Lense Guide
Not sure which lens is right for you? Here is a plain-English breakdown of every lens type we offer — what each one does and who it is best for.
Single vision lenses have one prescription power across the entire lens. They are the most common type of prescription lens and correct one field of vision — either distance or near.
For nearsightedness (myopia). You wear them to see clearly across the room, while driving, or watching TV.
For farsightedness (hyperopia) or presbyopia. Worn to read books, menus, and fine print up close.
Single vision lenses also correct astigmatism, which causes blurry or distorted vision at any distance.
Progressive lenses are multifocal lenses with no visible line. They blend three prescriptions in one lens — distance at the top, intermediate (arm's length) in the middle, and near at the bottom — so you can see clearly at all distances with a single pair of glasses.
Top zone for driving and distance. Middle zone for computer screens. Bottom zone for reading and close-up work.
Unlike old-style bifocals, progressives have no telltale line — they look exactly like regular single vision lenses from the outside.
Photochromic lenses automatically change tint in response to UV light. Step outside and they darken into sunglasses. Walk back indoors and they fade back to clear — all within a few minutes.
Special molecules embedded in the lens react to UV radiation, causing the lens to darken. No UV means no darkening.
Fully clear indoors to roughly 80–85% tint outdoors in bright sunlight, providing solid UV and glare protection.
Car windshields block UV, so photochromic lenses may not darken fully while driving. Polarized sunglasses are better for driving.
Transitions is a brand name, not a lens type — but it is so well known that many people use "Transitions" to mean any photochromic lens. Transitions Optical is the company that invented and still makes the most popular photochromic lenses on the market.
All Transitions lenses are photochromic. But there are other photochromic lens brands too. Think of it like "Kleenex" vs. "facial tissue" — same function, different brands.
Newer generations like Transitions XTRActive darken more behind windshields and in lower UV conditions than older versions.
Blue light blocking lenses filter high-energy blue light (wavelengths 400–490nm) emitted by digital screens, LED lighting, and the sun. They are designed to reduce digital eye strain for people who spend long hours in front of computers, phones, or tablets.
Less glare and scatter from screens can reduce headaches, dry eyes, and tired eyes after long work sessions.
Blue light at night can suppress melatonin production. Wearing blue light lenses in the evening may help your body prepare for sleep naturally.
Modern blue light lenses have a minimal yellow or clear tint — they look nearly identical to regular clear lenses in everyday use.
| Lens Type | What It Does | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Single Vision | One prescription, one distance | Nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism |
| Progressive | Three prescriptions, no visible line | Presbyopia (age 40+), seeing all distances |
| Photochromic | Auto-darkens outdoors in UV light | Moving between indoors and outdoors |
| Transitions | Brand-name photochromic lens | Same as photochromic — trusted brand |
| Blue Light | Filters blue light from digital screens | Heavy screen users, better sleep |
Can I combine lens types, such as progressive + blue light? +
Are photochromic and Transitions lenses the same thing? +
Do blue light lenses actually work? +
What lens type comes with Shade Gray frames by default? +
How do I know which lens type is right for me? +
Prescription eyeglasses starting at $49. Wide & Extrawide sizes available. Free shipping and returns.
