Trivex or Finalite or something else?

#15 12-18-2006, 04:04 AM

<mike.dommett[at]gmail.com> wrote in message
news:1166396104.807814.8140[at]l12g2000cwl.googlegroups.com...
- quote -

> Thank you both for your responses! Sorry that I have been unable to
> comment sooner. (Incidentally, what does Rx actually mean? I assume
> it refers to the prescription, but exactly what it is short for I
> cannot work out.)
> Since my last glasses, my left eye sphere deteriorated by 0.25 but my
> right eye stayed the same. Apparently the astygmatisms have also
> changed slightly, but I can't remember what they were before.
> As for the lens material used in my last glasses, I don't think that it
> was polycarbinate, simply because the opticians now offer polycarbinate
> as an option. I can't remember if it was an option then, but I think
> that it is a reasonable assumption.

Probably not a reasonable assumption just because it was offered as an
option. Almost all lens models come in different materials, one of which is
polycarb. Polycarb is reasonably thin and light, but has a very low abbe
value (prone to color fringing).

- quote -

> I think that part of the reason that I noticed the fringing and tunnel
> vision effect so vividly is that before this pair of glasses I had been
> using my "backup" pair. They came "free" with the purchase of another
> pair of specs but only with "standard" lenses. To my understanding at
> the time, this meant that they had "thick" leneses. Now I realise that
> I probably got used to a material that was superior optically to the
> "thin" lenses that I moved on to.
> I think that I will just go with Trivex and see what happens. I quite
> like the fact that Trivex is tough because I'm not the most careful of
> people... From other reading, it seems as though an aspherical lens,
> if fitted correctly, should help with the focus of the periphery
> vision. My only concern is whether or not I can trust the opticians to
> fit it correctly...

You probably don't need the tensile strength or impact resistance of Trivex
or polycarb unless you are required to wear safety glasses (work in a lab or
factory), you play certain sports with your glasses on, or you have drill
mount frames (the lab will be drilling a hole in the lens to mount it on the
frame). Under normal circumstances, you cannot break a regular lens unless
you use a baseball bat.

- quote -

> I'm going to ignore the anti reflextive coating details this time -
> I'll just go with whatever I'm offered. I don't want to complicate
> things further!
> Thanks again for your help.

#14 12-17-2006, 09:55 PM

Thank you both for your responses! Sorry that I have been unable to
comment sooner. (Incidentally, what does Rx actually mean? I assume
it refers to the prescription, but exactly what it is short for I
cannot work out.)

Since my last glasses, my left eye sphere deteriorated by 0.25 but my
right eye stayed the same. Apparently the astygmatisms have also
changed slightly, but I can't remember what they were before.

As for the lens material used in my last glasses, I don't think that it
was polycarbinate, simply because the opticians now offer polycarbinate
as an option. I can't remember if it was an option then, but I think
that it is a reasonable assumption.

I think that part of the reason that I noticed the fringing and tunnel
vision effect so vividly is that before this pair of glasses I had been
using my "backup" pair. They came "free" with the purchase of another
pair of specs but only with "standard" lenses. To my understanding at
the time, this meant that they had "thick" leneses. Now I realise that
I probably got used to a material that was superior optically to the
"thin" lenses that I moved on to.

I think that I will just go with Trivex and see what happens. I quite
like the fact that Trivex is tough because I'm not the most careful of
people... From other reading, it seems as though an aspherical lens,
if fitted correctly, should help with the focus of the periphery
vision. My only concern is whether or not I can trust the opticians to
fit it correctly...

I'm going to ignore the anti reflextive coating details this time -
I'll just go with whatever I'm offered. I don't want to complicate
things further!

Thanks again for your help.

