Which are the right lenses for you?
On this page you will find information to help you find the right lenses to suit your needs.
We are also happy to help, so if you have any questions, please get in touch.
Single Vision lenses
Not sure, or prescription outside this range? Ask us.
Single vision lenses are designed to have one power through the entire lens – they are available as either distance lenses or reading lenses. Depending on the strength of your prescription, you may wear your glasses all the time (i.e. for both distance and reading – and everything in between), or you may just use them for some activities, e.g. for reading. We carry a wide range of Single Vision lenses which means a quick turnaround for you. We can also do special orders if we don’t have your particular prescription in stock.
Our standard range (which is included in the price of all our prescription glasses or lens orders) is:
Sphere (SPH): We stock prescriptions from -10.00 to +6.00.
Cylinder (CYL): Our standard range is for cylinder prescriptions that are lower than -2.00.
Progressive Lenses +
As you get older (generally some time after age 40), you may begin to notice the problems with reading up close, including that feeling that your arms “aren’t long enough” to hold a newspaper or magazine at a position where you can read it clearly.
If you already wear glasses, this generally means you will need to begin wearing multifocal lenses to continue to see clearly at all distances.
Progressive lenses are a newer technology that behave like bifocals, but have no visible line, and offer a younger-looking appearance and other advantages over bifocals, including:
- Progressive lenses are designed for people who just want one pair of glasses that can cover most of the things they do in the day without needing to take glasses on/off, or keep switching between different pairs.
- Progressive multifocal lenses provide a more natural correction – instead of having just two powers like bifocals, progressive lenses are true “multifocal” lenses that provide a seamless progression of many lens powers for all viewing distances.
How they work
Progressive lenses have a corridor of clear vision in the centre of the lens that varies in power depending on where you are looking through.
Finding the right progressives for you
Buying progressives can be confusing as prices vary from $100 through to $1,500 depending on where you go, and which lenses you select. The difference is not just in the price though – more expensive lenses have better technology designed to increase the clear areas, and improve the wearer’s comfort.
At Mr Foureyes, we have taken an approach of offering a premium lens at a far more affordable price (from $350 for lenses or $550 for complete glasses with progressive lenses).
It is important that we see you in person so we can measure up your glasses to ensure the perfect fit. For this reason, this service is currently only available in-person at our Hataitai workshop.
Lens Coatings +
Modern glasses can come with a bewildering array of different lens choices. We’ve tried to make it simple for you, but we also want to make sure you know exactly what you are getting. Here’s the run-down:
Anti-reflective coatings
Anti-reflective coating (also called AR or anti-glare coating) eliminates light reflections from the front and back of lenses. With less reflection, more light passes through the lens – improving vision and appearance (by making your lenses look nearly invisible). AR coatings are especially beneficial when used on high-index lenses, will improve your vision when driving at night, and help reduce eye strain with prolonged computer work.
All our glasses and lenses come standard with anti-reflective coatings – if for any reason you don’t want this option, please let us know.
Scratch-Resistant Coatings
All our lenses are treated front and back with a clear, scratch-resistant coating to give a much harder surface. Keep in mind that even the best scratch-resistant coating can’t completely protect your lenses from wear and tear. To keep your glasses looking new, store them in a cushioned case when not in use, and clean your lenses with a microfibre cloth.
UV Protection (Coating)
Our standard optical lenses block out most UV light which is great for your eyes in New Zealand’s sunny conditions.
Thinner Lenses +
Thinner lenses are lighter on your face, and can look more pleasing to the eye.
- Our glasses come complete with thin lenses. You can upgrade to ultra-thin lenses for an additional $50.
- For our reglaze customers, we offer lenses in standard ($150), thin ($175), or ultra-thin ($200).
If you have a lower prescription, it’s a personal choice whether you want to upgrade to thinner lenses or not. If you have a higher prescription (e.g. are more short-sighted), we do recommend an upgrade. Our recommendations are outlined below. Our optometrist will also double-check your order to make sure you’re getting the right lenses for your prescription.
Sphere Power |
Lenses we recommend |
| Up to +/- 1.50 | Standard |
| +/- 1.50 to +/- 3.50 | Thin |
| Greater than +/- 3.50 | Ultra Thin |
Tinted Lenses +
We offer a range of options for tinted (sunglass) lenses. Most types of sunglasses frames are appropriate for fitting with prescription lenses, with the exception of some wraparound sunglasses that curve around the head. Prescription sunglasses made with extreme curves typically distort vision.
Not sure? Contact us.
UV Tinted Lenses ($180)
This is the standard sunglass lens, which offers 100% UV protection for your eyes. Available in a brown or grey tint.
Polarised Lenses ($220)
Polarised lenses contain a special filter that blocks reflected light (like off the surface of the road, or water), reducing the intense glare. These are great for people who want sunglasses that not only offer better clarity in the sun, but are also more comfortable, reducing eye strain over time.
Polarised lenses come in both grey and brown - grey is more popular in New Zealand.
Transition Lenses ($250)
Transitions lenses darken automatically when exposed to sunlight, then fade back when you return indoors. Transitions offer 100% UV protection and are great for people looking for one pair of prescription glasses to wear inside and outside without needing to compromise on their vision or have to carry multiple pairs of glasses.
In most cases, transitions lenses are clear indoors and darken to a medium tint outdoors; they react to UV light so on cloudy days they tend to darken less than sunny days.