The Different Types of Glasses Lenses: A Guide To Lens Types

August 19, 2024

Are you ready to invest in a new pair of glasses? Before you pick out a stylish and chic pair of luxury frames, your optometrist will ensure your frames are outfitted with the correct prescription lenses based on your eyewear needs.

The glasses material, lens type, and protective coating will all play a part in your overall eyewear experience, ensuring you can enjoy clear vision in all areas of your life.

Keep reading to learn more about the types of lenses for glasses. For more information, visit our Seattle eye clinic for a comprehensive eye exam and personal styling appointment with our talented opticians.

Key Takeaways

Single-vision lenses are made to correct one field of vision.
Bifocal and multifocal lenses can correct multiple fields of vision but have visible lines that divide the varying prescriptions.
Progressive lenses offer vision correction for multiple fields of sight, including near, far, and intermediate, with no visible lines.
Corrective lenses for glasses are usually made from synthetic plastics like CR-29, polycarbonate, or high index that are thin, lightweight, and durable.
Additional treatments like a scratch-resistant coating or anti-reflective coating can help ensure ocular comfort and clear vision.

Types of Optical Lenses

Whether you wear reading glasses or prescription lenses, your eyewear allows you to see the world around you. But how exactly do these thin slices of plastic improve your eyesight?

Your prescription lenses reflect light so that you can see more clearly. However, not all lenses are the same. Your lens type will depend on your lifestyle and vision needs. Whether you're shopping for polarized sunglass lenses or hand-sculpted acetate frames, you should have a good grasp of the various types of eyeglass lenses.

Let us break down each lens type for you.

Single-Vision Lenses

Single-vision lenses are the most common type of prescription lenses. They are meant to correct one field of vision and provide a larger viewing area. Single-vision lenses are often used for individuals who struggle with near or distance vision, but not both. Because single-vision lenses can only correct for one field of vision, they cannot be used to correct multiple fields of vision.

Bonus: How Far Can The Human Eye See?

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Photo Credit: @eyevan_official

Bifocal Lenses

Bifocal lenses can correct two fields of vision. These lenses are often divided into two areas, one of which corrects near vision and one of which corrects far vision. These two zones are clearly separated by a visible line. There is no transition zone, so they are usually not suited for those struggling to see at an intermediate distance.

Trifocal lenses are divided into three zones - one for near vision, one for intermediate vision, and one for distance vision correction.

Progressive Lenses

Progressive lenses allow individuals to see at multiple distances without any interruptions. Unlike bifocal or trifocal lenses, progressive lenses don't have visible lines or distinct zones. They allow you to see at varying distances and may reduce the number of prescription glasses you may need for everyday wear.

Types of Glasses Lens Materials

Today, eyeglasses are usually made from durable, comfortable, and lightweight plastics. These high-quality plastics are scratch-resistant and offer crisp vision. Here are the most common types of lens materials.

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Photo Credit: @eyevan_official

CR-39 Plastic Lenses

In the 1940s, CR-39 plastic lenses were introduced as a more affordable and lightweight alternative to glass lenses. These standard plastic lenses are made from a plastic polymer compound and are the most widely used material for prescription lenses.

Though thinner and more shatter-resistant than its glass predecessors, CR-39 plastic is more suited for weak or intermediate prescriptions.

Polycarbonate Lenses

Polycarbonate lenses have a higher refractive index than CR-39 lenses, meaning they are thinner and more lightweight. They're constructed from synthetic plastic and are easy for manufacturers to shape.

These shatter-resistant lenses are better suited for strong prescriptions, as they can correct vision without added weight or thickness.

High-Index Lenses

High-index lenses have a high refractive index. A refractive index is a number that defines how efficiently a lens can bend light. The higher the refractive index, the thinner the lens.

That means that high-index lenses can correct major refractive errors without becoming too thick or bulky. As a far thinner and lighter alternative to polycarbonate lenses, high-index lenses are best for very strong prescriptions.

Trivex Lenses

Trivex lenses are a superior choice for rimless, grooved rimless, and drill-mount frames. Their high tensile strength makes them unlikely to crack when mounted in a rimless frame.

Compared to polycarbonate and plastic lenses, this material is lightweight and thin yet highly durable. Trivex also offers sharp vision, minimal distortion, and comfortable wear. Additionally, it is scratch-resistant and impact-resistant, and blocks 100% of UV rays.

Glass Lenses

Though very uncommon and not recommended, glass lenses are available in some places for corrective eyewear.

However, many optometrists advise against glass lenses because they can easily break and injure the eye. Glass lenses are fragile and heavy and can easily shatter, posing a serious danger to the eyes.

Types of Lens Coatings and Treatments

The type and material of your lenses are important considerations when selecting corrective eyewear. However, that's not all that you need to keep in mind when shopping for new eyeglass lenses. The coatings and treatments of your lenses play an equally important part.

Coatings and treatments allow you to further customize your eyewear and enhance your vision experience.

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Photo Credit: @nativesons_usa

Scratch-Resistant Treatment

No lens is 100% scratch-proof, but an anti-scratch coating can greatly minimize surface scratches and abrasions. It can be easy to scuff your eyeglasses in day-to-day life, even if you are very careful.

A scratch-resistant coating makes your eyeglass lenses more resistant to minor damage, allowing you to enjoy crystal-clear vision without worry.

Anti-Reflective Coating

Glare can be very uncomfortable and inconvenient for those who wear corrective eyewear. The glare from screens and other light sources can be very bothersome both day and night.

An anti-reflective coating helps to shield your eyes from reflections and provide sharper vision.

Blue-Light Filter Coating

Harmful blue light emitted from digital devices can lead to eye fatigue, blurry vision, and general discomfort. Prolonged exposure to blue light can damage retinal cells and cause vision problems. For those who use screens very frequently, a blue-light filter can help minimize eye strain and reduce ocular discomfort.

A blue-light filter coating is a must-have for those who use screens during day-to-day activities.

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Photo Credit: @nativesons_usa

Hydrophobic Coating

A hydrophobic coating helps repel water, preventing wet and smudged glasses lenses. If you live an active lifestyle, then a hydrophobic treatment will make a world of difference. For adventurous spirits, invest in a pair of specialty eyewear from Rudy Project or similar brands.

UV-Blocking Treatment

UVA and UVB rays can be harmful to the eyes, especially over a long period of time. UV protection coatings can minimize eye strain, protect your vision, and block UV rays. Polarized lenses offer UV protection, which makes them a great choice for outdoor eyewear.

Final Thoughts

When selecting eyeglass lenses, there may be a lot to keep in mind. However, you don't need to commit all of this information to memory! Your local optometrist will ensure you walk away with a pair of glasses that offer excellent vision correction, comfort, and style. To pick up your pair, swing by our eye clinic or schedule an appointment here.

Keep Reading: How To Remove Scratches From Glasses

Oculus Eyecare is Seattle’s premier optometry practice and optical boutique for those looking to see and be seen in a new way. Located in South Lake Union on Denny Way, Oculus Eyecare offers comprehensive eye care services and exams for individuals and families in Seattle. Click here to schedule an appointment or a personal styling session. To stay connected and learn more, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and X/Twitter.