High-quality Specialty Lenses by ZEISS in Medicine Hat

Single Vision Lenses from ZEISS

Experience excellent wearing comfort.

Perfect for your first pair of glasses, glasses for children or standard everyday glasses: ZEISS single vision lenses are used for both distance vision and reading – the two most common reasons people wear glasses. What's the difference? 

With reading glasses, the single vision lenses are optimized for vision in the near zone and personally fitted to the farsighted reader's standard reading distance. These lenses are great not only for books, but also for reading smaller font sizes on a smartphone or tablet. Farsighted wearers usually have blurry vision in the near zone and sometimes when looking into the distance.

Farsightedness results from an image being focused behind the retina, resulting in a blurry image. With nearsightedness, however, objects in the distance appear blurry because the nearsighted eye focuses images in front of the retina rather than on it. An optimally fitted pair of distance lenses can help you see clearly when looking at objects which are far away.

ZEISS UVProtect Technology Available in All Clear ZEISS Lenses

UV protection is recommended against harmful UV rays up to 400 nm. That’s why ZEISS is creating a new standard of care by including full UV protection in all clear plastic lenses – something no other lens manufacturer is offering.

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is always present. All year round, all day, in winter or summer, in sunny and even overcast conditions. Prolonged UV exposure poses some serious health risks.

Most of us know that UV rays can damage the skin, but many are unaware that UV exposure can also be harmful to the eyes and surrounding tissue.

The ZEISS Portfolio of Single Vision Lenses

With different classes of quality and performance available – Spherical, Aspheric, Optimal and Individual – you can be sure of finding the best single vision product to meet your vision needs, whether for distance vision or reading. Each performance tier includes all the benefits of the preceding.

Quality Class 1: Spherical – The Traditional Lens
This performance tier comprises single vision lenses with a spherical lens design which are a popular choice for single vision reading eyeglasses. ZEISS introduced the first spherical lenses with a design known as point focal imagery – ZEISS Punktal® – in 1912. Available in both plastic and glass, they can be used for both high and low prescriptions. The optimized lens surface ensures precise imagery – so even at this basic level of quality you can be sure of enjoying outstanding vision.

Quality Class 2: Aspheric – A Good Choice If You Are Long-Sighted
Single vision lenses within this performance tier have an aspheric design and are most suitable for lenses in the plus range, in other words for spectacle wearers who are long-sighted. The advantage they have over the spherical performance design is that aspheric lenses are typically up to 20 percent lighter and thinner than their spherical counterparts with the same power and have a significantly flatter front curvature – whilst always maintaining the same outstanding visual performance. The result is that the wearer's eyes are less magnified than with conventional lenses. Aspheric single vision lenses are a good choice for spectacle wearers with high prescriptions who are looking for visually appealing eyeglasses that offer superb vision.

Quality Class 3: Point-By-Point Optimization With Freeform Technology

Optimizes lens design for sharp vision in all distances, especially when lowering the gaze to focus on nearby objects, like smart phones. Improved optical performance with wider fields of view.

• ZEISS Single Vision 3D
• ZEISS Single Vision SmartLife Individual

Clarity that will astound you! Single vision lenses in this performance tier are produced with cutting-edge ZEISS freeform technology, achieving even greater visual comfort across the entire surface of the lens and virtually eliminating the distortions at the lens periphery that are found in conventional single vision lenses. Single vision lenses in this quality class take more aspects of the individual wearer’s prescription into account in the production process including sphere, cylinder, axis, prism and prism base. The lens design is extremely thin and flat, and everything appears clearer and more natural. Learn more about ZEISS freeform technology.

EnergizeMe Anti-Fatigue Lenses

• ZEISS EnergizeMe Design  – a new lens design for a wide field of view and comfortable vision
• ZEISS Digital Inside Technology – an innovative technology for a sharp, relaxed vision
• ZEISS DuraVision BlueProtect – a high-quality coating to reduce digital eye strain 

ZEISS SmartLife Digital Lens

Provides a wide, clear distance zone with a comfortable near zone for stress-free viewing of digital screens. Designed for all-day wear, ZEISS SmartLife Digital Lens is ideal for single vision patients who suffer from Digital Eye Strain.2

ZEISS DriveSafe

One pair of glasses for everyday use and safer driving.