#13 12-13-2006, 10:34 PM

<mike.dommett[at]gmail.com> wrote in message
news:1166035231.866644.151410[at]l12g2000cwl.googlegroups.com...
- quote -

> Hello chaps, I hope you don't mind me resurrecting this thread. I am
> not a professional in this field, but my last pair of glasses annoyed
> the hell out of me and I want to avoid this again. I have been trying
> to learn about lenses from the internet and by chatting to
> optometrists, but it seems to be hard to receive good advice.
> My prescription is:
> Right: Sph -1.25, Cyl -1.75, Axis 2.5
> Left: Sph -3.75, Cyl -1.25, Axis 7.5
> So, not particularly strong.
> My last pair of glasses were from Specsavers in the UK, and I opted for
> "thinner" lenses because, well, it sounded better. They failed to
> inform me, however, what this implies. I believe that I had a
> spherical lens made from material with a 1.6 refractive index.
> The first thing I noticed is that my left eye felt like it was
> suffering from mild tunnel vision. This I gradually got used to,
> however, I did remain annoyed that I had to move my head to look
> through the centre of the lens if I wanted to see things in focus.
> The most irritating thing, however, was the red and blue fringing.
> Once I noticed this problem, I'd see it everywhere. I found it very,
> very annoying. I had been aware of this optical effect before because
> I have some experience with photography, but my previous "non-thin"
> lens glasses did not suffer from this (at least, I hadn't noticed it).
> So, I have been reading about spherical/aspheric lenses and different
> materials in a bid to understand what would suit me best. Trivex
> stands out because of the good Abbe number, but then earlier posts in
> this thread claim that this measurement is not important, and I cannot
> claim to understand exactly what this number measures. I was also
> under the impression that aspheric lenses should improve the focus
> off-centre and also reduce the fringing, but again some posts above
> refute this.
> Can anyone offer me any advice?
> Many thanks for your time.

It is possible that you had polycarb material which is 1.59 index. 1.60
plastic has a similar index of refraction as polycarb, but is a completely
different material with much better optics, higher abbe value (which measure
chromatic aberration or color fringing).

The one advantage that polycarb has over 1.60 plastic (and all other lenses
except Trivex) is that it is highly impact resistant with high tensile
strength, which is required if you need safety glasses, and is advantageous
if you have drill mounted frames.

Aspheric lenses can have some advantages (especially for those with a strong
Rx), but they require a more precise fitting to ensure that they are fitted
in your frame at the proper position relative to your pupil.

For your Rx, unless you are very concerned about edge thickness, Trivex
would be fine and provide about the same durability as polycarb (with much
better optics).

If you don't have drill mount frames, and don't need safety glasses, you
might also look at Sola Spectralite material (1.54 index). This would likely
be quite a bit less expensive than Trivex. As you seem to be aware, Sola
also has a 1.60 Finalite material that would be good.

#12 12-13-2006, 06:05 PM

In your Rx Trivex would be great, but your problems may be more from the
power in that left eye. It would be useful to see the old Rx.

w.stacy, o.d.

mike.dommett[at]gmail.com wrote:

- quote -

> Hello chaps, I hope you don't mind me resurrecting this thread. I am
> not a professional in this field, but my last pair of glasses annoyed
> the hell out of me and I want to avoid this again. I have been trying
> to learn about lenses from the internet and by chatting to
> optometrists, but it seems to be hard to receive good advice.
> My prescription is:
> Right: Sph -1.25, Cyl -1.75, Axis 2.5
> Left: Sph -3.75, Cyl -1.25, Axis 7.5
> So, not particularly strong.
> My last pair of glasses were from Specsavers in the UK, and I opted for
> "thinner" lenses because, well, it sounded better. They failed to
> inform me, however, what this implies. I believe that I had a
> spherical lens made from material with a 1.6 refractive index.
> The first thing I noticed is that my left eye felt like it was
> suffering from mild tunnel vision. This I gradually got used to,
> however, I did remain annoyed that I had to move my head to look
> through the centre of the lens if I wanted to see things in focus.
> The most irritating thing, however, was the red and blue fringing.
> Once I noticed this problem, I'd see it everywhere. I found it very,
> very annoying. I had been aware of this optical effect before because
> I have some experience with photography, but my previous "non-thin"
> lens glasses did not suffer from this (at least, I hadn't noticed it).
> So, I have been reading about spherical/aspheric lenses and different
> materials in a bid to understand what would suit me best. Trivex
> stands out because of the good Abbe number, but then earlier posts in
> this thread claim that this measurement is not important, and I cannot
> claim to understand exactly what this number measures. I was also
> under the impression that aspheric lenses should improve the focus
> off-centre and also reduce the fringing, but again some posts above
> refute this.
> Can anyone offer me any advice?
> Many thanks for your time.

