to correct this condition with bi-focal lenses in 1784. Today, progressive lenses are available that look like single-vision lenses while providing a full range of vision from near to intermediate to distance. Progressive lenses are created with a gradient of power, starting with the patient’s distance prescription at the top of the lens, a stronger intermediate power in the middle, and the strongest near power at the bottom.

This seamless gradient of power zones allows patients to easily shift their focus from distance to intermediate to near without the visual interference of lined bifocal or trifocal lenses. If you experienced trouble in the past choosing a frame that would accommodate a progressive lens, there are now many progressive lens designs available for virtually any style of frame.

Polycarbonate – Impact Resistant Lenses

Who needs impact-resistant lenses? The answer is EVERYBODY. From kids on the playground to construction workers around heavy machinery, there is always the potential for standard lens materials, such as plastic or glass, to shatter, even from the impact of an airbag in an automobile accident. You can protect your precious vision with impact-resistant lenses.

These lenses are manufactured using an injection molding process that makes them stronger than standard lens materials and includes scratch-resistant protection. Impact-resistant lenses also protect your eyes from the harmful effects of excessive Ultraviolet light exposure. They are the most lightweight lens material you can purchase and may be thinner than your previous plastic lenses.

Transition Lenses – Light Reactive Variable Tint Lenses

Do you spend much of your day going inside and then outside again? Are you constantly having to change from your clear glasses to your sunglasses? Light-reactive lenses or variable tint lenses automatically adjust to your changing light environment, providing you with the optimal lens tint. When inside, the lenses are clear, similar to standard lenses. But when you go outside, they react to ultraviolet light, automatically darkening, transforming them into sunglasses. These lenses are scratch-resistant and include the additional benefits of UV protection for your eyes. Having a pair of light-reactive variable tint lenses may eliminate your need for more than one pair of glasses for most of your normal activities.

Anti-Glare Lenses

Standard lenses can reflect up to 18 percent of light-causing glare and eye strain from florescent lighting, computer screens, and headlights. With anti-glare lens treatment, only 1% of light is reflected off the surface of the lens. With 99% of light passing through your lenses to your eyes, glare and eye strain are reduced to a minimum. Compared to standard lenses, you will also see much clearer and sharper.

Anti-glare lens treatment makes driving at night safer, too, as it virtually eliminates glare from oncoming headlights and street lights. Overhead fluorescent lights and computer screens can cause glare and eye strain, which will be minimized with this anti-glare lens treatment.

Anti-glare treatment also eliminates light reflecting off the surface of your lenses. After all, you are choosing your frames to enhance your appearance. You want others to see your eyes and not be distracted by the glare reflecting off your lenses. Lenses treated with anti-glare enhance the scratch-resistant properties of standard scratch-resistant lenses and help repel water, fingerprints, oil, and dust. This allows you to spend less time cleaning them and provides a longer life for your lenses.

Polarized Sunglasses

The worst type of glare is blinding glare. Most over-the-counter sunglasses do not reduce the blinding glare caused by light-reflecting surfaces such as water, ice, and snow. Polarized sun lenses, traditionally considered summer essentials, effectively eliminate blinding glare and provide increased clarity, contrast, and depth perception. However, they are just as effective in winter, eliminating the blinding glare often experienced in snowy and icy conditions. Blinding glare is annoying but also dangerous, especially when driving.

Studies have proven that driving with polarized lenses is safer. When driving at 50 mph, study participants with polarized lenses had an additional 23 feet of stopping distance compared to ordinary sunglasses. However, not all polarized lenses are equal in quality. Over-the-counter sunglasses that say they are polarized may block some types of Ultraviolet light rays. Still, they may not fully protect your eyes from developing cataracts or macular degeneration, which have been associated with excessive UV exposure.

Our full-spectrum polarized lenses block UVA and UVB light rays, include scratch protection, and are available in various colors and frame styles to complement your favorite outdoor activity. Make sure your sunglasses are fashionable, fully protect your eyes from the negative effects of UV light, and provide the vision you need when experiencing dangerous blinding glare.

Computer Lenses

Do you spend much of your day sitting in front of a computer, or do you have hobbies or other work that require you to focus at arm’s length? Do you ever experience shoulder and neck pain, develop headaches, or experience eye strain from doing these activities for a prolonged amount of time? Do you wear progressive lenses and find it difficult to hold your head in just the right position to see clearly during these activities? If so, there are lenses designed specifically to help you with these tasks. These lenses are commonly referred to as “computer lenses,” as initially, many people used them while working on their computers.

However, these lenses are also ideal for many near and intermediate activities by making it easier for your eyes to focus and help relieve eye strain often experienced during these tasks. They also help alleviate neck and shoulder pain by allowing a more natural and relaxed posture. Computer lenses are an excellent choice in a second pair of glasses for tasks that demand a long period of intermediate vision. Still, they are not intended to replace your everyday eyewear.

Digital Lenses

The manufacturing processes used to make today’s conventional lenses were invented in the early 20th century. This method is not ideal for all lens prescriptions or all frame designs. Conventional lenses provide their optimum clarity through the optical center of the lens. In subsequent zones outside of the optical center, the optical performance becomes less and less. So, the further you look away from the center of your lens, the clarity of your vision diminishes.

