Mark,
Lenses don't wear out however certain coatings can slowly distengrate
and compromise the optics. Also, scratches play a part in the acuity
of lenses. Glass lenses surpass all lenses as far as the best optics
that you can get however there is a weight issue there. Your
prescription will determine if you need a thinner lighter
material...there a quite a few on the market to choose from...much of
it depending on how much correction you have. There is a newer lense
made from a material called Trivex which has exceptional optics and
is a very durable lense. This lense with an anti-reflective coating
should give you exceptional optics. Anti-reflective coatings improve
the light transmission of the lenses therefore improving clarity
also. Two coatings on the market that are very good are the: Hoya
Super Hi-vision anti-reflective coating and also the Crizal Azize is
good also.
Hope this helps,
Brent Seilheimer, A.B.O.C

--- In opticallabs@yahoogroups.com, "mrstringer" <mrstringer@y...>
wrote:
>
> Hello,
>
> I'm nearsighted and have been wearing glasses for 25 years or
> so. I've noticed that whenever I get new glasses the new lenses
> seem to work much better, clearer and sharper, even though
> they have the same perscription. Do lens "wear out" over time?
> Does it has something to do with the lens coatings that are
> popular these days? What are the best lenses to buy? I'm
> interesested in maximum clarity, I'm thinking of going with just a
> plain lens, no anti glare coatings or such.
>
> thanks,
> Mark