Which RX Lens Type Is Right for Me?

Intro

Choosing the right prescription lens type depends on your vision needs and how you use your glasses every day. Some lenses are designed for one viewing distance, while others help you see clearly at multiple distances in one pair. This guide explains common RX lens types and helps you understand which option may be best for reading, distance vision or all-day wear.

If you have numbers listed for the Addition (ADD) portion of your prescription, please choose progressives or bifocals. If you don’t have, please choose single vision.

Single Vision

Single vision is the standard eyeglass prescription lens. This lens type has one field of vision throughout the entire lens, for correcting nearsightedness or farsightedness.

OR

Progressives

Progressives correct near, intermediate and distance in one lens. They have a seamless, invisible design where the power “progressively” changes throughout the lens with distance vision on the top, near vision on the bottom, and intermediate in between.

Bifocals

Bifocal lenses have two viewing areas: a larger viewing area for distance with a smaller area for reading. If you haven’t worn bifocals before, it can take some time to adjust to moving your eyes between the distance and reading portions of the lens.