What are single-vision lenses?

When it comes to glasses, single vision lenses are the most common option. Whether you're having trouble focusing on close-up objects or notice that the billboard down the road seems a bit blurry, single vision lenses are designed to treat common refractive lens issues, including nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.

Understanding single-vision lenses 

Just like you've probably guessed from the name, single vision lenses offer vision correction for one specific issue. If you're nearsighted or farsighted, this should work perfectly because all you need is one prescription. If you experience problems seeing both far and near objects, you might need glasses with separate prescriptions at the top and bottom.

Definition and function 

Because they're designed to treat one issue, single-vision lenses have a single prescription power across the entire surface of the lens. They're designed to treat refractive errors, which are issues caused by the shape of the eye that prevent incoming images from hitting your retina properly.

Nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism are three of the most common refractive errors, and you can get single vision lenses for any of these issues.

Clear vision at onedistance 

When you slip on a pair of single-vision lenses, you won't suddenly be unrecognizable like Clark Kent hiding his Superman identity. Instead, you'll be able to see clearly at one specific distance and focus on things like digital devices or the highway exit sign (so no more blaming your vision on missing the exit). Single-vision lenses help with everything from driving to reading, so they're particularly useful for the things you do most often in everyday life.

Types of single-vision lenses 

You can find single-vision lenses that cater to various vision needs. When your eye care professional tests your eyes, you'll get a prescription detailing how much correction is required and the specific focal distance where your eyes need help.

• Distance single vision lenses help you see things across a room, across a road, or across a soccer field. (But not across the entire city. That might require binoculars — or a superpower.) They can help with driving, watching TV, and spotting that bad call the referee made during the championship game. 
• Reading single-vision lenses are a type of reading glasses or contacts custom tailored to help you with close-up tasks, including perusing your favorite magazine, finishing that horror novel, and scrolling social media while you're supposed to be paying attention during a mandatory work meeting.
• Computer single-vision lenses are optimized to correct your vision at middle distances, particularly the distance where your computer screen sits in relation to your eyes. 

Benefits of single-vision lenses 

• Simplicity and clarity. Single-vision lenses offer a straightforward design without the complexity of multifocal lenses. Because the prescription is the same from edge to edge, there's no need to figure out which part of the lens to peer through.
• Enhanced visual experience. Wearing single-vision lenses gives you sharp, focused vision when you're doing specific everyday activities, such as driving or reading. The single focus reduces the need to adjust your head position or shift your glasses when observing something at the specified distance.
• Customization and precision. Glasses with single-vision lenses are precisely tailored to your individual prescription. You can customize your glasses with coatings or tints, and you can choose the lens material that fits your lifestyle.

Common uses and applications 

Children's prescription eyeglasses often have single-vision lenses because refractive errors are often the source of vision problems in kids. Sports glasses, designed to be worn during athletic activities, are also usually crafted with single-vision lenses.

Choosing single vision lenses

If your eye issues are specific to near or far vision, single-vision lenses are ideal. Before deciding on your own to go with this type of lens, consult an eye care professional to get a thorough eye exam.

You can even opt for an online vision exam to make things quick and easy. This exam can identify your specific vision issues and help narrow down the most suitable lens option for your needs. Many brands of contacts, such as AquaSoft dailies, offer single-vision lens prescriptions, and coupons are available for some brands.

Find the exact brand of contacts that your eye care professional prescribed at 1-800 Contacts.

 

Frequently asked questions: 

Can I use single-vision lenses if I have both nearsightedness and farsightedness? 

Generally, no. If you have issues seeing both near and far, you probably need progressive lenses or bifocals, which have a different prescription at the top and bottom of the lens.

Are single-vision lenses suitable for digital device use? 

Single-vision lenses are great for digital device use because you're focusing on one specific distance for long periods of time.

How do single-vision lenses compare to multifocal lenses? 

Single-vision lenses are simpler than multifocal lenses, so they tend to be less expensive. They only work at a single specific distance, though, so they're best for people who only have problems focusing  either a near or far distance, not both.