Frequently Asked Questions

Quick Answers
Did You Know?
What are photochromic lenses?
What are the differences between lens designs?
What lens materials are best for my prescription and lifestyle?
What lens treatments should I consider?
What safety factors do I need to be aware of when purchasing glasses?
What specialty lenses do I need for work and play?
What is the advantage of Crizal lens?
What is the advantage of Transitional Lenses?
What type of frames would look best on me?
What type of protection do my eyes need from the sun?
Who is WILEY X and what is so special about their glasses & sunglasses?

QUICK ANSWERS

Q) Can scratches be successfully removed from my glasses?
A) Yes.  The type of scratches that are removed are cleaning scratches, for the most part on the back side. A visual inspection can help in this decision, for this process.

Q) Can you duplicate my lens prescription?
A) Yes.  The State of Missouri provides for this service by a qualified optician, optometrist or ophthalmologist, usually for a nominal fee.

Q) Can my frame be used for my new Rx?
A) Yes, after they’ve been inspected for any defects or excessive wear.

Q) Can my frames be repaired?
A) Yes, in 97% of the cases, they can.

Q) How many pairs of eyewear should I have?
A) Different activities and lifestyles require different types of lenses and frames; and having only one pair of eyewear will not meet all your needs. Owning multiple pairs of eyewear

Q) How often should I have my eyes examined?
A) Millions of Americans have uncorrected vision problems, and some vision problems have no warning signs and can cause permanent vision loss if left untreated. Having regular eye exams is the best way to ensure your vision is healthy.

Q) What should I expect to pay?
A) Stylish eyewear is available for every budget. Those who rely on their eyewear for daily activities know what an important investment it is!

Q) How do I prevent my eyewear from getting so scratched?
A) Most lenses are meant to withstand normal wear and tear, buy you can request scratch resistant lenses. Be sure to always keep your eyewear in a case, and when cleaning them, rinse any dust or dirt off before wiping them gently with a cloth.

Did you know?

· Did you know during the average day, your eyes muscles will expend as much energy proportionately as your leg muscles would if you walked 50 miles?
· The average person blinks their eyes 11,500 times per day- 4.2 million times per year!
· The average healthy 20 year-old allows up to 3 times more light in their eyes than the average 60 year-old.
· Your eyes are constantly, and rapidly, reacting to the world.
· That Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is associated with the development of cataracts? It also can damage the retina - the part of the eye that picks up images and transmits them to the brain.

What are photochromic lenses?

Sometimes called "Comfort" lenses, photochromic lenses darken and lighten according to light exposure. If the wearer is in the sun, photochromics darken, if indoors, the lenses are light. Photochromic lenses are available in virtually all lens materials and lens designs.

What are the differences between lens designs?

· Single Vision this all-purpose lens is available in all materials and provides vision correction for one viewing area. The corrected area can be for far distance or near distance.
· Multifocals will be recommended when you require correction for both distance and near viewing areas in one single pair of glasses. Available as no-line progressives, bifocals and trifocals.
· No-Line Progressives designed to allow you to see at distance (driving a vehicle), intermediate (looking at the dashboard), and near (reading a map) with no lines or sections. The absence of bifocal lines makes this lens the most desirable cosmetically. You will also enjoy continuous vision from far to near with this lens design.
· Bifocals provide both far and near correction in one lens. A visible line divides the two areas providing a visible segment for near viewing.
· Trifocals are a variation of the bifocals. This double - line lens provides you with correction in three areas - distance, intermediate, and near.
· Aspherics reduce the effect of your eyes looking larger or smaller behind your glasses. Plus, the image remains more clear when you look through the sides of the lenses. And, the lenses are thinner and lighter.
· Atoric helps reduce visual distortion and allows for a wider field of vision. A thinner, lighter more cosmetically appealing lens. Your eye care professional can recommend which design best suits your vision correction.

What lens materials are best for my prescription and lifestyle?

· Plastic lenses are lighter than glass lenses and can be tinted to almost any color and shade.
· Thinner, lighter high-index advancements in technology continue to give us thinner and lighter lenses for your stronger prescriptions. Comfort and cosmetics without compromise.
· High impact resistant our office recommends high impact resistant lenses for two good reasons: comfort, because of
their incredible light weight, and safety, due to their high impact resistance. We recommend these for children, teens, active adults, occupational safety, and anyone who needs superior protection.
· Glass offers superior optics and is the most scratch resistant material available. However, glass must be specially treated for impact resistance, may be heavier, and may not be an option in certain rimless styles.

