Lens Options Explained

Who needs it: Most people under 40. Nearsighted, farsighted, or astigmatism — one correction throughout the lens.

Single vision lenses have one focal power across the entire lens. If your prescription has SPH, CYL, and AXIS but no ADD value, you need single vision. The most common lens type. Suitable for most frame shapes and sizes including small round frames.

Who needs it: Most people over 40 who need reading help. Your prescription will include an ADD value.

Progressive lenses have a gradual transition from distance correction at the top to reading correction at the bottom, with an intermediate zone in between. No visible line. They are more optically complex than single vision and require a larger lens height (minimum fitting height) to work correctly. Cat-eye, round, and very small frames may not be suitable for progressives — always confirm with your optician.

Who needs it: People who prefer a distinct visual separation between distance and reading zones.

Bifocal lenses have two distinct optical zones separated by a visible line — distance correction on top, reading correction below. Less common than progressives today, but preferred by some for the clearer transition between zones. Requires a minimum lens height similar to progressives.

Who needs it: Anyone who spends extended time on screens — computers, phones, tablets.

Blue light lenses filter out a portion of high-energy visible (HEV) blue light emitted by screens. Can be applied as a coating to any single vision or progressive lens. Evidence on eye strain reduction is mixed, but many users report reduced fatigue during extended screen time. Available in two versions: clear lenses with a blue-blocking coating, or lightly tinted.

Who needs it: People who want sunglasses and prescription glasses in one — without carrying two pairs.

Photochromic lenses darken automatically in UV light outdoors and return to clear indoors. "Transitions" is the most recognised brand. Note that they do not darken significantly inside cars (car windshields block most UV). Can be applied to single vision and progressive prescriptions.

Who needs it: People with stronger prescriptions (SPH above ±4.00 or ±5.00) who want thinner lenses.

High-index lenses use a denser material that bends light more efficiently, resulting in thinner lenses for the same prescription power. Standard 1.50 index is fine for mild prescriptions. For stronger corrections, 1.67 or 1.74 index can dramatically reduce lens thickness and weight. Worth asking your optician about if your prescription is strong.