Choosing lenses can feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about lens types, materials, coatings, and edging services in plain language so you can make a confident decision.
Single vision lenses have one prescription strength across the entire lens. They correct for either near vision (reading) or distance vision, but not both. If you only need help seeing things far away or only need reading glasses, single vision is the way to go. These are the most commonly prescribed lenses.
Bifocal lenses have two zones built into one lens. The top portion corrects for distance vision, and the bottom portion (a visible half-moon shaped segment) corrects for reading. There is a visible line separating the two zones. Bifocals are a good choice if you need both distance and reading correction and prefer a clear distinction between the two.
Trifocal lenses have three zones: distance on top, an intermediate zone in the middle (for things like computer screens), and a reading zone at the bottom. There are two visible lines separating the zones. These are ideal if you need correction at all three distances and prefer defined areas for each.
Progressive lenses work like bifocals or trifocals but with no visible lines. The prescription gradually transitions from distance at the top to reading at the bottom, with intermediate vision in between. The result is a smooth, natural shift as you move your eyes.
Progressives come in multiple design levels:
The original optical plastic. CR-39 offers excellent optical clarity at an affordable price. The trade-off is that these lenses are thicker and heavier than other options, especially with stronger prescriptions. A solid choice for mild prescriptions when budget is a priority.
Trivex is lightweight, impact resistant, and optically crisp. It's the top choice for rimless and drill-mount frames because it resists cracking when drilled. Trivex also blocks 100% of UV light. If you wear rimless frames or want the clearest optics in a lightweight lens, Trivex is the way to go.
Polycarbonate is the most widely used lens material. It's thin, lightweight, naturally impact resistant, and has built-in UV protection. It's the standard for children's eyewear and safety glasses. For most people with average prescriptions, polycarbonate is the best balance of performance, durability, and value.
Hi-Index 1.67 lenses are thinner and lighter than polycarbonate, making them a great upgrade for stronger prescriptions. If your lenses tend to look thick at the edges or feel heavy, 1.67 will give you a noticeably slimmer, more attractive profile. Recommended for prescriptions above +/- 4.00.
The thinnest lens material available. Hi-Index 1.74 is the best option for very strong prescriptions (above +/- 6.00). These lenses minimize edge thickness as much as physically possible, giving you the most cosmetically appealing result even with high prescriptions.
Anti-reflective (AR) coating reduces glare and reflections on the surface of your lenses. This improves clarity, makes your eyes more visible to others, and cuts down on halos around lights at night. Available in three tiers:
Blue light filtering blocks a portion of the high-energy blue light emitted by screens, LED lighting, and digital devices. This can help reduce eye strain and fatigue during long hours of screen use. A great add-on for anyone who spends significant time on computers, tablets, or phones.
Photochromic lenses (often called Transitions, the most well-known brand) automatically darken when exposed to UV sunlight and return to clear indoors. They give you the convenience of sunglasses and regular glasses in one pair. Ideal if you move between indoors and outdoors frequently and don't want to carry two pairs.
Polarized lenses contain a special filter that blocks intense reflected glare from surfaces like water, roads, snow, and car hoods. This makes them ideal for driving, fishing, boating, and other outdoor activities. Polarization is applied to sunglass lenses and provides noticeably sharper, more comfortable vision in bright conditions.
Mirror coating adds a reflective finish to the outside of sunglass lenses. It reduces the amount of light passing through the lens and gives your sunglasses a bold, stylish look. Available in a variety of colors including silver, gold, blue, and green.
Basic lens shaping to fit your frame. The lens is cut and beveled to snap securely into a full-rim frame. This is included or standard with most lens orders.
For frameless (rimless) frame styles, the lens is precision-drilled so the temples and bridge mount directly to the lens. This requires careful work and impact-resistant lens material (Trivex or polycarbonate recommended).
For semi-rimless frames, a thin groove is cut around the edge of the lens so a nylon cord can hold the lens in place. This gives the clean look of a rimless frame with added stability from the top rim.
Our Concierge Eyewear Services team is here to help. We'll walk you through every option based on your prescription, lifestyle, and budget. No pressure, just honest guidance.
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