#11 12-13-2006, 05:40 PM

Hello chaps, I hope you don't mind me resurrecting this thread. I am
not a professional in this field, but my last pair of glasses annoyed
the hell out of me and I want to avoid this again. I have been trying
to learn about lenses from the internet and by chatting to
optometrists, but it seems to be hard to receive good advice.

My prescription is:
Right: Sph -1.25, Cyl -1.75, Axis 2.5
Left: Sph -3.75, Cyl -1.25, Axis 7.5

So, not particularly strong.

My last pair of glasses were from Specsavers in the UK, and I opted for
"thinner" lenses because, well, it sounded better. They failed to
inform me, however, what this implies. I believe that I had a
spherical lens made from material with a 1.6 refractive index.

The first thing I noticed is that my left eye felt like it was
suffering from mild tunnel vision. This I gradually got used to,
however, I did remain annoyed that I had to move my head to look
through the centre of the lens if I wanted to see things in focus.

The most irritating thing, however, was the red and blue fringing.
Once I noticed this problem, I'd see it everywhere. I found it very,
very annoying. I had been aware of this optical effect before because
I have some experience with photography, but my previous "non-thin"
lens glasses did not suffer from this (at least, I hadn't noticed it).

So, I have been reading about spherical/aspheric lenses and different
materials in a bid to understand what would suit me best. Trivex
stands out because of the good Abbe number, but then earlier posts in
this thread claim that this measurement is not important, and I cannot
claim to understand exactly what this number measures. I was also
under the impression that aspheric lenses should improve the focus
off-centre and also reduce the fringing, but again some posts above
refute this.

Can anyone offer me any advice?

Many thanks for your time.

#10 11-15-2006, 11:14 PM

"DawgDays" <w_ono[at]hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:1163635316.219451.15570[at]i42g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
- quote -

> In response to the rant - I once had a set of polycarb lenses that were
> abysmal. When looking at purple on a CRT, I would regularly see
> blue/red fringing when looking through the area halfway to the edge of
> the lens. I hated the lenses, and have no desire to repeat the
> experience. On the other hand, Spectralite and Trivex have served me
> will.
> Thanks again,

Another testimonial form a real-live customer that polycarb sucks.

It is not known whether he complained to the Optician, but my guess is that
most people do not (hence the reason why so few optical professionals hear a
lot of complaints about polycarb).

#9 11-15-2006, 11:01 PM

Robert Martellaro wrote:
- quote -

> On 10 Nov 2006 18:33:44 -0800, "DawgDays" <w_ono[at]hotmail.com> wrote:
> > It's time for new lenses, so it's time to investigate lens materials
> > again.
> > > Base prescription
> > > OD -7.00 +1.00 150
> > OS -7.00 +1.75 031
> > Add +2.25
> > > I have Trivex flat-top 28 bifocals now. I used to have Spectralite,
> > and I liked them too. I think I liked the Spectralite lenses better.
> > > Finalite has a higher index than either Spectralite or Trivex, and the
> > abbe value looks to be about the same as Trivex, worse than
> > Spectralite. Might it be a good choice. Is it significantly more
> > expensive than the other two?
> Finalite is only available in single vision and PALs (progressive addition
> lenses).
> > > Other than index/abbe, are there lens features that might make a
> > noticeable difference. As I recall, Spectralite is an aspheric design,
> > and Trivex has good impact-resistance.
> There is no improvement in vision with aspheric designs. Trivex will be slighter
> lighter in weight, and will be the lightest weight lens in this Rx regardless of
> index of refraction.
> Unless safety is an issue ask for the thinnest center possible- about 1.2mm for
> Trivex and 1.5mm for Spectralite.
> If you would prefer a thinner lens you can select a higher index material, but
> you might notice a little less clarity in the reading area and in the distance
> periphery of the lens. If you are an avid reader it would probably be best to
> stay with Spectralite or Trivex, and if the frame is rimless frame use Trivex
> for it's superior resistance to edge chipping and breakage.
> > Any info welcome. Thanks in advance.
> Your welcome. Any other questions just ask.
> Robert Martellaro
> ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
> Optician/Owner
> Roberts Optical
> Wauwatosa Wi.
> ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
> "An expert is a person who has made all the mistakes that can be made in a very narrow field."
> - Niels Bohr

