Medicine
Fact-checked

At TheHealthBoard, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What is an Ophthalmic Lens?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

An ophthalmic lens is a lens for correcting vision in a person with visual impairments where the focal point of the eyes does not hit the retina. Lenses can also be used to address problems like astigmatism. They come in a variety of forms including plastic and glass lenses worn in glasses, contact lenses placed in direct contact with the eye, and lens implants surgically inserted into the eye to correct visual impairments. It is usually necessary to receive a prescription for a specific ophthalmic lens, although some people can correct their vision with over-the-counter lenses.

Basic ophthalmic lenses correct for near- or farsightedness, where the focus point lies in front of or behind the retina. They curve to adjust the focal point and let light hit the retina precisely, allowing people to focus. Other lenses can have additional features. The earliest ophthalmic lens designs were glass. Modern glasses, named for the preferred historic lens material, commonly use plastics for their impact absorption and light weight, although glass lenses are still available.

Consult with your optometrist when deciding which lenses are best for you.
Consult with your optometrist when deciding which lenses are best for you.

Contact lenses, including hard and soft designs, are worn on the surface of the eye. Their surfaces curve to bend light and make sure it hits the right point. One advantage of contact lenses is the wide visual range. People who wear glasses can encounter distortions near the edge of the lens, as well as being distracted by the frame of the glasses. It is important to fit glasses properly so they do not impede the patient's vision.

Contact lenses are a type of ophthalmic lens.
Contact lenses are a type of ophthalmic lens.

Lens implants are another option. This may be considered for patients with severe damage to their natural lenses. This type of ophthalmic lens is implanted in a sterile surgical procedure by a surgeon after determining the appropriate prescription. Depending on the situation, additional vision correction may be necessary to help the patient see clearly. Implants can be very costly, but have do not have the same maintenance and replacement requirements as glasses and contact lenses.

Contact lenses offer a wider visual range than glasses.
Contact lenses offer a wider visual range than glasses.

Specialists in ophthalmic lens design can work in lens manufacturing facilities, grinding lenses and handling complex custom orders. They can also work in lab environments, designing new generations of lenses and improving vision correction options for people with visual impairments. Many patients do not interact directly with the people who make their lenses. Instead, they receive an examination from an ophthalmologist or optometrist, who will determine the appropriate prescription and order necessary lenses from a manufacturer.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a TheHealthBoard researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a TheHealthBoard researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discuss this Article

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Consult with your optometrist when deciding which lenses are best for you.
      By: Remzi
      Consult with your optometrist when deciding which lenses are best for you.
    • Contact lenses are a type of ophthalmic lens.
      By: ruigsantos
      Contact lenses are a type of ophthalmic lens.
    • Contact lenses offer a wider visual range than glasses.
      By: revers_jr
      Contact lenses offer a wider visual range than glasses.
    • Ophthalmic lenses can be used for farsightedness, making it easier for people to see up close.
      By: naxaso
      Ophthalmic lenses can be used for farsightedness, making it easier for people to see up close.