A guide to choosing lenses for your vision needs
Single Vision Lenses
Single Vision Lenses are designed to correct common vision issues such as short-sightedness (myopia), long-sightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism. With a uniform prescription across the entire lens, you can see clearly through any part of it for the distance you need. While they are mainly used for distance vision, single vision lenses can also be customized for near tasks like reading or working at the computer, offering clear and comfortable vision wherever you look.
Anti-Fatigue Lenses
Anti-Fatigue Lenses are designed to reduce eye strain when using smartphones, tablets, or other digital devices. These lenses are primarily single vision but feature a slight boost in prescription at the bottom, making near and intermediate tasks more comfortable. Many anti-fatigue lenses also include a blue-light filter to help protect your eyes from the harmful blue light emitted by screens.
Bifocal Lenses
Bifocal Lenses were first invented by Benjamin Franklin to provide dual focus for different tasks. The top portion of the lens is designed for distance vision, while the bottom portion helps with near tasks like reading. Bifocals are commonly prescribed for presbyopia, and sometimes for children with accommodative or convergence difficulties. While effective, bifocal lenses are less popular today due to their visible line and cosmetic appearance.
Occupational Lenses
Occupational Lenses, also known as extended reading lenses, were developed with the rise of computers in the workplace over the past 30 years. These lenses are designed to make office tasks more comfortable and efficient. The top portion is optimized for computer screen viewing (around 80 cm), while the bottom portion is ideal for reading (about 40 cm). Unlike traditional bifocals, occupational lenses are line-free, offering a sleek, single-vision appearance. They also provide a wide field of view, allowing you to see your entire computer screen clearly without moving your head, reducing neck and eye strain during long workdays.
Multifocal Lenses
Multifocal Lenses are a modern evolution of the traditional bifocal, incorporating multiple focal points across the lens to allow clear vision at various distances. They are ideal for people who need glasses for distance, computer work, and reading. Unlike bifocals, multifocal lenses are line-free and cosmetically resemble single vision lenses. Designed with distance vision as the primary focus—important for activities like driving—these lenses also provide dedicated areas for intermediate tasks (such as computer use) and near tasks, giving you clear vision throughout your day.
