Types of Lenses Explained

Types of Lenses Explained

When it comes to choosing the right type of lens, it completely depends on your vision needs. The main categories of lenses include single vision, bifocals and varifocals. However, there are also additional lens enhancements you can add to your lenses, including coatings that can protect your vision further. Here we take a look at the types of lenses and how they can help.

Single vision lenses

Single vision lenses are designed to help correct refractive errors, including short and long-sightedness. Single vision lenses have just one power across the lens, perfectly suited to those who need lenses for just one vision problem.

We can help you choose the right single vision lenses to suit your lifestyle, with a great choice of frames to go with them.

Bifocal lenses

Bifocal lenses combine two different prescriptions, usually accommodating distance and near vision. In most cases, the lens will be split in two across the middle. The upper half is usually optimised for distance vision, while the lower half is for near vision.

As you get older, you might notice it becomes more difficult to focus on objects close up. This is known as presbyopia, and is a normal part of ageing. If you already wear glasses for distance, you might want to try bifocal lenses to accommodate for both vision problems.

Varifocal lenses

Varifocal lenses are a modern solution for helping you to see different distances, including near, far and in between. Varifocals are created with a gradual changing power from the top to the bottom, with a seamless transition. They are ideal for providing multiple corrections for refractive errors, particularly presbyopia.

Varifocal lenses differ from bifocals in their design, as bifocals have a much more obvious difference in the lens power.

We can offer a 60 day trial period on varifocal lenses, from the time of collection. This means you’re able to return the lenses if you’re not happy, or you can upgrade or swap them to a different lens type if necessary.

Lens coatings

You can also protect your lenses from dirt and scratches, and protect your vision, thanks to a number of different lens coatings. Depending on the lens coating you choose, you can benefit from anti-reflective technology and protection from harmful UV light.

Our range of lens coatings by Essilor include Crizal Prevencia, which is designed to protect your vision from harmful light including UV and Blue-Violet light. While most of the light spectrum is essential for our vision, there are small parts that can actually damage your eyes. Crizal Prevencia can provide a protective layer to prevent premature eye ageing.

Another popular lens coating is Crizal Sapphire, which can help to reduce reflections on your lenses as you go about your business. Whether you’re working from home or out running errands, you can protect your eyes from distracting reflections with a simple but effective lens coating.

Other lens coatings can protect the lens surface from scratches, smudges and dust. Ask us more about our lens coatings today.

Transitions photochromic lenses

For a unique solution to your vision needs, we can also offer Transitions photochromic lenses. Transitions lenses will adapt automatically to the light outside, darkening when exposed to brighter light conditions.

Transitions lenses will protect your eyes from harmful UV light and are available in stylish colours.

At Camden Opticians we can offer a 60 day trial on Transitions lenses. If you aren’t happy with them, you can swap to different lenses at no extra cost.

Occupational lenses

Our modern lifestyles have changed the way we use our eyes, with many of us spending hours focusing on a computer or phone screen. If this sounds like you, there are lenses available to protect your eyes from fatigue while also offering a prescription for short or long sightedness.

Eyezen lenses, manufactured by Essilor, can help to create comfortable vision all day. Optimised for digital screens, they are an ideal choice for anyone who uses computers or other similar devices for prolonged periods of time.