What lens treatments should I consider?

UV protection the sun’s ultraviolet rays pose potential harm to your eyes. We recommend UV protection on all our lenses. UV filters for your lenses accomplish the same thing as sunscreen does for your skin - shield your eyes from harmful UV rays. A ‘must-have’ for adults and children to promote healthy vision.
· Scratch resistant coating is highly recommended to protect your lenses from everyday wear-and-tear. Protecting your lens surface prolongs the usefulness of your lenses and protects your investment in good vision.
· Anti-reflective is a special coating that reduces distracting reflections. The results are: more transmitted light, better quality of vision, improved night vision, and reduced eye fatigue. Great for working on a computer and driving at night, these lenses also offer a cosmetically appealing "invisible lens look" that makes the lens "disappear" and shows your eyes more clearly.
· Adjustable tint lenses that darken in the sunlight and lighten indoors. Improved technology provides you with a lens that is virtually clear indoors and as dark as sunglasses outdoors and protects you from harmful UV. Available in almost all materials and designs; ask our dispenser for a demonstration of this technology.

What safety factors do I need to be aware of when purchasing glasses?

There are lots of options to consider when looking at prescription lenses. The best way to select lenses is to determine your needs based on your lifestyle, and then discuss the lens “solutions” with your eye care professional. When selecting eyewear, keep these safety factors in mind and be sure to discuss any safety needs with your eye care professional team.
The type and style of the eyeglass frame is an important factor in determining how much protection your eyeglasses will provide. Many frames are designed for appearance, not protection.
Federal law requires all lenses to meet a standard of impact resistance. Lenses used for dress eyewear are not required to
meet as rigorous an impact resistance standard as lenses used in industrial or sports spectacles. Discuss with your eye care
professional team the lens impact resistance requirements of your lifestyle.
No lenses are unbreakable or shatterproof. They can break into sharp pieces that can cause serious injury to the eye, or
blindness. Even if the lenses do not break, the frame can break or distort and result in serious eye injury.
The continued impact resistance of your lenses depends on how well you protect them from physical shocks and abuse. For your own protection and visual comfort, scratched and pitted lenses should be replaced immediately.
If your occupation or recreational activities expose you to severe risk of flying objects or physical impacts, eye safety may require special safety spectacles with safety lenses, side shields, goggles, and or a full face shield.

What specialty lenses do I need for work and play?

· Industrial occupational lenses special occupational designs allow us to customize lenses for almost any occupation, hobby, visual, or safety requirement. Your lifestyle information will help us understand how you use your eyes and identify visual needs.
· Computer lenses if you work at a computer at least two hours per day, you may need a computer lens. These lenses are custom designed to provide the best vision for you while working at the computer. The lenses combine a variety of features including anti - reflective coatings and special filters.
· Sports lenses improve safety and performance and enhance your enjoyment. Sports lenses come in a variety of colors, designs and treatments. Impact resistance and light weight are key considerations.

What is the advantage of Crizal lens?

The Anti-Reflective Advantage
Crizal lenses are anti-reflective (AR) lenses, meaning they reduce the glare that causes eye fatigue. By sharpening visual performance, Crizal lenses help you see more clearly -– and that’s always an advantage.

Cut Down on the Scratches
Crizal lenses are designed with two-sided scratch resistance, making them tough, durable and long-lasting. So even if you’re hard on your glasses, it’s easy to see why Crizal is still your best choice.

Lighten Up at Work
Long hours in front of a computer and harsh artificial lighting can make eyes tired and stressed. In clinical studies, Crizal lenses were proven to dramatically reduce eye fatigue caused by light reflections that cause glare.

Night Driving? No Problem
With ordinary lenses, headlights from other vehicles and streetlights can create distracting double images that wear on your eyes. Crizal lenses reduce those annoying reflections dramatically.

Reflections Won’t Reflect on You
Eye contact is a big part of human relations. Crizal lenses greatly reduce the reflections other people see on your glasses. So your eyes come shining through, no matter the light conditions.

Cleaning is Easy
Fingerprints and smudges have been a challenge for previous anti-reflective lenses. But Crizal features an advanced hydrophobic property that makes cleaning a breeze

What is the advantage of Transitional Lenses?

