Types of eyeglass lenses explained

Choosing lenses can feel confusing because there are several decisions. They fall into four groups: the lens material, the lens design, the coatings and the tint. This guide explains each, and links to a page for every option.

1. Lens material

• Standard plastic. The usual choice for light prescriptions.
• Impact-resistant plastics such as polycarbonate. Often chosen for children and for active use. Ask us what is available.
• High-index. Thinner and lighter for strong prescriptions.

2. Lens design

• Single vision. One power across the lens, for distance or for reading.
• Bifocal. A distance zone and a reading zone, with a visible line.
• Progressive. Distance, middle and reading in one lens, with no line.

Not sure which design you need? Read progressive vs bifocal lenses. The design depends on your prescription, so also read how to read your eye prescription.

3. Coatings

• Anti-glare. Cuts reflections for night driving, screens and photographs.
• Blue cut. Filters part of the blue-violet light from screens. Read what blue cut lenses do and do not do.
• Scratch-resistant and UV coatings. Ask us which are included for your lens.

4. Tints and light-reactive lenses

• Photochromic. Clear indoors, darker in sunlight.
• Polarized. Cuts glare from roads and water, for sunglasses.
• Tinted lenses. A fixed colour for fashion or glare.

Which lens for which situation?

If you…	Consider
Need distance glasses only	Single vision
Work on a screen all day	Anti-glare and blue cut, or computer glasses
Need far and near, from about 40	Progressive or bifocal
Have a strong prescription	High-index
Go in and out of sunlight	Photochromic
Drive in strong sun	Polarized sunglasses, see UV400 sunglasses

Next steps

• Try the free Which Lens Do I Need tool or the lens comparison.
• See how lens pricing works, and all prescription lenses.
• Order prescription glasses online.