Most drivers are exposed to difficult driving conditions that impact their vision, including driving in rain, snow or fog, and of course driving at night. For most, this can be a major source of stress - in fact, over two thirds of adults report difficulty driving in these challenging visual conditions. ZEISS DriveSafe, an all-day lens and coating solution designed for patients who need the most help with vision while driving. ZEISS DriveSafe’s unique technology addresses the most stressful visual challenges drivers face today.

ZEISS DriveSafe is available in both single vision and progressive lens types.

Your Visual Behaviour is Influenced By the Way You Use Digital Devices.

ZEISS SmartLife Lenses are supported by ZEISS SmartView Technology, which is based on applied research of today’s lifestyle, visual behaviour, and individual, age-related visual needs.

The technology considers:

Connected and on-the-move lifestyle

More people are connected in more ways than ever before. ZEISS SmartLife Lenses take your always connected, always on-the-move lifestyle into account.

Visual behaviour

This lifestyle has an impact on our visual behaviour. We read more information on smaller devices at closer distances, and we significantly shift our gaze downward.

Age-related needs

The lenses are designed to accommodate physical changes that affect your vision needs over time. So you can see clearly, near and far.

ZEISS SmartLife Digital Lens

Provides a wide, clear distance zone with a comfortable near zone for stress-free viewing of digital screens. Designed for all-day wear, ZEISS SmartLife Digital Lens is ideal for single vision patients who suffer from Digital Eye Strain.

ZEISS Progressive SmartLife Lenses

Specifically designed for the visual needs of people with presbyopia, ZEISS Progressive SmartLife lenses offer a smoother transition into the lens periphery with less perceived blur. The optical performance in the lens periphery is specially designed for frequent changes of head and eye position driven by how people interact with their handheld devices.

• ZEISS Progressive SmartLife Pure
• ZEISS Progressive SmartLife Plus
• ZEISS Progressive SmartLife Individual

ZEISS Progressive SmartLife Individual

• Up to 50% larger fields of clear vision
• Tailor-made for the individual pattern of vision.
• Different requirements for different ways of life

ZEISS Progressive SmartLife Pure/Plus

Customized performance for every patient, every frame

ZEISS Progressive Choice Plus lenses are customized using our patented (Patent) back-surface freeform technology to provide ideal optics for every patient. And with two options – Choice Plus and Choice Plus V – you can either choose the fitting height, or have the corridor sized automatically for the patient’s frame.

Up to 40% larger fields of clear vision1

Ordinary progressive lenses use a small number of base curve designs to meet the needs of all patients. The result is visual compromises for many, including the 70% of patients with astigmatism. ZEISS Progressive SmartLife Plus lenses are custom-designed for each patient’s full prescription, eliminating the compromises of base curves and delivering up to 40% wider fields of view.

Pure vision with enhanced performance for the digital world.

One of the main trends in today’s world is the increased use of digital devices. Interaction with computers, mobile phones and tablets has become embedded in our business and personal lives over the past few years.

Human Eyes Are Faced With Greater Challenges Than Ever Before

The reading distance when using digital devices is closer than with books or any other print media. Eye movements are fast and dynamic, from near to far and back, all day long. This must be taken into consideration in order to avoid severe eye strain, fatigue and unnatural head and body posture.

ZEISS Progressive SmartLife Pure/Plus responds to the vision requirements of digital device users.

ZEISS OfficeLens

See more at the workplace

People spend a lot of time in an office performing very near to intermediate vision related tasks. Unsuitable lenses can constrain our vision and can cause symptoms such as tired eyes, eyestrain, headaches, neck and back pain.

Options

The Officelens portfolio by ZEISS. The solution for relaxed and clear vision from near to intermediate distance is available in three design levels.

ZEISS DriveSafe

One pair of glasses for everyday use and safer driving.

Most drivers are exposed to difficult driving conditions that impact their vision, including driving in rain, snow or fog, and of course driving at night. For most, this can be a major source of stress - in fact, over two thirds of adults report difficulty driving in these challenging visual conditions. ZEISS DriveSafe, an all-day lens and coating solution designed for patients who need the most help with vision while driving. ZEISS DriveSafe’s unique technology addresses the most stressful visual challenges drivers face today.

ZEISS DriveSafe is available in both single vision and progressive lens types.

ZEISS Progressive SmartLife Lenses

Specifically designed for the visual needs of people with presbyopia, ZEISS Progressive SmartLife lenses offer a smoother transition into the lens periphery with less perceived blur. The optical performance in the lens periphery is specially designed for frequent changes of head and eye position driven by how people interact with their handheld devices.

