email
printThe Vision Council > Consumers > Eyewear Options > Lenses
Lenses
There are approximately 148 million eyeglass wearers and 196 million sunglass wearers in the United States. Various lifestyles, occupations and activities require different types of lenses. Whether you are career-oriented, an outdoor enthusiast or fashion-forward, there are lenses specifically designed for you.
Eye
Benefits: Vision correction, enhanced performance, protection
Breakthroughs in lens design and technology have transformed the eyeglass industry, improving vision correction and introducing a world of new options for thinner, lighter, and more aesthetically pleasing lenses.
Single-vision lenses, which have the same power throughout, are most commonly prescribed for people with nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. Multi-focal lenses, or lenses with two or more prescriptions, correct more than one vision problem, allowing the wearer to see objects near, far, and sometimes in between.
Hobbies, work, and even everyday tasks such as driving and reading may require special glasses. Today’s lenses can be made for specific use, reducing eyestrain at a computer, enhancing sports performance, and protecting wearers from sun exposure.
Sun
Benefits: Shields eyes from glare, some UV protection
It’s essential to protect your eyes outdoors—whether for a short walk or an afternoon at the park. Polarized, photochromic, and tinted lenses shield eyes from the sun, and a UV-protective treatment is a highly effective way to prevent damage caused by ultraviolet light.
Photochromic lenses quickly transition from clear to dark when exposed to natural light and block harmful UV rays. Polarized lenses reduce surface glare from water, snow, and roadways—ideal for sports lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. An anti-reflective coating applied to the back of sunglass lenses will eliminate bright reflections when the sun is behind you.
Sports Protection
Benefits: Enhances performance, prevents injuries
Eye protection is vital for any sport. Whether you participate in a fast-paced game like racquetball, or prefer an outdoor activity like skiing, proper eyewear can boost your performance and prevent injuries.
Outdoor sports demand protection from UV rays. Polarized sunglasses eliminate glare and shield eyes from the sun’s harmful rays. Chlorine can also damage the eye’s delicate cornea. A sturdy pair of swimming goggles that fits snugly on the face is essential.
Reading
Benefits: Magnifies objects, books, at close range
Reading glasses improve near-distance vision by magnifying closely held objects like books and papers. Today, reading glasses are available at your eye care provider's office, drugstores and even supermarkets. Readers come in many styles, shapes, and colors, and are a fun way to experiment with your look without breaking the bank. Reading glasses can also be custom made and fitted for comfort.
Full-frame reading glasses have the same prescription throughout, suitable for people whose days entail a great deal of reading. Half-eye lenses have two powers, providing clear vision up close and far away.
Office/Task-Specific
Benefits: Clearer near and middle-distance viewing
Office work often requires a specialized field of view, one that remains sharp at near and intermediate distances. Progressive lenses can improve focus while working at a computer, reading, or doing paperwork. Computer glasses reduce headaches, correct blurry vision, and may even increase productivity. An anti-reflective coating will help combat eyestrain by softening the glare of harsh office lighting.
