Types of Lenses

There are many different types of lenses you can choose from, such as single vision, multifocal and progressive lenses. Here are a few common types of lenses along with the eye conditions and situations they’re best suited for:

Single Vision:

Most common type of prescription lens. It has one viewing area with a single point of focus. They can be used for reading glasses with powers of +1.00, +1.50, +2.00, or +2.50 (or quarter steps in between).

Bifocal/Trifocal

This is a dual or triple-focus lens that uses the same frame to improve vision both up close and afar. You’ll see a thin visible line that separates the two prescriptions on the lens. The lower portion corrects farsightedness, while the upper portion improves objects at a distance.

Progressive

Also known as “no-line bifocals,” these lenses have three prescriptions on one lens. These adaptive lenses allow you to seamlessly do close-up reading, middle-range work, or distance viewing.

Lens Materials

Next, there are several different materials that can be used to create lenses. Here are a few common materials along with the types of lifestyles/activities they’re best suited for:

Plastic:

Lightweight and durable lens material. Often prescribed for their comfort and impact resistance.

Polycarbonate:

Thinner and lighter than plastic, impact resistant, best choice for children and active adults.

Trivex:

Thin, lightweight and much more impact-resistant than regular plastic lenses. They also provide 100% protection for the sun’s UV rays. Best option for prescription sunglasses.

High Index:

Lightest weight and thinnest glasses designed specifically for people with strong prescriptions (+/-6.00 sphere). They are made of a hard resin that provides comfort for everyday use.

Transition:

Interacts with sunlight to change the lens from clear to tinted. Great for having a single pair of glasses that can also serve as sunglasses.

Lens Treatments

Anti-reflective:

Eliminates glare while offering protection from UV rays.

Photochromic:

Changes when exposed to UV rays (i.e., clear indoors, tinted outdoors)

Polarized:

Reduces surface-glare while driving to improve contrast and visual clarity.

Scratch-resistant:

Protective treatment that prevents scratches

UV Protection:

Protects against the harmful effect of UV rays

Mirror:

Highly-reflective treatment to lens to reduce glare