Where I work, we use Resolution lenses. These lenses are great. If you have to work with polycarbonate lenses, Resolution is by far the best. What makes them so good is that they are both aspheric and atoric. This simply means that both powers in an astigmatic lens have been optimized to reduce certain aberrations. Birefringence according to Optima “is an indicator of optical flaws“. The elimination of birefringence allows for more consistency of the Rx throughout the lens. Pincushion and barrel distortions are virtually eliminated and the lenses come out nice and thin. Of course, poly does have a low Abbe value and will have chromatic aberration. The Resolution lenses are a little unforgiving to fit. I don’t know if any of you have encountered issues with the dispensing of aspheric lenses. It’s important to place the O.C. vertically near the pupil (within 5 mm) and cut back on some of the panto (keep it under 10 degrees). It’s also important to use monocular PDs as well. This advice has worked for me and can be found in the “System for Ophthalmic Dispensing” 2nd Ed. by Brooks and Borish (p. 510 -513 if you guys feel so inclined). Also, make sure not to decenter these lenses in order to create prism. For aspheric lenses, prism must be generated into the lens. There is another lens made by Optima called Response. I haven’t used it yet. I’ll let you know what I think once I have some experience with it.

Pros:
Thinner than conventional (spherical) polycarbonate
Blocks UV light (of course)
Impact resistant (of course)
Low distortion for either plus or minus lenses.
Available with a factory A/R coating called Cerium58

Cons:
Chromatic Aberration (Low Abbe Value)
To some extent cost (They are more expensive than conventional poly).

Rating:
StarStarStarStar
4 out of 5 Stars.

more stars, more gooder 🙂

4 comments

  1. Brian Thomas

    Al:

    You forgot the main difference about resolution. It is maufactured differently – that is how the distortion is eliminated, not through the asphericity.

    Brian

  2. According to Optima, the aspheric-atoric design is what elimnates the distortion. Click on the link and you’ll see it on the left column.
    http://resolutionlenses.com/tradeinfo/productinfo.html

    the only polycarbonate with an Aspheric-Atoric lens design for distortion-free optics throughout the entire lens

    I also link to the product info on their unique manufacturing. I guess I can call a rep or talk to a lens designer or something to clarify. I also corrected the wording which may have been confusing. Will let you know more.

  3. I think the way Optima is using the word “distortion” is unclear. I called them up and spoke to a technical person. The asphericity is eliminating the pin-cushion/barrel variety of distortions vs the ECM technology that is making the lens more homogenous in the RX throughout the lens eliminating blurry sections of the lens that is normally there with other poly lenses.

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