Different types of glasses and their work

Updated on July 30, 2020

With their fancy names, it cannot be evident to know the difference between corrective lenses.

If you are the one who does not know the difference between the bifocal lens and a progressive lens, you will know in this article. In the following guide, we will list the difference and what they offer.

Single vision lenses

These are very basic, probably the most basic type of lenses. Not surprisingly, they also tend to be the cheapest. Designed to correct a field of vision (near or far), they offer the most extensive view of any lens.

If you are only near-sighted or hyperopic, you will probably be prescribed single vision lenses.

Photochromic lenses (transition)

Also known as “transition lenses,” photochromic lenses darken on contact with UV rays. This eliminates the need for sunglasses, increases comfort, and minimizes operating costs.

Technically, they are not the prescription type, but rather an additional treatment to prescription glasses. It can have photochromic bifocal lenses, single vision lenses, etc.

Keep in mind that the lenses will darken even on cloudy days, which some may find inconvenient. However, they are often a popular choice because they add a bit of flair to your glasses.

Bifocal and trifocal lenses

You probably remember your grandfather wearing them. Indeed, these glasses correct a more comprehensive range of more severe vision problems. Bifocal and trifocal lenses are lenses that have two and three “powers,” respectively.

They are sometimes called “multifocal” even though this technically refers to progressive lenses.

All in one lens, they have separate sections for near and distance correction, making them a versatile option. Those who require an intermediate vision correction will be prescribed trifocals, which also have a third correction.

The downside to bifocal and trifocal lenses is that there are lines that separate each section, causing drastic changes in vision correction as you move your eye inside the lens. It’s something you learn to work with, but the catch has paved the way for advancements in lens technology like progressives.

Progressive lenses

Progressive lenses do the same job as bifocal and trifocal lenses but in a different way. They work around the dividing lines of bifocal lenses, a known drawback that spectacle wearers faced for many years.

In general, progressive lenses offer the same fields of vision correction but without lines. The “near” to “intermediate” to “distance” correction transitions are much smoother.

The drop? The actual field of view of progressive lenses is smaller than that of bifocal or trifocal lenses. This may help explain why many older people still wear trifocal lenses instead of progressive lenses.

Buy at home, try at home.

SmartBuyGlasses has made the shopping of the eyewear a lot easier than before. You can buy sunglasses at home with just one click. 

SmartBuyGlasses has also introduced a virtual try on tool; with this tool, you can quickly and effortlessly see yourselves wearing thousands of glasses in a 180-degree angle.

Screen or computer lenses

Although this is the latest eyewear invention, it is not technically correct to refer to computer eyewear as “prescription” lenses. We list them here anyway because they are more and more ubiquitous.

The use of electronic devices has increased dramatically and hurts our eyes. The gross percentages of eyeglass wearers have increased dramatically since smartphones and computers became part of our daily lives.

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