• ZEISS Progressive SmartLife Pure
• ZEISS Progressive SmartLife Plus
• ZEISS Progressive SmartLife Individual

ZEISS Progressive SmartLife Individual

• Up to 50% larger fields of clear vision
• Tailor-made for the individual pattern of vision.
• Different requirements for different ways of life

ZEISS Progressive SmartLife Pure/Plus

Customized performance for every patient, every frame

ZEISS Progressive Choice Plus lenses are customized using our patented (Patent) back-surface freeform technology to provide ideal optics for every patient. And with two options – Choice Plus and Choice Plus V – you can either choose the fitting height, or have the corridor sized automatically for the patient’s frame.

Up to 40% larger fields of clear vision1

Ordinary progressive lenses use a small number of base curve designs to meet the needs of all patients. The result is visual compromises for many, including the 70% of patients with astigmatism. ZEISS Progressive SmartLife Plus lenses are custom-designed for each patient’s full prescription, eliminating the compromises of base curves and delivering up to 40% wider fields of view.

Pure vision with enhanced performance for the digital world.

One of the main trends in today’s world is the increased use of digital devices. Interaction with computers, mobile phones and tablets has become embedded in our business and personal lives over the past few years.

Human Eyes Are Faced With Greater Challenges Than Ever Before

The reading distance when using digital devices is closer than with books or any other print media. Eye movements are fast and dynamic, from near to far and back, all day long. This must be taken into consideration in order to avoid severe eye strain, fatigue and unnatural head and body posture.

ZEISS Progressive SmartLife Pure/Plus responds to the vision requirements of digital device users.

ZEISS OfficeLens

See more at the workplace

People spend a lot of time in an office performing very near to intermediate vision related tasks. Unsuitable lenses can constrain our vision and can cause symptoms such as tired eyes, eyestrain, headaches, neck and back pain.

Options

The Officelens portfolio by ZEISS. The solution for relaxed and clear vision from near to intermediate distance is available in three design levels.

ZEISS DriveSafe

One pair of glasses for everyday use and safer driving.

Most drivers are exposed to difficult driving conditions that impact their vision, including driving in rain, snow or fog, and of course driving at night. For most, this can be a major source of stress - in fact, over two thirds of adults report difficulty driving in these challenging visual conditions. ZEISS DriveSafe, an all-day lens and coating solution designed for patients who need the most help with vision while driving. ZEISS DriveSafe’s unique technology addresses the most stressful visual challenges drivers face today.

ZEISS DriveSafe is available in both single vision and progressive lens types.

Full UV protection in all ZEISS clear lenses - We have elevated the standard of care by offering sunglass-level UV protection in all clear ZEISS lenses. That's full UV protection up to 400nm, the level recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) and provided in premium sunglasses.

Glasses for Children:

• Children's lenses should be made of polycarbonate. This material is significantly more impact-resistant than other lens materials for added safety.
• Polycarbonate lenses also are significantly lighter than regular plastic lenses, which makes the glasses more comfortable — especially for strong prescriptions.
• And polycarbonate lenses have built-in protection against potentially damaging UV rays, and we use the strongest scratch coating available to help protect the lenses.

Sports glasses

• Polycarbonate is such a safe lens material that you may be tempted to let your child play sports in his regular glasses.
• Here's the drawback: Although polycarbonate is the lens material used for sports eyewear, regular eyeglass frames do not provide enough protection from large objects such as balls and flying elbows.
• So if your child is involved in sports, a proper sports goggle with polycarbonate lenses will provide the best protection against eye injury.

Consider an Anti-Reflective Coating

• A professional lens coating offers many benefits. It hardens the lens surface, making it more resistant to damage, reduces light reflections on the surface and makes the lens more dirt-resistant and easier to clean. DuraVision® Premium lens coatings from ZEISS combine these features in a single, first-class lens coating that meets the most demanding standards.

•  It is also more cosmetically appealing, helping to reduce the “lightning bolt” effect when taking pictures of your kids.

