Ask The Labs
By Joseph L. Bruneni

TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE?

Q We heard a rumor today that seems too good to be true. Is there a way to apply AR coatings to lens molds so that finished plastic lenses come out of the mold with an anti-reflective coating?

A Some people believe this technology can't be done, but one company has been working on the process for some time. It is basically a lens casting process that is microprocessor-controlled. It applies an anti-reflective coating to the inside surfaces of front and back lens molds, literally causing the AR to be built into the material as the lens is forming in the mold. The system is currently in Beta test. Look for more information on this new concept planned for release during International Vision Expo West.

A VANISHING LENS REAPPEARS

Q Our lab informs us that lens manufacturers no longer produce the blended myodisc blanks used for very high minus prescriptions. What are the alternatives for very high myopes?

A The technique of producing standard and/or blended myodisc lenses in the lab is a vanishing skill in spite of its importance for people wearing strong minus corrections. There is a unique laboratory that specializes in doing this kind of work only for other labs. They do not directly serve eyecare professionals. The company can produce a high minus myodisc designed specifically to fit a given frame shape. They also produce custom myodiscs in all multifocal types and lens materials. Have your local lab call Epic Labs at 320-656-1473 or contact them at: epic@cloudnet.com

KIDS NEED HELP

Q I am an optician who works for a behavioral optometrist. Frequently, we are in need of lenses for children with bifocal needs, sometimes in low add powers (+0.50, +0.75). I need to know the availability for poly lenses in flat top and round bifocals.

--Lisa Gordon, Grant Vision Care, Inc., Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio

A You point out an area in which manufacturers haven't responded well to need. No round top bifocals are currently made in polycarbonate. In flat tops, most brands have add powers from 1.00D to 3.00D. Vision-Ease makes a 0.75D add in Continua™ D28, but has suspended sales of polycarbonate flat tops. Low power adds in poly progressives: American Optical, AO Pro® 16, 0.50D to 3.50D add powers. Poly progressives with adds starting at 0.75D: Sola Visuality® and Percepta®, Essilor Natural® and Ovation®, Varilux Comfort® and Panamic®, Vision-Ease Outlook™, Rodenstock life®2, and Shamir Genesis.

Poly on a diet

Q Our lab has been telling us about a new polycarbonate lens from Optima that is up to 25 percent thinner and lighter than standard polycarbonate. If the lens is made of polycarbonate, how can it be "thinner and lighter" than polycarbonate? Do they use a different type of poly resin?

A The lens you ask about is called Resolution™. The specific gravity of polycarbonate is constant which means a one inch cube of Brand A poly will weigh the same as a one inch cube of Brand B poly. Optima accomplish this significant improvement in weight and thinness by using a different lens design. Resolution lenses are produced in minus powers only and are all aspheric/atoric in design. All cylinder corrections have atoric curves on the backside of the lens. This creates a sizeable reduction in edge thickness. Reducing edge thickness also reduces lens mass and produces the lightest lenses possible.

If you have a question you'd like to have answered in Ask the Labs, send it to Joseph L. Bruneni. Fax: 310-533-8165. Phone: 310-533-4975. E-mail: joe@bruneni.com.  Or mail questions to: Vision Consultants, 2908 Oregon Court, #I-2, Torrance, CA 90503. An archive of past Ask the Labs columns can be found on the Eyecare Business Website at www.eyecarebiz.com.