single vision header
Single vision lenses typically for people with long or short sight that only need glasses for things like driving, reading or using a computer. This lens type has one prescription that covers the whole lens. These lenses are included in the price of all of our frames.
single vision lens view
Single vision lenses are available with:
  • Anti-reflection coatings
  • Blue control anti-reflection coating
  • Photochromic
  • Polarised
  • Hi-index (thinner lenses)
  • Tints

An Anti Reflective coating is added to lenses to reduce glare caused by light hitting the back of the lenses. This modern invention improves vision and makes your eyeglasses more visually attractive. AR coatings virtually eliminate all reflections from the front and back surfaces of your lenses. Without bothersome reflections, more light is able to pass through your lenses which optimises your vision. Fewer distractions are visible (especially in the dark), and the lenses are hardly noticeable.

Unlike regular anti-reflective coatings, blue control anti-reflective coatings are specially designed anti-reflective lens coatings that reflect off a percentage of blue light emitted from electronics such as smartphones, tablets and handheld gaming devices. These coatings allow beneficial blue light through to your eyes and reduce reflections and unwanted glare.

Like Standard anti-reflective coatings blue control coatings look nicer by being less reflective. The difference in appearance is slight but at an angle and in a blue light rich environment like outdoors, you can see a blue flash off the front surface of the lenses.

single vision blue coating

Photochromic lenses are spectacle lenses that are clear (or nearly clear) indoors and darken automatically when exposed to sunlight.

Some photochromic lenses typically will not darken inside a vehicle because the windscreen glass blocks most UV rays.
Recent advancements in technology allow some photochromic lenses to activate with both UV and visible light, providing some darkening behind the windscreen.

Xtractive Lenses – Best for extra protection, even in the car. Uniquely designed to protect your eyes from the brightest sun outdoors and harsh artificial light indoors.

Transition Drivewear – Best lens for driving. The only polarized sun lenses that adapt to light behind the wheel and outdoors, helping remove glare off the road and car hood for a picture-perfect drive.

All of the photochromic options are available in a range of single vision, bifocal and varifocal lenses.

photochromatic single vision lenses with different shades

A virtually invisible filter can be built into lenses to eliminate the amount of reflecting light that enters the eye. Polarised lenses not only reduce glare, but they also make images appear sharper and clearer, increasing visual clarity and comfort.

We have polarised samples in the practice which you can look through to see just how much difference they make.

Polarised lenses are available in single vision, bifocal and varifocal options.

polarised single vision lens

Tints and shades of sunglasses do not reflect UV blocking ability. When sunglasses are made, the lenses are treated with UV-absorbing chemicals to be able to block UV light. Because these chemicals are usually colorless, clear lenses could block light just as well as dark-colored lenses.

Tints filter light in different ways, and some tints do a better job at blocking light than others. Some tints actually enhance colors, while others distort them. Tints have the ability to enhance vision in certain situations.

We have samples of all of the tints in the practice that you can look through, to see which colour you prefer.

Tints are available on all single vision, bifocal and varifocal lenses

image explaining usage of tinted single vision lenses

Simply put, high index lenses are made from a different grade of plastic (know as the index), and this allows lenses to be made thinner than ordinary standard plastic materials of a lower index.

There are 3 main different hi-index lenses; 1.6, 1.67 and 1.74. The higher the number the thinner the lens.

We have samples of hi-index lenses in the practice that you can look at, just to see how much difference it can make.

When it comes to choosing your lenses, a member of our team will be able to help you with which ones are the most suitable for your prescription.

All single vision and varifocal lenses are available in hi-index, along with some bifocals.

single vision lenses thickness comparison index