Let’s learn about single vision lenses: what they are, who can wear them, and how they compare to other lens types.
What does single vision mean?
“What are single vision lenses?” is a very common question, with a very simple answer. The answer is in the name. The lenses provide one single type of vision correction. Meaning, the lenses only have a single prescription. It is very helpful for individuals who have a prescription for reading, where you can correct it with a single lens. If your prescription only needs to correct either distance vision or short sighted (myopic eyesight), these are a great solution. Then, “what's the difference between single vision and progressive lenses?” you may ask. If you need to correct multiple vision concerns with a single lens, you are going to be working with bifocals or multifocals, frequently referred to as progressives. Even so, if you require more than one correction type for different visual concerns, you are welcome to have two or three pairs of single vision glasses that cater to your different concerns. The solution simply means that you will need to switch between your glasses as you do different activities, but there are inherent advantages with this, which we will cover later on. The last point to make on single vision lenses is that they are available for those with astigmatism. Reason being that a single vision lens requires one prescriptive power, which includes astigmatism correction. Do not be put off by the fact that your prescription has two numbers instead of one.
Single vision prescription eyeglasses are very common and a proper basis in eye care, and thus are very flexible. The material single vision lenses are made of any lens material, with any coating, and have the capacity to fit the vast majority of frame styles. Meaning you have plenty of options when it comes to finding the shape you like. When it comes to single vision lenses, you only need to be more cautious about your frame choice when your prescription is a value of 5 or higher. If you have a value as high as 8, you certainly need to be wary of the frame style, as the lenses might be too large for the prescription to work. A prime example of difficult frames for larger prescriptions is the wraparound frame. Even so, a single vision lens will give you the most flexibility when it comes to finding your frames, in comparison with other, more complex lenses like bifocals and progressives.
If you think single vision lenses are the right choice, all you have left to do is shop! Begin with our face shape guide, which will help you determine which style frames will look best on your particular features, then search by the filter of that frame design. When you discover a pair you are into, give them a try with our Virtual Try-On tool! It is super easy and it allows you to see them directly on your face, as if in a mirror. Once you pick out a pair, add them to your basket and head to checkout. There, you upload your glasses prescription or opt to email it to us at a later time. Choose the lens type: we have a few recommendations, such as the Arise HD Clarity for top quality vision. Then finally, select a coating - like our scratch resistance layer or zFORT® for blue light blocking. In the end, you will have the best single vision lenses and stunning frames!
Who can wear single vision lenses?
There are three types of issues that single vision lenses can help with: short sighted vision, intermediate vision, and long sighted vision. We will also clarify the difference between long and short sighted vision if you are not already aware!
Reading Glasses
Having trouble reading your phone or text close-up? This is perfectly normal, particularly for those over the age of 40. It just means you would benefit from wearing reading glasses. The issue occurring is called presbyopia. As you age, the elasticity in your muscles drops, including the ones in your eyes. The small muscles that control your ocular lens weaken too, leading to difficulty focusing your ocular lens. This means that you can still see clearly at a distance, but struggle to read text up close. It is promising to know though, that a pair of single vision lenses will correct this very easily. Think of all the times when reading is necessary: reading in bed, visiting a restaurant and reading the menu, reading at work - now choose a frame to match the occasion. Maybe a pair with neutral-colored, transparent frames for a warm yet smart look. Perhaps a statement frame from your favorite designer label.
Intermediate or Computer Glasses
This is an increasingly popular variety of single vision glasses. The intermediate power is great because the prescription corrects vision for middle distance. Not so far away, but not super close-up. It is the approximate distance between you and your computer - hence the name, computer glasses. Single vision lenses make sight at this distance clearer, perfect for people who spend large blocks of time on your computer. Since the increase of people working from home, these have grown in popularity. The benefits of intermediate single vision lenses are that you can add a blue light blocking filter to protect your eyes from digital strain. This difficulty occurs when you look at a digital screen for long stretches of time, and can further lead to headaches and even trouble sleeping. Whichever frames you pick, simply add your single vision prescription, and then add the zFORT® blue light blocking lens coating.
Single Vision for Distance
Farsightedness is just as common as the need for reading glasses and can be improved with single vision lenses. This visual difficulty is typically identified at a younger age, usually seen in children around five or six. This age coincides with the age that most children start going to school, and quickly find that they cannot read what’s written on the board. The single vision lens for long-distance can help correct two visual concerns: myopia (nearsightedness) and hyperopia (farsightedness).
Single Vision for Astigmatism
Astigmatism is a unique visual difficulty that is caused by an irregularly shaped cornea, which makes everything blurry. This visual difficulty can be solved with single vision lenses, you may not be able to walk into any old glasses shop because they will not be accurate enough to correct astigmatism. It is easy to order the right prescription for your single vision glasses online through SmartBuyGlasses, just add the details at the checkout.
Monofocal vs Multifocal Lenses
There are a few types of glasses out there and we will dive into the differences between single vision and progressive lenses or multifocals. A single vision lens has just one prescription across the entire lens, whereas a bifocal will have two, and a progressive will have three. The advantage of picking bifocals and progressives is that you can see clearly at different distances with just one pair of glasses. The trouble is that they are more expensive and you are limited to one style of frames. A fun alternative is to work with two or three pairs of single vision glasses. Allowing you to have a pair of frames for every occasion, and you can wear different frames for different activities.
Shop with SmartBuyGlasses
Shopping with SmartBuyGlasses means that all glasses bought come with a 100-day returns policy, two-year warranty, and best price guarantee. Meaning you are going to be happy with your new single vision glasses lenses and frames. On the other end of the scale, you can find the perfect spare pair of single vision glasses with the best prices when you shop the SmartBuy Collection. Welcome to eyewear made easy.