Transitions Lenses are the ideal choice for your everyday eyewear, because they are as good as a clear lens but better! Transitions Lenses automatically adjust to changing light for everyday convenient protection, everyday visual quality, and everyday visual comfort. With automatic ultraviolet radiation (UV) protection and glare reduction, Transitions Lenses are the ideal choice for your everyday eyewear and the single most convenient way for you to protect your eyes and to achieve healthy sight.
Transitions Lenses are photochromic lenses that are clear until dangerous UV rays are present. Outdoors, the brighter the sun, the darker Transitions Lenses become. They turn as dark as sunglasses by automatically adjusting their level of darkness based upon the amount of UV radiation.
Transitions Lenses block 100% of the sun's eye-damaging rays and reduce painful, discomforting glare. Transitions Lenses protect on cloudy days, sunny days, and everything in between-every day, year round-whenever invisible UV rays and visible glare are present.
Eye care professionals agree with scientific evidence that exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays over time is harmful to the eyes. Yet research shows that only 9% of people associate ultraviolet (UV) radiation with damage to their eyes-as compared to 82% who recognize the dangers of UV to their skin.
Transitions Optical, Inc. has developed the world's most advanced photochromic lens technology. Transitions Lenses are the #1 brand of photochromic lenses recommended by eye care professionals worldwide. "Photochromic" means that the lenses automatically change from clear to dark in the presence of ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
Transitions Lenses are the ideal choice for every day lenses because they are good as a clear lens, but better! They provide visual quality, visual comfort and convenient protection with these performance features:
· Automatic protection that's convenient and effortless
· Virtually as clear as regular, hard-coated clear lenses indoors
· Even clearer with an anti-reflective coating
· As dark as most sunglasses outside in bright light
· Fast to activate
· Fast to fade back
· Block 100% of the sun's eye-damaging UV rays
· Reduce painful, discomforting glare
· Reduce eye fatigue
· Improve contrast
· Offer the right tint at the right time in changing light
Transitions Optical's innovative photochromic technologies offer unparalleled lens performance in nearly every lens design and material, including shatter-resistant lenses, bifocals, trifocals, progressives, and standard and high index materials.

What type of frames would look best on me?

According to Vision Council of America*, there are specific things you can do to identify the most flattering frame for your face. They recommend:
· Selecting a frame shape that contrasts with the shape of your face. For example, someone with an angular face may want to select a circular frame.
· Selecting a frame size that is proportion to your face.
· Ensuring that your eyes appear centered in your frames.
Vision Council of America also recommends following the tips below to help select flattering frames:
· Long Nose: Low, dark, straight bridges shorten the nose.
· Close-set eyes: Clear bridges widen close-set eyes.
· Wide-set eyes: Dark bridges make wide-set eyes appear closer together.
· Thick Rx: Oval shapes and high-index lenses minimize the thickness of Rx.
· Long profile: Low temples shorten a long profile.
· Short face: High temples lengthen a face.
· High Forehead: To shorten a high forehead, try a frame that is even with the brow, or slightly higher.
· Wide Jaws: Wide jaws can be offset by a narrow frame with a pronounced horizontal line.
· Narrow face: Decorative or contrasting temples can widen a face.

What type of protection do my eyes need from the sun?

· Polarized lenses are the best option for eliminating glare. Hunters, boaters, fishermen, golfers, and drivers are just a few who can benefit from polarized lens’ glare blocking properties. Any surface can create glare in sunlight, especially water, snow, sand, windows, vehicles, and buildings. Polarization eases eye strain and fatigue in bright sunlight. Available in different colors, materials and designs.
· Tinted lenses tints for sun lenses are usually medium to dark shades. They can be solid or gradient. Almost any color available.
· Mirrored lenses not only look cool, they are cool. Mirrored coatings provide a reflective surface that makes the eye almost invisible to others, while keeping your eyes protected from glare. Mirrors come in a variety of styles.

Who is WILEY X and what is so special about their glasses & sunglasses?

