If you’ve been told that you need to wear prescription lenses to improve your vision are facing wearing glasses for the very first time, you might be feeling overwhelmed with the level of choice that you are faced with. That’s because no two pairs of glasses are created the same, and it’s not just the prescriptions that differ. With various lens types and coatings to choose from, how do you know which type of eyeglasses are right for you? To help you to make an informed decision, let’s take a look at the variations in eyeglasses more closely.

Single Vision Lenses

Single vision lenses are designed to correct your vision at one distance only. They contain a single optical prescription that is distributed over the entire surface area of the lens. The vast majority of people wear single vision lenses to correct their vision. For example, you may have good distance vision, but need to wear glasses for reading or using a computer. Alternatively, you may be able to see nearby things clearly but need a prescription that gives you clearer distance vision.

Bifocal Lenses

Glasses with bifocal lenses are more commonly worn by people who have presbyopia which is a condition that occurs as we get older. Presbyopia causes the natural lens of the eye to become harder and less flexible before, affecting its focusing power. People with the condition need to use prescription lenses to see nearby objects such as books and cell phone screens clearly.


As their name suggests, bifocal lenses contain two prescriptions – one for near vision and one for far vision. There is a distinct line between the two prescriptions, separating them. This means that you have to look up and down to switch between the prescriptions. Your distance vision prescription will be in the top part of the lens, while your near vision prescription will be in the lower half.

Progressive Lenses

Also known as multifocal lenses, progressive lenses correct vision at three different working distances – near, intermediate, and far. This means that you can enjoy clear vision during all tasks, from reading and writing to watching television or driving. Despite containing three separate prescriptions, there are no defining lines separating them. Instead, the prescriptions move seamlessly from one to another. Although progressive lenses suit most people, they are most often prescribed to people over the age of 40 who require multiple prescriptions due to presbyopia.

Choosing the Right Lens Coatings

Modern lenses can also be coated in various substances that are designed to enhance the durability and performance of the lenses. Your eye doctor will be able to recommend the correct types of lens coatings based on your individual needs, but some of the most common include:

• Anti-reflective coating: Also known as anti-glare coating, this lens coating is designed to eliminate reflections from the front and back surfaces of your lenses, providing better night vision and more comfortable vision when looking at screens
   

• Scratch-resistant coating: Unsurprisingly, the purpose of this coating is to provide an additional layer of prevention from scratches, which are particularly common if you don’t use a glasses case to protect them. This is important since badly scratched glasses can impair your vision, and replacing damaged lenses can be expensive
   

• Anti-fogging: This is particularly useful while wearing a mask. Anti-fogging coating can prevent your glasses from being affected by condensation, which is something that will inevitably affect the quality of your vision
   

• UV protection: UV light emanating from the sun can be very harmful to the structures inside our eyes, causing serious issues with their health and our vision. You can now get UV protection incorporated into your lenses in order to give your eyes proper protection from the severe effects of UV exposure

If you would like more information about how to choose the right eyeglasses for you, please contact our experienced and knowledgeable team at Optical Masters at our two locations in Denver, Colorado by calling (720) 807-7300 (Monaco location) or (720) 807-7600 (Federal location).