Optical lenses are not only designed and made for reading or everyday wear, but they're available in a wide variety of industries such as photography, engineering, and research and development. Whether you're an ophthalmologist who prescribes contact lenses, a scientist who works with telescopes or a welder who requires safety glasses when working with machinery, you need to determine which optical lenses are appropriate for your needs.

Some of the most common lenses are optical thin lenses, optical progressive lenses and night optical lenses. Optical thin lenses are concave and convex, or bowl-shaped with a rounded mirror surface. Movie cameras, telescopes and contact lenses are examples of optical thin lenses. Optical progressive lenses have changing powers to aid in close reading or distance viewing, without the lines found on traditional bifocal or multifocal lenses. Night optical lenses allow for clear nighttime vision for driving, construction work or military defense. Here are some basics to consider when shopping for optical lenses.

1. Look at industrial optical lenses that make a good fit for the job.

2. Find optical lens features that are effective in helping your visual needs.

3. Research an industrial optical lens supplier or manufacturer that works for reasonable rates.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find the right optical lenses depending on the job functions

Consider optical lenses that promote visual acuity and protection from eye injuries.

I recommend: JML Optical Industries, Inc. provides custom made optical lenses of all dimensions such as flat field laser scan lenses, spherical lenses and reflective optical lenses. HOYA Corporation USA produces concave and convex optical lenses, as well as other aspherical lenses for the telecommunications, electronics, aerospace and biomedical industries.

Search for optical lens types that are long-lasting

Look at optical lens types and components that are durable. Consider lenses that do not fog or scratch.

I recommend: LaCroix Optical Co. manufactures custom made optical lenses made with materials such as filter glass and fused silica. They offer coating and polishing services to ensure quality optic lenses. Rochester Precision Optics offers precision glass molding and other systems such as eye pieces, lens barrels and optical test fixtures.

Research reputable optical lens manufacturers at competitive prices

Search for an optical lens manufacturer that develops quality optical glass lenses for your business at reasonable prices.

I recommend: Edmund Optics Inc. supplies optic lenses and optical components, imaging systems and opto-mechanical equipment that supports the military as well as the biomedical, electronics, research and pharmaceutical markets. General Optics customizes industrial optical lenses for clients in the medical, defense, aerospace and telecommunications fields. Linden Safety Supply Co. sells different styles and tints of safety glasses that prevent eye injuries while maintaining visibility when working with machines.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  For best results, take care of your optical glass lenses by cleaning them with specialized lens cleaner that doesn't smell or leave residue, and one that can be used for safety glasses, camera or telescope lenses.