To clean your lenses, we suggest using only Optica Omni cleaning fluid, which is available at any of our stores, and a lint-free cleaning cloth, which you can also pick up at any of our locations. For day-to-day cleaning of light smudges, a few swipes of this cloth should do the trick. Avoid using hot water on your lenses (especially if they are high-index lenses), as they can develop bubbles or cracks when exposed to high heat.

Often referred to as Transition lenses, after the most widely-known brand, photochromic lenses are clear indoors, but darken when exposed to the sun. They can be a great alternative to having a pair of regular glasses AND a pair of prescription sunglasses, and help protect your eyes when outdoors. SunFast, available exclusively at Courts Optical, is a more affordable alternative to Transitions-branded lenses.

Anti-reflective, or AR, coating, is a thin membrane that is applied to the outside of the lens to reduce the impact of reflective glare, and is particularly important if you spend a lot of time in front of a computer, or driving at night. Using AR coating makes the experience of wearing glasses more comfortable, and also helps reduce negative effects of excessive computer use such as eye strain and headaches.

We like to refer to our Sunfast product as a “superlens”. Sunfast lenses are manufactured exclusively for Optica Omni, using a special type of polycarbonate that results in lenses that are thinner, lighter and stronger than most on the market. It offers UV protection up to 400 nm, the maximum wavelength for ultraviolet light (most lenses only protect up to 100nm). Sunfast lenses are hydrophobic, which means they repel water, like the bodywork of your car after it has been waxed. They are also oleophobic, which means they repel grease. Owners of the iPhone 6 will be familiar with this technology, as the screen is also oleophobic, allowing you to wipe away fingerprints quickly and easily. Sunfast lenses feature an anti-reflective element that is actually built into the lens, giving you comfort and protection from glare, without the risk of the coating cracking over time. The lenses also feature anti-scratch technology. Clarity lenses are available as both clear and photochromic lenses (SunFast), as well as Freeform lenses.

A is for Aging. UVA rays tan your skin but also cause premature ageing and can accelerate the development of age-related illnesses. They cause damage over a long period and excessive exposure can damage eyesight. B is for Burning. Responsible for causing sunburn, UVB rays can quickly damage eye tissue with prolonged and unprotected exposure. Where possible look for lenses that offer both UVA and UVB protection.

All sunglasses are designed to reduce brightness, but glare from the sun can still cause eye strain, squinting or even temporary blindness. Polarized lenses provide 100% protection from glare and UV rays.

Visible light waves from the sun travel in all directions. When sunlight reflects off a horizontal surface, like a road or water, it often becomes concentrated horizontally. This is known as glare. Vertical light is useful to the human eye, but glare masks useful light, making it difficult and uncomfortable to see. Polarized lenses block glare and allow only useful vertical light to enter the eye and are especially useful for activities such as driving, sailing and fishing.

Freeform technology is a revolutionary digital manufacturing process that uses computer-aided design and surfacing to create high-definition, customised lenses based on individual prescriptions and frames. High Definition: if you’re familiar with high definition (HD) television you’ll know how the technology makes colours brighter, shapes sharper and brings everything keenly into focus, when compared to traditional analogue television. Freeform lenses work the same way – you may be able to see fine with your current lenses, but once you’ve tried freeform we guarantee you’ll never go back to regular lenses! Customised: if you want a suit that fits your physique perfectly you can visit a tailor and have something designed and cut specifically for you. It’s the same with freeform lenses – freeform generators can read and respond to your prescription up to 1/100th of a diopter (0.01D compared to 0.125D – 0.25D with conventional lens manufacturing), and the lenses are created to account for variations in your eyes across the entire surface of the lens, helping you see better across more of your lens. They also take into account the pantoscopic tilt of your chosen frame (the angle of the lens in front of your eye). In addition to improved visual clarity, better peripheral vision, exceptional contrast perception, and brighter and more intense colours, freeform lenses also provide exceptional night/low-light vision, by reducing glare and halo effects caused by light sources such as car headlights. Freeform lenses are available to all patients, but those with complex prescriptions and/or progressive lenses will benefit the most from making the switch.