This effect is even more noticeable for high-prescription and progressive lenses, which provide near and distant vision through zones outside the optical center. This reduction of clarity occurs when light rays from the lateral surfaces of the lens are bent so that they focus slightly in front of the retina instead of directly on it.

New digital free-form lens manufacturing technology allows manufacturers to create customized high-definition lenses. This process involves modifying the entire back surface of the lens in such a way as to re-direct light rays from every direction of sight to focus directly on the retina.

These high-definition lenses optimize all viewing zones, giving you clearer vision throughout the lens. They are also six times more accurate than conventional lenses and digital manufacturing technology can make your lenses even more personalized by taking into account your prescription, frame measurements, and position of wear.

Progressive lens wearers especially benefit from this improved manufacturing technology. It provides wider fields of clearer vision within all zones of power: near, intermediate, and distant. You will enjoy the crispest and clearest vision modern lens manufacturing technology can provide by including an anti-glare treatment.

Specialty Eyewear

Because eyes are complicated and good sight is fundamentally important, many people wear corrective lenses at some point in their lives. Though most are nearsighted or farsighted, requiring either divergent or convergent contact lenses or glasses, people with more complicated eye conditions require specialty eyewear suited to their particular problems.

Our practice has a wide variety of specialty eyewear that we can show you to fit just about any need. Specialty eyewear can meet specific requirements for injury prevention, protection from UV rays, reading, driving, and much more.

Some people require specific eyewear depending on their occupation. Typical bifocals, for instance, direct the eyes toward the bottom part of the lens and require that the wearer look down to accomplish close reading. For individuals who spend most of their day reading or writing, neck pain will surely develop. Luckily, specially designed trifocals correct this problem. Those who invest in trifocals often carry an extra pair of reading glasses around in case they’re needed.

Individuals who have experienced eye trauma or diabetics who have vision in only one eye often invest in protective eyewear. For these people, maintaining vision in the impaired eye and protecting the healthy eye from injury is the most important thing. Usually, these glasses don’t even have prescription lenses. Similarly, many athletes wear sports goggles to decrease the risk of eye injury, which is common in many sports.

Other specialty glasses include those designed for driving and computer use. People with low vision and computer vision syndrome require specialty glasses to reduce glare and enable protracted intermediate vision (the distance between the computer screen and your eyes).

FAQs

How Often Should I Have an Eye Exam?

Regular eye exams help detect issues early and ensure your prescription remains up-to-date. The ideal exam frequency varies depending on your age and current vision.

• If you wear glasses or contact lenses or are over 60, you should have an exam at least once a year.
• An eye exam every 1-2 years is usually sufficient for adults with no vision issues.
• Children should have annual exams to ensure proper vision development.

Schedule an eye exam right away if you experience any of these symptoms:

• Blurry vision
• Eye strain
• Headaches
• Changes in your eyesight

How Do I Choose the Right Eyeglass Frames for My Face Shape?

Choosing the right eyeglass frames for your face shape involves balancing your features and enhancing your natural look. Here’s a quick guide:

• Round Face: Opt for rectangular or square frames to add angles and structure. Avoid round frames, which can exaggerate fullness.
• Oval Face: Most frame styles work well for oval faces. Choose frames slightly wider than the broadest part of your face for a balanced look.
• Square Face: Round or oval frames soften angular features. Steer clear of overly boxy or geometric frames.
• Heart-Shaped Face: Bottom-heavy frames or aviators balance a broader forehead and narrower chin. Avoid top-heavy or oversized frames.
• Diamond Face: Cat-eye or oval frames highlight cheekbones and soften the jawline. Avoid narrow frames that accentuate width.

At Central Valley Eye, our team can help you find frames that work for your face shape, personal taste, and lifestyle.

What Should I Do if My Glasses Break or I Need Adjustment?

If your glasses break or need adjustment, follow these steps:

• Avoid DIY Repairs: It might be tempting to fix your glasses yourself. However, glue or tape can cause further damage and make professional repairs more difficult.
• Store Glasses Safely: Place your glasses in a protective case to prevent additional damage until they can be repaired.
• Contact Your Eye Care Provider: Contact Central Valley Eye as soon as possible. Our skilled team can assess the issue and determine whether your glasses need adjustments, repairs, or replacement.
• Schedule a Visit for Adjustments: If your glasses feel loose, crooked, or uncomfortable, we can adjust them to optimize the fit and comfort.

We’re here to help you keep your glasses in top condition and ensure they remain effective and comfortable. Visit our state-of-the-art facility for prompt and professional service.

Why Choose Central Valley Eye?

At Central Valley Eye Medical Group, our fellowship-trained physicians bring advanced expertise and provide exceptional eye care tailored to your needs. With additional training in areas like glaucoma, retina, and oculoplastic surgery, we provide sub-specialty care to address even the most complex eye conditions.

Beyond medical excellence, we offer a variety of options for glasses wearers, including stylish designer frames so you can see clearly and look your best. Trust our experience and commitment to delivering personalized solutions for all your eye care needs.

Get Your Glasses Today

Are you ready to pick out the perfect pair of glasses? Our team at Central Valley Eye is here to assist you. Reach out today to get started!

Call us at (209) 952-3700 (Stockton), (209) 239-5303 (Manteca), or (209) 579-8800 (Modesto). You can also submit our online form.