The decisions don't end once you select a pair of eyeglass frames. You'll also need to consider the type of lenses that will best fit your lifestyle. Fortunately, your Santa Rosa Beach, FL, optometrists, Drs. Lan O'Donnell and Heidi Gonzalez of O'Donnell Eye Institute can offer a little guidance that will help you choose your next pair of eyeglasses.

Single vision lenses, bifocals, trifocals or progressives? Which is right for you?

Single vision lenses can improve your vision if you have myopia (nearsightedness) or hyperopia (farsightedness). They also provide clear vision if you have astigmatism, which causes blurred vision at any distance due to an abnormal curvature of the cornea. (The cornea is the clear tissue that covers your iris and pupil.) Single vision lenses only have one lens power throughout the entire lens.

Bifocals and trifocals have two or three different lens powers in one lens. Each power is separated by a visible line on the lens. People of ages in Santa Rosa Beach use bifocals and trifocals, but they're most often prescribed when presbyopia becomes a problem.

Presbyopia makes it hard to see near objects and usually occurs around age 40 when the lens inside the eye becomes less flexible. Bifocals or trifocals provide a separate lens power for near vision that makes it possible to read the small print on a prescription bottle or thread a needle.

Progressive lenses contain two or three lens powers in a single lens just like bifocals or trifocals. Unlike these types of lenses, progressives have no lines separating each power.

Other lens choices

After deciding whether you want single vision lenses, bifocals, trifocals or progressive lenses, you'll also need to consider the materials used to make the lenses. They include:

• Plastic: Break-resistant and good for everyday wear, plastic lenses are also the least expensive choice.
• High-Index Plastic: These lenses are thinner, making them fit your frames better if you have a high prescription.
• Polycarbonate: Shatter-proof polycarbonate lenses are lighter and thinner than plastic lenses and are also used in safety glasses and sports goggles.
• Trivex: Trivex lenses offer the sharpest vision and are lighter than either polycarbonate or plastic lenses.

Is it time to replace your eyeglasses? Whether your vision has gotten a little blurry or you want to try a new style, you'll find plenty of frame and lens styles at O'Donnell Eye Institute. Call your optometrists in Santa Rosa Beach, FL, Drs. O'Donnell and Gonzalez, at (850) 622-4000 to schedule your appointment.