All You Must Know About the Different Types of Lenses for Glasses

The world of eyewear is quite diverse. You might be aware of the different styles and shapes of frames. But do you know that there are various types of lenses for glasses, too? Yes, there are. For every purpose of a pair, a different lens type is available. To decide the best pair of glasses for your eyes, you must choose the right lens type. Selecting the most suitable lens type will significantly impact your vision. So, no matter why you need a pair of eyeglasses, choose the lens type carefully. 

IDEE Eyewear understands the importance of the right lens type for your vision. Therefore, we have come up with this blog to introduce you to the different types of lenses. So, start reading below to uncover them all.

Types of Lenses Based on Material

One of the first factors to categorize lenses is based on their material. They can be classified into the following types.

Glass

Glass lenses provide unparalleled vision clarity. But, a major drawback of these lenses is their heavy weight. Also, these lenses are easy to break. Earlier only the glass lenses were used for vision correction. However, these lenses now have much safer substitutes made with substantial materials.

Plastic

Another type are the plastic lenses. These were introduced in the 1940s and are still appreciated for their durability. They are half the weight of glass lenses. Also, plastic lenses are priced lower than the glass lenses. Another advantage of these lenses is that they do not break easily. 

Polycarbonate

Polycarbonate lenses were created in the 1970s. Since their introduction, these lenses have become quite popular. Their weight is less than even the plastic lenses. They also possess high-impact resistance. Such features make them the perfect choice for children’s glasses. They are also popularly used for safety glasses as they can bear significant wear and tear. They can be built with UV protection features.

Trivex

Next on the list of different types of lenses are the trivex lenses. These lenses are made with a similar plastic as used for manufacturing polycarbonate lenses. Trivex lenses are thinner and very lightweight. Compared to polycarbonate lenses their weight is much less and they have higher impact resistance.

High-Index Plastic

Eyeglasses for strong prescriptions usually contain lenses made with high-index plastic. Their higher refractive index makes them suitable for strong prescriptions. They are also appreciated for their lightweight and slim design. 

Lenses are also categorized into different types based on prescription. Following are the varying types of lenses for glasses, depending on the prescription. 

Single Vision 

Single vision lenses offer the largest vision field. They are mostly used for prescription eye glasses for men and women with nearsightedness or farsightedness. These are also used for astigmatism corrective eyeglasses. Single vision lenses are the cheapest lenses. 

Bifocals

Another type of lens based on prescription is the bifocals. These lenses have two different powers. They are also known as multifocal lenses, as they assist people with multiple vision issues. They are made with two distinct sections. Bifocals are capable of correcting nearsightedness and farsightedness at the same time. 

Trifocals

Next on the list are trifocal lenses for eyeglasses for women and men. The purpose of these lenses is almost similar to those of bifocals. However, they have an additional section when compared to bifocals. In addition to correcting nearsightedness and farsightedness, trifocal lenses also have a section to correct intermediate vision that helps look at objects within an arm’s distance. 

Progressives

Progressive lenses are the following type of lenses that are the perfect alternative for those who are unable to adjust to trifocals and bifocals. These lenses offer the same level of vision correction. Also, they make adjusting between prescriptions easier. 

Prism

Prism lenses are prescribed to individuals who face severe binocular issues. These lenses are suitable for the eyes that are unable to look in the same direction when at rest. People with double vision use these lenses popularly. However, prism lenses cannot be used to correct refractive issues. 

How to Find the Best Lenses for Glasses?

In the diverse eyeglasses world, how will you find suitable lenses for your glasses? It is pretty simple. You just need to ensure the following factors are met: 

• Vision
• Safety
• Appearance
• Comfort

Summing Up

As you are now aware of the various types of lenses for glasses, it will be easier for you to pick the right kind. However, we suggest you always consult your optician to find the suitable type. Also, it is of utmost importance to ensure that the lenses you choose fulfill their purpose and are comfortable to wear.