Blue Light

Beneficial Aspects of Blue Light

• Light does more than just help us see. It is also an important means of regulating our biological rhythms and affects our general well-being. Light influences whether or not we are awake, focused and productive and feel energized and healthy.
• Scientific studies have confirmed the biological effect of light on our bodies. Ultraviolet light, for example, influences the production of vitamins. Exposure to bright light and, in particular, the portion of blue light affects our hormonal balance. Hormones in the body regulate how a person feels as well as their sleep-wake cycle. In daylight, the portion of blue light is relatively high, whereas it is significantly reduced in the evening.
• When it's bright outside, the body releases serotonin – also known as one of the "happy hormones" – and cortisol, a stress hormone. Both of these make us feel awake and active. However, melatonin is considered a sleep hormone and causes us to feel tired and sleep soundly when it is dark.
• Light, in particular blue light that reaches the retina, also affects our psychological well-being. That is why light therapy is successfully employed to treat winter depression and insomnia. But, as is so often the case, the axiom "everything in moderation" still applies. Exposure to too much light also carries certain risks and can even be damaging.

Damaging Effects of Blue Light

Too much light in the ultraviolet and blue-violet bands can damage the human eye. As well as leading to painful inflammation of the conjunctiva and cornea, it can also cause damage to the eye's crystalline lens (e.g. cataracts) and especially to the retina (macular degeneration).

That's why it is so important to wear sunglasses with 100% UV protection in strong sunshine, especially in situations where there is a lot of glare, such as on water or snowy mountain slopes.

The Modern World: Light Sources With a High Proportion Of Blue Light

From light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and xenon light to energy-saving bulbs and electromagnetic radiation from screens, all the "new light sources" that are designed to make our lives better and easier contain a higher proportion of blue light than the old traditional light bulbs. The different spectral composition of the light means that we are exposed to significantly more blue light than before. Could this be having a detrimental effect on our eyesight?

But it is important to remember that spending one hour outside on a normal overcast day exposes our eyes to 30 times more blue light than spending one hour inside sitting in front of a screen.

Clear spectacle lenses with a blue light filter

It makes sense that clear spectacle lenses do not require UV protection if we mainly wear them indoors. However, it is possible to get clear lenses with a blue light filter, such as DuraVision® Blue Protect. But why?

Blue light radiation from light sources or screens can be irritating or tiring for some people's eyes. A blue filter can provide people with sharper vision: the different wavelengths of visible light are refracted in slightly different ways by the cornea and crystalline lens, so not all of them strike the same focal point on the retina. Some people will be familiar with this kind of phenomenon – for example, the fact that it's easier to clearly see red at a distance and blue close up, or the way in which infographics with red, green and blue lines are more tiring to keep in focus than lines which are all shaded in the same or similar colours.

Some people find that light sources with a high proportion of blue light can make them feel more restless at night. When we find ourselves in a dark room or outside at dusk or at night-time, our eyes switch to a different mode of vision. In low light, the human eye shifts from green sensitivity to the high-energy blue spectrum. That means we perceive blue light more intensely, which can give the sensation of increased glare. This effect will be familiar to drivers who have been blinded by the glaring headlights of oncoming vehicles, especially those with modern xenon or LED headlights. Spectacle lenses with a blue light filter can create a more comfortable vision in these situations.

DuraVision® BlueProtect is a lens coating for clear lenses which can be applied as an additional layer. It offers all the benefits of a traditional DuraVision® Premium coating by ZEISS, including optimized hardness in an easy-clean design. BlueProtect also includes a blue filter which attenuates blue light in the 380 to approx. 450 nm band. That means improved visual comfort for anyone who wants protection against blue light during indoor activities without losing the beneficial effects of blue light in the approx. 450 to 500 nm band! Spectacles with DuraVision® BlueProtect can be worn all day long unless you choose to wear your sunglasses for outdoor activities or use PhotoFusion lenses, which also offer 100% UV protection.

How Digital Devices Are Changing Our Vision

Tablets, smartphones, and other digital displays are not only changing the light spectrum we are exposed to – they are also changing our visual behaviour. It's important to recognize that we are spending far more time looking at things "close up" than we did before. That's often because the background brightness is too low. This is even a problem among children: "school myopia" refers to the increasing propensity of children to suffer from shortsightedness once they start school.

If we fail to spend enough time looking into the distance, then our eyes don't get as much opportunity to relax, and we essentially "unlearn" the ability to focus quickly for various distances. That causes digital eye strain. In addition, we naturally blink less when we're staring at digital displays, so our cornea is moistened less frequently by tear fluid. This can lead to tired, strained eyes. And in the worst case, it can even impair our vision.

