What Are the Basic Styles of Lenses?
Choosing the right lenses starts with understanding the basics. Whether you need help at one distance or several, the right lens style makes your vision clearer and your glasses more comfortable.
At rxotulsa, we work with a wide range of lens manufacturers, which lets us match each patient with the design that best fits their prescription and lifestyle. As an independent lab, many of these lenses are processed in our facility for better quality and faster turnaround.
Here is a simplified look at the main lens styles and what they do.
Single Vision Lenses
Single vision lenses correct one focal point. The entire lens has the same prescription for distance, intermediate, or near.
They are ideal for nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, or for a dedicated task such as computer work or reading.
Bifocal Lenses
Bifocal lenses have two separate powers with a visible line. The top section corrects distance vision, while the bottom section is designed for near tasks such as reading.
They are a practical option for people who need two distinct viewing distances in one pair of glasses.
Trifocal Lenses
Trifocal lenses include three distinct viewing areas for distance, intermediate, and near vision.
These lenses are helpful for people who need clear vision at multiple working ranges, especially for tasks like computer use, dashboard viewing, or reading.
Progressive Lenses
Progressive lenses offer a smooth, gradual transition from distance to near without visible lines.
The top portion supports distance vision, the middle zone helps with arm’s-length tasks, and the bottom portion is for reading. Progressives provide natural vision at every distance and are the most modern option for people who want one pair of glasses to handle all daily activities.
Specialty Lens Options
Some patients benefit from more specific lens designs tailored to their daily activities and visual needs.
- Computer and office lenses
- Reading-only lenses
- Task-specific progressive designs
- Prism lenses for alignment or binocular vision issues
Why Lens Style Matters
The lens style you choose affects comfort, clarity, depth perception, and how easily you move through your day.
Because rxotulsa is independent, we are able to recommend from a wide variety of manufacturers and designs rather than being limited to a single brand. This flexibility allows us to find the best possible option for each patient and process many of these lenses in our lab for faster turnaround and consistent quality.
