Three ways to correct your vision at one or more distances -- here is how your prescription determines which one you need.
| Lens Type | Distances Corrected | Visible Line? | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Vision | One (distance OR near) | No | Most prescriptions, any age |
| Bifocal | Two (distance + near) | Yes, a visible line | Presbyopia, budget-conscious |
| Progressive | Three+ (distance, intermediate, near) | No | Presbyopia, seamless look |
Your prescription itself usually settles this. If your eye doctor's prescription includes an 'ADD' power alongside your regular sphere and cylinder values, you have presbyopia -- the age-related loss of close-up focusing ability that typically begins in the early-to-mid 40s -- and need either a bifocal or progressive lens.
If there is no ADD power listed, single vision lenses correct your prescription at one distance and are the simplest, most affordable option.
Single vision lenses are all you need, correcting either distance or near vision.
Bifocals offer two corrections at a lower cost, with a visible dividing line.
Progressives blend distance, intermediate, and near corrections with no visible line.
Can I switch from bifocals to progressives? +
Why do progressives cost more than bifocals? +
At what age do most people need bifocals or progressives? +
Does Shade Gray offer both bifocal and progressive lenses? +
Single vision, bifocal, and progressive lenses are all available on any Shade Gray frame, starting at $49.