Compare Different Types of Lenses for Glasses

When shopping for a new pair of eyeglasses, there are many factors to consider. From your preferred eyeglass frames to face shape to lifestyle and vision needs, there's a lot to think about.

Don't worry though, your local Pearle Vision team can help you compare lenses for glasses and make the best choice. But before you come in, it may help to learn the basics about the various types of lenses for glasses.

Types of Lens Prescriptions

It may surprise you to learn that not all lens prescriptions are the same. Each type of lens prescription addresses a specific vision concern, and your optometrist will recommend the best option for you. Here are the types of prescription lenses you might come across:

• Single vision: The same power exists throughout the entire lens to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. This is the most common of all types of lenses in a prescription.
• Progressive: These lenses have a gradual transition from near to far vision, allowing people to see clearly at all distances. This is another type of lens eye doctors usually prescribe to patients with presbyopia.
• Multifocal: Multifocal lenses, sometimes called bifocals or trifocals, have at least two powers for near vision, distant vision, and/or intermediate vision. Today, multifocal lenses are rarely prescribed as progressive lenses have become more popular and effective.

When you're done with your eye exam and have received a lens prescription from your optometrist, it's time to select the type of glasses lens that's best for your lifestyle and needs.

Different Types of Lenses for Glasses

You have many options when it comes to glasses lenses. Below, we'll discuss the different types so you can choose the lenses that best fit your vision needs and comfort preferences.

Polycarbonate Lenses

Polycarbonate lenses are preferred as a lightweight yet reliable lens choice. Some of their key features include:

• Increased comfort and safety (compared to plastic lenses).
• 100% ultraviolet (UV) protection.
• Improved impact-resistance (up to 10x more than plastic or glass lenses).

You can get polycarbonate lenses for regular prescription eyeglasses or prescription sunglasses.

Polycarbonate lenses are ideal for children, as well as people who spend a lot of time outdoors due to their UV protection and durability.

If you play sports, drive a lot, are at a high risk of eye injury, or do a lot of physical activity, this may be the ideal lens type for you.

High Index Lenses

High index lenses are thin yet advanced. Made from high index material, these lenses are thinner and lighter than more traditional lenses. Plus, they're compatible with a many types of glasses frames.

People with high prescriptions may opt for high index lenses, as their slimmer appearance reduces the magnified effect that strong prescriptions can cause.

But even those without strong prescriptions may prefer high index lenses because they are so lightweight and comfortable.

Anti-Reflective Lenses

Anti-reflective lenses can help reduce eye strain by minimizing light reflection. In fact, Pearle Vision anti-reflective prescription lenses reduce surface reflections by 78%. Other benefits of anti-reflective lenses include:

• Optimized visual acuity (vision sharpness) in bright lighting.
• Reduced sunlight glare.
• Increased comfort for extended computer or screen use.

Those who drive or work in the dark or simply have a sensitivity to light will find anti-reflective lenses helpful. Additionally, anyone who spends a lot of time outdoors in the sunlight, in front of flash cameras, or at their computers will find these lenses reduce eye strain from bright or prolonged lights.

Polarized Sun Lenses

Polarized sun lenses block horizontally polarized light, which often comes from light reflected off flat surfaces like glass, water, or snow. Polarized lenses improve vision and reduce glare in certain conditions.

As you can imagine, polarized sun lenses offer many benefits for people who spend a lot of time outside, especially in sunny weather. If you live in a climate with a lot of sunshine, have a sensitivity to glare, or frequently drive during the day, polarized glasses may be the best types of lenses for you.

Photochromic Lenses

Photochromic lenses adapt to changes in sunlight. They become darker in bright areas and lighter indoors or at night. The molecules within these glasses lenses change shape based on how much UV light they are exposed to.

Anyone who spends a lot of time indoors and outdoors throughout the day will appreciate the convenience of wearing Transitions® lenses. These virtually eliminate the need for an extra pair of prescription sunglasses. Plus, if you deal with eye strain or fatigue due to sunlight, these are a great lens option for you, as they block 100% of UV rays.

Ray-Ban Authentic Lenses

Ray-Ban Authentic prescription lenses provide you with innovative, cutting-edge eye technology, creating the perfect blend of comfort and style.

If you opt for Ray Ban lenses, you can enjoy customizations like:

• Glare reduction.
• Blue light filtering.
• UV protection.
• Scratch resistance.

Plus, with the perfect fit in any Ray-Ban frame, you'll see clearly and look good doing it.

These types of glasses lenses are the ideal choice for Ray-Ban enthusiasts. But they're also great for anyone who wants high-tech lenses that are as functional and comfortable as they are stylish.

Anti-Fatigue Lenses

Anti-fatigue lenses have a slight magnification in the bottom part of the lens, which makes it easier to look at items up close. The strategically placed magnification can help you quickly and easily focus on things that are in your immediate field of vision, like a computer screen or book.

Anti-fatigue lenses are great for anyone who uses digital devices consistently throughout the day. Coupled with a blue-light filter, this type of glasses lens can significantly reduce eye strain and other issues caused by looking at a screen for a long time.