Our tip: We recommend giving your eyes more frequent breaks by looking into the distance much more often – even when you are in the middle of working on your laptop, tablet or smartphone. And make sure your eyes are exposed to enough brightness while ensuring they are adequately protected against excessive UV and blue-violet light.

How to Help Your Kids

1. Go for a full eye examination

Kids adapt so easily that it can be hard to tell if they need glasses. Yearly eye exams are essential to confirm that your child’s vision is stable and eyes are healthy. It is also covered by Alberta Health Care once a year. And can be started as young as six months old.
 

2. Take regular breaks

Just like you need physical exercise, your health can also benefit from eye exercises. The 20 20 20 rule is a great way to give your eyes a break and a little exercise at the same time. It’s as simple as looking up from your screen every 20 minutes and focusing on something that’s 20 metres away for 20 seconds.

3. Blink, blink, blink!

When you work on a computer or focus on a smartphone, you tend to blink less and only close your lids partially when you do. Blinking moistens the eyes to prevent dryness and irritation, so when you’re on one of those scheduled breaks, focus on taking long, deep blinks.

4. Moisten your eyes

If you suffer from dry eyes, speak to your doctor or eye care practitioner about artificial tears. These are lubricating drops that help the tear film to work more effectively, so moisture doesn’t evaporate from the eyes too quickly.

5. Limit screen time for kids

Growing children with developing eyes shouldn’t use digital devices for a prolonged period of time. It’s even more important for them to take breaks and limit screen time than it is for you!

After a long day at school, make sure your child spends some time outdoors. Physical play is essential for their health and development, and it’s beneficial for their eyes. Research shows that children who spend more time outdoors are less likely to develop short-sightedness. When they are outside, remember that it’s important to apply sunscreen and to wear UV protection glasses.

If your child or teenager has a demanding academic programme, speak to your eye care professional about suitable lenses to help prevent strain.

6. Avoid blue light before bedtime

As already mentioned, all digital devices emit some form of blue light. When the eyes are exposed to a certain intensity and spectral band of blue light, the body releases less melatonin (the sleep hormone). This means that you will be more alert and awake for longer.

Of course, sleep is essential to relieving eye strain, so avoid excessive blue light exposure before you go to bed, or wear prescription glasses with a specialized blue light coating if you enjoy reading on your phone or tablet to wind down at night.

7. Make healthy choices

Eyes love veggies! Eat plenty of green veggies such as broccoli, spinach and cabbage, and of course, carrots.

Hydration is also important, especially if you suffer from dry eyes. You need to stay hydrated to make sure your eyes receive the moisture they need.

End your day of healthy choices with a good night’s rest – it will help your eyes to recover from strain.

Polarized Lenses by ZEISS

ZEISS precision sunglass lenses with polarization filter

Who hasn't experienced the glare of reflected sunlight on wet or shiny surfaces? This glare can have a negative impact on our vision, particularly while driving. It’s a good thing that an effective remedy is available: ZEISS sunglass lenses with polarization filter reliably reduce glare.

ZEISS Skylet®

Selective absorption for higher contrast

Skylet® is a high-quality dip coating for the plastic range of lenses from ZEISS. Skylet® sun protection lenses have been specially designed for situations in which greater protection is required from UV light and glare, and special demands are made on contrast at the same time.

As such sports as gliding, skiing, cycling or motorcycling are often performed in difficult light conditions, high contrast vision is of special importance, especially from the safety viewpoint.

As such sports as gliding, skiing, cycling or motorcycling are often performed in difficult light conditions, high contrast vision is of special importance, especially from the safety viewpoint.

ZEISS Sun Lens Colours

Where fashion meets function.

Sunglasses are a fashion accessory that underscore the wearer's personal style. Every wearer wants to enjoy the best vision while looking good.

The ZEISS Sun Lens tint portfolio:

• Large variety of tints available
• Always 100% UV protection  

DuraVision® Mirror Coating for Lenses

Our mirror coating for lenses has grown! ZEISS DuraVision Mirror Coatings, are now available in 4 flash mirrors and 7 standard mirrors. Customize lenses with white, jade, amber and sapphire flash mirror coatings in addition to our standard mirror coatings in red, green, blue, strong blue, silver, gold and bronze.

ZEISS PhotoFusion

Switching glasses is a thing of the past.

PhotoFusion was created by ZEISS Vision Care experts because consumers wanted self-tinting lenses that darken and turn clear faster.