Robert,

Thanks for the feedback. It's helpful.

This in contrast to the rant(s) about "you don't know what 'abbe value'
means". Maybe I don't, but telling me what I should be considering and
why is more useful than telling me what they "obriously" don't know.
Heck, at least I know optical attributes of the various materials
matter, instead of saying, "gimme the thinnest lens ya got."

In response to the rant - I once had a set of polycarb lenses that were
abysmal. When looking at purple on a CRT, I would regularly see
blue/red fringing when looking through the area halfway to the edge of
the lens. I hated the lenses, and have no desire to repeat the
experience. On the other hand, Spectralite and Trivex have served me
will.

Thanks again,

#8 11-13-2006, 06:26 PM

"Anon E. Muss" <anonymous[at]example.org> wrote in message
news:df1gl2p6jkget25vkbh3avjg5m7v2krlak[at]4ax.com...
- quote -

> Same experience here. EXTREMELY RARE for patients to complain,
> especially if optical centers are properly placed and/or the
> polycarbonate lens is aspheric.

Most patients will put up with crap and never complain to the OD.

#7 11-13-2006, 05:22 PM

On 10 Nov 2006 18:33:44 -0800, "DawgDays" <w_ono[at]hotmail.com> wrote:

- quote -

> It's time for new lenses, so it's time to investigate lens materials
> again.
> Base prescription
> OD -7.00 +1.00 150
> OS -7.00 +1.75 031
> Add +2.25
> I have Trivex flat-top 28 bifocals now. I used to have Spectralite,
> and I liked them too. I think I liked the Spectralite lenses better.
> Finalite has a higher index than either Spectralite or Trivex, and the
> abbe value looks to be about the same as Trivex, worse than
> Spectralite. Might it be a good choice. Is it significantly more
> expensive than the other two?

Finalite is only available in single vision and PALs (progressive addition
lenses).

- quote -

> Other than index/abbe, are there lens features that might make a
> noticeable difference. As I recall, Spectralite is an aspheric design,
> and Trivex has good impact-resistance.

There is no improvement in vision with aspheric designs. Trivex will be slighter
lighter in weight, and will be the lightest weight lens in this Rx regardless of
index of refraction.

Unless safety is an issue ask for the thinnest center possible- about 1.2mm for
Trivex and 1.5mm for Spectralite.

If you would prefer a thinner lens you can select a higher index material, but
you might notice a little less clarity in the reading area and in the distance
periphery of the lens. If you are an avid reader it would probably be best to
stay with Spectralite or Trivex, and if the frame is rimless frame use Trivex
for it's superior resistance to edge chipping and breakage.

- quote -

> Any info welcome. Thanks in advance.

Your welcome. Any other questions just ask.

Robert Martellaro
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Optician/Owner
Roberts Optical
Wauwatosa Wi.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"An expert is a person who has made all the mistakes that can be made in a very narrow field."
- Niels Bohr

#6 11-13-2006, 04:44 AM

On 12 Nov 2006 12:19:12 -0800, "CatmanX" <drgrant[at]ozemail.com.auwrote:

- quote -

> I love people that discuss Abbe values without knowing anything about
> them.
> It is so rare that a wearer will notice any difference between lenses.
> I have many wearers with multifocals in both polycarbonate and CR39 and
> none - EVER - complian of reduced visual quality in the polycarbonate.

Same experience here. EXTREMELY RARE for patients to complain,
especially if optical centers are properly placed and/or the
polycarbonate lens is aspheric.

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