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printThe Vision Council > Consumers > Eyewear Options > Lenses > Designs
Designs
The design of your lenses refers to the specific type of vision correction they offer (for example, multiple distances or task-specific). There is a multitude of options that may be right for you based on personal preference, lifestyle, prescription and even job duties.
Single Vision
Benefits: Corrects nearsightedness or farsightedness
If you see clearly from a distance, but objects look blurry at close range (or vice versa), single-vision lenses can help. These lenses are designed to correct either nearsightedness or farsightedness, but not both. The power of the lens is the same throughout.
Single-vision lenses include reading glasses and glasses that correct astigmatism. They are commonly used by people under 40, who tend to need only one prescription. Wearers can choose from a wide variety of styles and materials, from lightweight plastic to scratch-resistant glass.
Progressive
Benefits: No-line lenses for near, far, and intermediate distances
Progressive lenses use advanced technology to ensure sharp sight from any distance. Unlike bifocals and trifocals, which are divided by visible lines, progressive lenses are completely seamless. Wearers can clearly see objects near, far, and in between, without a noticeable transition.
Conventional bifocals and trifocals can cause images to “jump” as vision adjusts from far to near. Progressive lenses eliminate this distracting effect—especially helpful for people with presbyopia.
Bifocal
Benefits: Better focus up close, far away
Bifocals improve vision from a distance and up close. A thin, visible line divides the lens. The lower portion corrects farsightedness, while the upper portion sharpens objects from afar.
People who find it difficult to focus at close range may benefit from bifocal lenses. However, if the reading portion of the lens is prescribed at a high power, a wearer’s middle-distance vision may be compromised.
Trifocal
Benefits: Sharpens focus near, far, and in between
Trifocal lenses improve vision up close, far away, and at middle distances. The lenses are divided into three segments. Like bifocals, the top portion of the lens adjusts objects at a distance, while the bottom portion is used for reading and other near tasks. But trifocals have a distinct third section that allows wearers to see clearly from an intermediate distance—about arm’s length.
Enhanced Multifocal
Benefits: Improves near-, far-, intermediate-distance viewing
Multifocals help wearers see distances near and far. Progressive lenses are in the multifocal category, but unlike traditional bifocals or trifocals, they have no line separating the visual zones.
Enhanced multifocals are all-in-one lenses that improve vision at three distances: near, far, and in between. Focusing on objects from an intermediate distance happens every day—while working at a computer, sitting across from a family member at dinner, gardening, or wrapping a birthday gift. Enhanced multifocal lenses provide a wide, continuous view, with a subtle power jump from the far- to intermediate-viewing range.
Electronic
Benefits: Wide view, quick focus from far to near
Electronic lenses focus in a fraction of a second—faster than traditional multifocal lenses. The lineless lenses use chemistry and electricity to allow wearers instant focus from far to near, and offer a wide, undistorted view.
Electronics can correct the loss of near focus, a common condition that occurs after the age of 40. Some electronic lenses reduce distortion and eye strain, which are often associated with multifocal lenses.
Computer
Benefits: Less eye strain, long-wear comfort
Computer glasses magnify objects from an intermediate distance to prevent the headaches and light sensitivity associated with long hours spent staring at a monitor.
In addition to correcting blurry vision, computer glasses can reduce eyestrain and even increase productivity. An anti-reflective coating helps combat the effects of prolonged wear by softening the glare of harsh office lighting.