Wiley X began manufacturing frames using cutting edge technology to bring you "perfect ocular clarity" as well as the "shatterproof confidence". The Wiley X Extreme Eyewear is designed to be stylish, protective and more than a little edgy. The company’s slogan “Welcome to the X-zone” refers to functionality under extreme conditions as well as high performance standards. Thick Shatterproof, selenite, polycarbonate lenses define the ballistic qualities of our many styles. All these lenses provide UV 400nm, total protection from the sun and are die-cut from large blanks eliminating the distortion found in other sunglass models. Some models have been tested to withstand a 12 gauge shot gun blast from 10 yards away helping Wiley X to gain not only national but international notoriety. Their nearly indestructible triloid nylon frames and shatterproof lenses make them a popular choice among motorcyclists. Because Wiley X have produced reliable and trust worthy products over the years, they are currently a standard issue item with the F.B.I., D.E.A., A.T.F., Army Rangers, Navy Seal Teams and Military Special Forces.

With technology, style, and protection like that used in Wiley X glasses you will outdistance the competition. Wiley X is the undisputed leader in protective eyewear.

If it’s good enough for the world’s elite in the heat of battle, it’s definitely good enough for us. Whether you're playing volleyball, baseball, golf, surfing, skiing, cycling, or just cruising around, these are the sunglasses for you.
Wiley X Offers:
· No Tears™ Series - Interchangeable Series: focuses on sunglass and goggle designs that seal the wearers eye orbits from the outside elements. Flexible, TR-90 nylon makes up the interchangeable series. Shatterproof polycarbonate lenses provide no nonsense reliability, shielding your eyes from almost hurled at the