Types of Lens Tints

Tinted lenses relieve the burden that changing light conditions can have on your eyes. Tints provide natural vision and color perception, even in bright or low light.

Whether you're indoors or outdoors, tints can reduce glare, improve contrast, and enhance depth perception. Use the information below to choose the ideal lens tint based on your lifestyle.

Yellow or Orange

Yellow and orange tints heighten contrast in low-light or overcast conditions. They also filter blue light from screens, like your smartphone or computer, to increase focus and reduce eye strain.

Yellow and orange lens tints are ideal for people who want improved depth perception (especially night drivers), outdoor athletes, winter sports athletes, and those who spend a lot of time in front of the computer.

Amber, Copper, or Brown

These tints block blue light and increase visual clarity and contrast. They're particularly useful to improve the contrast on grass, water, or blue skies.

Amber, copper, and brown tints are ideal for outdoor athletes, those who fish (especially in water with grassy bottoms), and anyone wanting sharper vision outdoors.

Rose or Red

Red-based tints are like brown-based tints in that they increase contrast in cloudy or sunny conditions, but they do so in a warmer tone. These lens tints are ideal for people who want improved depth perception in sunny weather, those looking for sharper vision outdoors, or winter sports athletes.

Green

Green tint will preserve color balance and slightly heighten contrast. This type of lens tint is ideal for anyone who spends a lot of time outdoors, in low-light or sunny environments.

Gray

Gray-based tints reduce brightness and preserve 100% color recognition. This tint is ideal for people with consistent eye strain or fatigue, especially if you spend a lot of time outside.

Blue

Blue lenses can help block UV rays while reducing glare in bright outdoor conditions. Blue tinted lenses are also ideal for those who spend time outdoors in snowy, misty, or foggy conditions.

More Customizations for Glasses Lenses

Anti-scratch: No lenses are 100% scratch-proof, but you can get your lenses treated with a scratch-resistant coating. This customization makes your lenses more resistant to damage and can help them last longer. At Pearle Vision, all lenses come with an anti-scratch coating at no cost to you.

Clear Blue (blue light filter): Blue light glasses have filters that protect your eyes from the harmful blue light many digital devices emit. A blue light filter on computer glasses can reduce eye strain and increase melatonin production—making it ideal for those who spend hours looking at a screen. Plus, at Pearle Vision, you can get Clear Blue on your glasses at no additional cost.

UV protection: UV lens coating shields your eyes from the sun's radiation, which can protect your vision in the long run. All Pearle Vision glasses lenses come standard with UV protection.

Anti-fog coating: While you can never completely eliminate the possibility of condensation or fog buildup on your eyeglasses, an anti-fog or hydrophilic coating helps reduce the amount of moisture that stays on the lens.

Compare Types of Glasses Lenses Available at Pearle Vision

At Pearle Vision, we want to help you craft the perfect pair of eyeglasses. Take a look at the types of glasses lenses that we offer to get started.

Material Type	Lens Brand
	RAY-BAN AMPLIFY®	RAY-BAN EQUALIZE®	VARILUX® X SERIES™	EYEZEN®	Pearle Ultima	Pearle ELITE	Pearle Select/HD
Scratch Resistance
UV Protection
Thin and Lightweight
Edge to Edge Clarity
Personalized to Patient's Face and Frame Selection
Lenses Made Specifically to Complement Ray-Ban® Frames
Personalized to Accommodate Right-/Left-hand Usage
Defense Against Digital Eyestrain
Blue Light Filter Available
Sharp Vision at Any Distance
Easy Transitions Between Near/Far
Helps Eliminate "Off-Balance" Feeling

Find the Right Lenses with Pearle Vision

Whether or not you already have an eyeglasses prescription, you can book an appointment at your neighborhood Pearle Vision to find the lenses and frames that work for you. Our eye care experts can give you an eye exam, discuss the different types of glasses lenses, and answer any questions you may have. We're here to help you find the glasses that look, feel, and function just how you need them to.

Types of Lenses for Glasses FAQs

What are the different types of lenses for glasses?

There are several types of lenses for glasses, including polycarbonate, high index, anti-reflective, polarized, and photochromic. Specific brands offer their own lenses as well, such as Ray-Ban Authentic. All these types of lenses address specific vision concerns.

What are the best lenses for glasses?

The best lenses for glasses depend on your vision, prescription, and lifestyle. For instance, polycarbonate lenses are great if you need high durability, while anti-fatigue lenses are great for people who spend a lot of time in front of a screen. A Pearle Vision eye care specialist can help you find the lenses that match your needs.

Are lens coatings worth it?

Lens coatings offer an excellent way to enhance your eyeglasses. Features of certain coatings, like UV protection or reduced glare, will help you stay comfortable. Others, such as scratch resistance, may improve the life of your eyeglasses.

What is the best lens material for glasses?

There are many materials used for glasses lenses, like glass, polycarbonate, and high index. Each lens material has pros and cons, so the best option depends on your needs. Some factors to consider when making a choice include your prescription, budget, and lifestyle.