Lens quality
When determining lens quality, factors such as material, lens thickness, and additional treatments like anti-glare must be considered. However, it's important to note that thinning a lens can decrease its quality and cause vision distortion or discomfort. Additional treatments like anti-glare, anti-scratch, and polarized can improve the quality and comfort of the lens.
Protection against harmful blue light
If you spend a lot of time in front of electronic devices, it's important to consider adding a blue light protection to your lenses. Blue light, which is emitted by electronic devices, the sun, and fluorescent and LED lighting, can cause visual fatigue and damage to the eyes over time. To protect against harmful blue light, look for lenses that filter out the blue-violet light while still allowing the beneficial blue-turquoise light to pass through.
- The blue-turquoise light is as needed by our body and our metabolism as vitamins, minerals and antioxidants because it helps regulate the natural sleep/wake cycles known as circadian cycles.
- The blue-violet light increases visual fatigue due to extended use of digital devices and can damage the eyes in the long run.
Anti-glare, anti-scratch and other treatments
These are chemical multilayers applied to the lens in order to increase protection/aesthetic and visual comfort:
- The first “varnished” layer is commonly known as anti-scratch. This layer protects and prevents scratches and micro-scratches on the lens. Lens materials are easily scratched, hence why this layer is used in 99% of cases.
- The anti-glare treatment is a surface coating that reduces stray reflections of light on the surface of the lens. This treatment is always associated with the anti-scratch treatment.
- The polarized treatment is a filter applied on the surface of the lens to reduce glare caused by light reflection on bright surfaces (ideal for nautical activities, driving, etc.).
- The photochromic treatment is used for its versatility and practicality when alternating between outside and inside activities, but also for monetary reasons as you get two pairs for the price of one. Depending on the supplier and the technology used, the lens darkens when exposed to UV rays or when the brightness increases. At BonLook, our sun lenses tint at the exposure of UV rays.
Frame
When choosing a frame, it's important to consider your face shape and prescription. Consult an eye care professional like the opticians at BonLook to find a frame that is both aesthetically pleasing and technically appropriate for your prescription. For example, if you have high astigmatism, avoid round frames as they can shift the axis of correction, affecting your vision quality. Also, consider your facial features like nose shape and temple width to find a frame that fits comfortably and securely.
Solar protection
Sun protection is crucial for protecting your eyes from premature aging and diseases like cataracts and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Don't assume that a dark tint on your lenses provides enough protection from the sun. To properly filter UV rays, the lens material must have the property to filter UV rays. Look for lenses like those at BonLook that are specifically designed to filter out UV rays for optimal sun protection.