m.
· Active Sports™ Series - We spent the last two years developing one of the most sophisticated Polarized lines, for both Casual and Active customers alike.
· Seal-Tek™ Series - Technology is launched to seal the users eyes from the outside elements. Whether you're riding your hog, fishing, hiking, sailing or just being casual, the user determines the configuration.
· Magna-Seal™ Series -Technology takes the cycle industry by storm. Through patent Magna-Seal™ technology, gaskets can be placed or removed simply by sliding the aluminum gasket on and off the frame.
LENS ANATOMY:
At Wiley X we produce our lenses using the precise amount of dyes in the manufacturing process eliminating eye fatigue and strain. Our lenses block 100% UV rays, are made of a shatterproof, selenite polycarbonate, and far exceed ANSI Z87.1 and Z80.3 safety standards. We then formulate and die cut each lens to the maximum density and thickness creating one of the strongest lenses available. While still maintaining distortion free clarity. These features, combined with a wide selection of performance enhancing tints, work together to provide the ultimate in eye protection without optical compromise.
· Clear as Crystal Lenses: allow maximum light transmission without changing the value of colors. The clear choice for indoor shooting, industrial use, medical and dental use, night driving or any activity where protection is the main objective. Light transmission 89.30%.
· Neutral Slate Lenses: are great for general-purpose use. These lenses will provide maximum glare reduction without distorting colors. Ideal for most activities and sports where glare is a major factor. Light transmission 20.23%.
· Bronze Brown Lenses: offer superior visual definition and glare reduction in bright light conditions. Overall it is the most suitable lens to sharpen and enhance ground level contours. This versatile lens is a good choice for golfing, biking, sport shooting and driving.
· Light Rust Lenses: filter out blue light waves that are the chief components of glare and haze. These lenses provide contrast enhancements in medium to low light conditions. Great choice of golf, basketball, snow sports, and sport shooting. Light transmission 53.23%.
· Silver Steel Lenses: Multi-coat, z-oxide™ mirror over our Neutral Slate and Emerald (Blue Lunar) lenses. Diminishes glare by absorbing reflection across the mirror. Light transmission 7.19%.
· Vermillion Lenses Pale Rose: will improve details and enhance depth perception similar to the Royal Plum lens when encountering low or artificial light conditions. This lens naturally brings out the intensity of warm colors. These unique lenses are a favorite of skiers, golfers, trap & sporting clay shooters. Light transmission 51.35%.
· Crimson Brown Lenses: naturally block blue light, which is reflected light in the atmosphere that causes eye fatigue and strain. Enhances warm colors allowing the eye to better focus on it surroundings and terrain. Excellent all around sunglass lens and ideal for golf.
· Smoke Green Lenses: are great for general-purpose use. These lenses will provide maximum glare reduction without distorting colors. Ideal for most activities and sports where glare is a major factor. Light transmission 21.02%.
· Blue Lunar Lenses: Multi-coat, z-oxide™ mirror over our newly developed emerald lenses. Provides glare reduction, sharpens vision and detail through enhancement of neutral colors like brown and green. Great all around lens from dusk to bright mid-day
· Crimson Red Lenses: Multi-coat, z-oxide™ mirror over our Neutral Slate lenses. Diminishes glare by absorbing reflection across the mirror face. Ideal for most activities where glare is a major factor.
· Polarized Neutral Slate Lenses: Uses the latest in polarized film technology and shatterproof polycarbonate lenses. Eliminates glare, allowing the user to see clearly with more detail and definition.
· Blue Ice Lenses: Multi-coat, z-oxide™ mirror over our Neutral Slate lenses. Diminishes glare by absorbing reflection across the mirror face. Ideal for most activities where glare is a major factor. Light transmission 4.85%.
· New Lens Technologies
· LA™ Lenses: Darken in bright sunny days to shield the eyes from harmful ultra violet rays. On overcast days or at night the lenses adjust to clear for perfect clarity. Now you don't have to stop to interchange lenses. this new technology is also produced using shatterproof polycarbonate. This is much safer than the old photochromic lens technology that use glass and CR-39, as it can shatter if struck by a rock while riding. We've also incorporated our new emerald 4™ anti-reflective coatings to eliminate backlit glare from the sun truly giving the wearer the most functional riding lens available.
· Filter 3™Lenses: Filter 3™ Lenses - combine a new Crystal Gradient lens with a flash silver mirror so they can be worn during the day and at night. The silver mirror surface was developed to absorb glare from the sun and oncoming headlights while riding. It also eliminates 100% of the harmful Ultra Violet rays that cause eye fatigue and damage. The Crystal-Gray gradient lens underneath gently shades the eyes, providing perfect optical clarity for any time of day.
· Filter 2™ Lenses: join our Neutral Slate lens with our Bronze Brown dye's to make the perfect daytime riding glass. Gray hues cover the top half of the lens providing extra shade from the sunlight above. The lower half of the lens unites our Bronze Brown dye to highlight the road in front. The gradient lens blends the two colors gradually making a lens tint that is soft on the eyes and perfect for bright sunlight and overcast days.
POLARIZED SERIES: 8 Layers to Clarity
· Slick™ Clear optical coating is a super hydrophilic mixture that repels water, salt water, and ice from the lens, preventing spotting from occurring on the surface. This advanced coating maintains the life of the lens. Now smudges and stains are easily removed with soft micro fiber case that is enclosed with all Wiley X frames.
· T-Shell™ Hard coat adds an extra layer of anti-scratch coating to each lens for added protection and longer life.
This flexible coating keeps the lenses from cracking or crazing, maintaining clear vision.
· Selenite™ Polycarbonate Lenses Provide shatterproof reliability. Each lens is die-cut from larger lens blanks to eliminate distortion and provide optical clarity at all angles. These lenses are 10 times more impact resistant than glass or resin lenses and easily exceed global impact standards. Enclosed with all Wiley X frames.
· Filter 8™ Polarized Film Provides 100% Ultra Violet protection of 99.9% Polarization for unequaled clarity and contrast, granting perfect visual acuity. Our proprietary film, working in conjunction with our high tech coatings, controls the luminous transmission of the suns rays allowing the perfect amount of light to reach the eye's pupils.
· Selenite™ Polycarbonate Lenses Provide shatterproof reliability. Each lens is die-cut from larger lens blanks to eliminate distortion and provide optical clarity at all angles. These lenses are 10 times more impact resistant than glass or resin lenses and easily exceed global impact standards. Enclosed with all Wiley X frames.
· T-Shell™ Hard coat adds an extra layer of anti-scratch coating to each lens for added protection and longer life. This flexible coating keeps the lenses from cracking or crazing, maintaining clear vision.
· Violet 4™ A/R (Anti-Reflective) Coating Adds another optical filter to every lens to eliminate backlit glare which is a major cause of eye fatigue and strain. By controlling the amount of light that reaches the eye, we are able to eliminate uncomfortable and distracting glare, providing maximum Ultra Violet protection.
· Slick™ Clear optical coating is a super hydrophilic mixture that repels water, salt water, and ice from the lens, preventing spotting from occurring on the surface. This advanced coating maintains the life of the lens. Now smudges and stains are easily removed with soft micro fiber case that is enclosed with all Wiley X frames

Perhaps you have some questions; we have compiled some of the most common questions we are asked.