Single Vision vs Progressive Prescription Glasses
The world of prescription glasses is full of terms that might be easy to mix up, especially when it comes to lenses. It’s not as simple as sunglasses and glasses lenses; there are actually a few different types of lenses out there. The top two that help keep your vision in the clear are single vision and progressive ones. Here are the ins and outs of the QUAY differences between them.
WHAT ARE SINGLE VISION GLASSES?
The concept of single vision glasses is quick + easy: they feature one power throughout a lens. Geared for those who are nearsighted or farsighted with some astigmatism, they have one prescription throughout a lens to correct for a specific field of vision, whether it's distance, intermediate, or reading.
Other than prescriptions, you can also get single-vision lenses as reading glasses or readers; these are best suited for those who have decent distance vision but need help seeing nearby objects due to an age-related condition called presbyopia. With age, especially after age 40, many people struggle to focus on nearby objects.
WHAT ARE PROGRESSIVE LENSES?
Progressive lenses are corrective lenses that allow you to see distant and close-up objects without dividing lines across the lenses. With progressives, the prescription changes along the surface of your eyeglasses lens. Progressive lenses are built so that you can look at the top part of your lenses to see things far away, the middle part for intermediate distances, and the bottom part for close objects.
People begin considering progressives as they get older due to presbyopia. Progressives are ideal for those who need to switch between readers for nearby objects and single vision glasses for distance. In contrast with bifocals or trifocals, progressive lenses are seamless and don't have awkward lines separating the prescriptions.
Progressives make things easy because you have one pair of glasses for all your needs. But with progressive lenses, there’s a learning curve. It takes time to use progressives properly; you need to train your eyes to avoid visual distortion as the prescription powers change along with the lens. Another deet to consider is that they’re more expensive than bifocals, trifocals, or single vision lenses. If you’re debating between single vision lenses and progressives, talk with an eye care provider to determine your best option.
TYPES OF PROGRESSIVE LENSES
Within the range of progressive lenses, there are five different types. Here’s the lowdown on each one.
- Standard: Standard progressive lenses are the most affordable of progressive lenses and help correct for far, near, and intermediate distances. They require a minimum vertical frame height so that the transitions between different prescription powers are smooth and usable.
- Short-Corridor: Typically more expensive than standard progressives, these lenses are made so they fit small frames (and, as such, are ideal for smaller faces). The drawback here is that these are not very wide, so peripheral vision may be compromised.
- Computer: Geared towards office work, computer progressive lenses are designed for near and intermediate distances. They're created to provide clear vision between 16 inches and six feet, perfect for werking those Zoom calls.
- Premium: Premium progressive lenses offer a wider reading area free from distortion. They’re custom-designed by computer, coming with deets + changes to help your eyes work together.
- Ground View: Ideal for those who lead an active lifestyle, ground view lenses mimic your natural vision and use a technology that reduces lens distortion.
QUICK GUIDE TO FILLING YOUR EYEGLASS PRESCRIPTION
Whether you love a retro 70's aesthetic or a sleek and modern one, getting your fave prescription eyeglasses is easy. Simply pick your go-to style online or at your local QUAY store, and we'll do the rest. At checkout, you'll be asked to submit a valid (meaning unexpired) prescription from your optometrist — make sure that your doctor has included your pupillary distance, AKA the PD. If your prescription is expired, visit your optometrist for an eye exam or use VISIBLY to renew your prescription.
At QUAY, we fill single vision lenses with a +4 to -6 power and astigmatism of +/-4. Want to keep it shady? Our prescription sunnies include anti-reflection, high-index lenses, UV protection, and scratch resistance. Our prescription glasses also feature blue light technology to filter out certain HEV lights from digital screens and smudge resistance to repel dirt, dust, and oil.
For crystal clear vision, shop QUAYRx glasses and sunglasses. If you have a progressive prescription, we’re happy to make single-vision lenses for you. A QUAYRx Customer Care Associate will reach out after you submit your order.
This blog post has been peer reviewed by Ryan Boydon, licensed Optician.
