Burghley & Co Handbook
Single Vision Lenses Explained
Single vision lenses are the most common type of prescription lens. They have one prescription power across the whole lens, making them suitable for one main viewing distance such as distance vision, reading or computer work.
What are single vision lenses?
Single vision lenses are prescription lenses designed to correct vision at one distance. The lens has the same prescription power across the whole lens, giving clear and consistent vision for the task it has been prescribed for.
They can be used for distance vision, reading, computer work or other specific visual needs depending on your prescription and lifestyle.
How do single vision lenses work?
A single vision lens has one focal power. This means the whole lens is designed for one main viewing distance, rather than having different zones like a bifocal or varifocal lens.
This makes single vision lenses simple, reliable and easy to adapt to. For many people, they are the most straightforward lens choice.
Types of single vision lenses
Single vision lenses are not all used for the same thing. The prescription can be designed for different viewing distances depending on what you need your glasses for.
Distance lenses
Distance single vision lenses are used for seeing far away clearly. They are commonly worn for driving, watching television, walking outdoors and everyday distance vision.
Reading lenses
Reading single vision lenses are designed for close-up tasks such as reading, writing, sewing or looking at printed documents.
Intermediate lenses
Intermediate single vision lenses are designed for mid-range tasks, such as computer screens, cooking, music stands or desk work. They can be useful when ordinary reading glasses feel too close for screen use.
Who are single vision lenses best for?
Single vision lenses are suitable for people who need correction for one main viewing distance. They are often used by people who are short-sighted, long-sighted, have astigmatism or need dedicated reading glasses.
They are also a good choice if you want a separate pair of glasses for a specific task, such as driving, computer work or reading.
Single vision lenses vs varifocals
Single vision lenses correct one distance. Varifocal lenses correct distance, intermediate and near vision within one lens.
If you only need one distance corrected, single vision lenses may be the simplest option. If you need clear vision at several distances and do not want to keep changing glasses, varifocals may be more suitable.
Why choose single vision lenses?
Single vision lenses are popular because they are simple, comfortable and reliable. They usually have a wide clear area because the whole lens is designed for one prescription power.
- Simple and easy to use
- Clear vision for one main distance
- Usually easy to adapt to
- Suitable for many prescriptions
- Available with thinning and coatings
- Can be made for distance, reading or screen use
Can single vision lenses be thinned?
Yes. Single vision lenses can often be made in thinner lens materials such as 1.60, 1.67 or 1.74, depending on your prescription and frame choice.
If your prescription is stronger, lens thinning can help reduce thickness and weight. Frame choice still matters, especially if you want the lenses to look as neat as possible.
Can single vision lenses have coatings?
Yes. Single vision lenses can be supplied with coatings such as anti-reflection, scratch-resistant, UV protection and blue light filtering options.
A good anti-reflection coating is often worth considering because it helps reduce reflections and makes the lenses look clearer in the frame.
Common mistakes when choosing single vision lenses
- Assuming all single vision lenses are for distance only.
- Using reading glasses for computer work when the working distance is different.
- Choosing oversized frames with a stronger prescription.
- Ignoring lens coatings that improve comfort and appearance.
- Guessing whether you need distance, near or intermediate lenses.
Scott’s advice
Single vision lenses sound simple, but the key is choosing the right version for how you actually use your eyes. A distance pair, a reading pair and a computer pair may all be single vision lenses, but they are not doing the same job.
If you are unsure, think about the task first. Are you driving, reading, working on a laptop or doing a mixture of things? The lens should be matched to the distance you need to see clearly, not just copied without context.
Related guides
For more help, read our guides to choosing prescription lenses, understanding your prescription, high index lenses, lens coatings and varifocal lenses.
FAQs
What are single vision lenses?
Single vision lenses have one prescription power across the whole lens. They are designed to correct vision at one main distance, such as distance, reading or computer use.
Are single vision lenses only for distance?
No. Single vision lenses can be made for distance, near or intermediate vision depending on your prescription and what you need the glasses for.
Can single vision lenses be used for reading?
Yes. Reading glasses are often single vision lenses designed specifically for close-up work.
Can single vision lenses be used for computer work?
Yes. They can be made for intermediate screen distance, which may be more comfortable than ordinary reading glasses for computer use.
What is the difference between single vision and varifocal lenses?
Single vision lenses correct one viewing distance. Varifocal lenses contain multiple viewing zones for distance, intermediate and near vision in one lens.
Can single vision lenses be thinned?
Yes. Single vision lenses can often be made thinner using high index lens materials, depending on your prescription and frame choice.
Do single vision lenses include UV protection?
Many modern single vision lenses include UV protection, but this should always be checked when choosing your lens options.
Are single vision lenses easy to get used to?
Most people adapt to single vision lenses quickly because the lens has one consistent prescription power across the whole lens.
Need help?
Unsure what to choose?
If you are not sure about your prescription, frame size or lens choice, ask before you order.