How to Choose Lenses for Your Eyeglasses?
- Maria Bogoeva
- Aug 3
- 7 min read
Picking your eyeglass frames is exciting. But choosing the right lenses? That’s where things get confusing. From lens materials, coating, filters, and price differences, it can feel like you’re making decisions blindly.
Don’t worry, we’ve got you. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about eyeglass lenses. So you can make smart choices, avoid paying for stuff you don’t need, and get the most out of your glasses.
What Are Eyeglass Lenses Made For?
Lenses are the most important part of your glasses, especially if you have a prescription. Frames are cool, but correct your vision and protect your eyes.
When you order glasses, you’ll need to choose:
Type of vision correction
Lens material
Coatings
Filters
Each of these affects how well you see, how comfortable they are, how they look, and how much they cost.
What Kind of Correction Do You Need?
When ordering glasses, you’re not just picking a frame; you’re choosing how your lenses will help you see. The right lens design depends on your age, lifestyle, and what your eyes need help with: distance, near, both, or somewhere in between.
Let’s walk through the main options so you know exactly what you're being offered:
Single Vision Lenses
Single vision lenses have one consistent prescription throughout the entire lens.
They are the most common and affordable type, and correct either distance, reading, or computer vision. These eyeglass lenses are best for children, young adults, or anyone with just one type of vision problem. Your eyes don’t have to “adapt” to them.
Bifocal Lenses
Bifocals are designed for people, usually over age 40, who need help with both nearsightedness and farsightedness.
Top: Distance
Half-moon section at the bottom: Reading
They’re practical, but they do have a visible line across the lens, which some people find distracting or unattractive.
Trifocal Lenses
Trifocals take it a step further by adding a third zone:
Top: Distance
Middle: Intermediate (e.g., computer screens)
Bottom: Reading
These eyeglass lenses also have visible lines separating the three sections. They're less common now but still used by some who like a traditional layout.
Progressive Lenses
Progressive lenses correct near, intermediate, and distance vision all in one lens, without any visible lines. Instead of jumping between sections like in bifocals, the prescription changes gradually as you move your eyes up and down the lens:
Top: Distance
Middle: Intermediate (e.g., computer screens)
Bottom: Reading
They look like regular single-vision glasses, but offer seamless vision for all distances. Progressive lenses are a game-changer for individuals over 40 who want a more modern, stylish, and natural-feeling solution.
However, they can take a few days to weeks to get used to, especially if it's your first time. Some people may feel a bit dizzy or disoriented at first while learning to tilt their head or move their eyes correctly.
Office or Computer Lenses
Also known as “occupational progressives,” these are made just for blue light protection. They’re the preferred choice for people who spend hours on a computer or reading documents at their desk.
These are usually a second pair of glasses, not a full-time solution.
If you’re not sure what type you need, ask your optician for a lifestyle-based recommendation. Your prescription, job, hobbies, and screen time can influence what lens design will work best for you.
RELATED: Blue Light Glasses vs. Night Mode
Lens Materials and What’s the Difference?
Different lens materials affect thickness, durability, and price.
Despite the popular misconception and their appearance, eyeglass lenses are usually not made of glass at all.
1. Plastic (CR-39) Lenses
Standard plastic material is best for mild prescriptions (under ±2.00), budget-conscious users, and casual wear.
Pros:
Affordable and one of the cheapest lens materials available
Good optical quality, so vision is sharp and clear
Cons:
Thicker and heavier than newer materials
Less impact-resistant than polycarbonate
Doesn’t block UV by default (needs coating)
2. Polycarbonate Lenses
Best for kids, active adults, sports use, and safety glasses. Recommended for anyone rough on their specs.
Pros:
Impact-resistant
Lightweight and thinner than CR-39
Built-in UV protection
Cons:
Slightly lower optical clarity than other lenses
Scratch more easily (needs a good scratch-resistant coating)
3. Trivex Lenses
A good all-around eyeglasses lens, ideal for rimless frames or if you want both safety and crisp vision. Best for people who want the benefits of polycarbonate but better clarity.
Pros:
Impact-resistant and lightweight
Better optical clarity than polycarbonate
Blocks UV light naturally
Feels light and comfortable
Cons:
Slightly more expensive than polycarbonate
Not always available everywhere
4. High-Index Lenses
If you have a strong prescription (above ±3.00), it’s worth getting high-index lenses to avoid the “coke bottle” look. The higher the index, the thinner the lens.
Pros
Thinner and lighter than CR-39 and polycarbonate
Less distortion around the edges for strong prescriptions
Looks better in fashionable, thin frames
Cons
More expensive
Slightly more reflective (anti-reflective coating is highly recommended)
Coatings and Filters
This is where things get tricky. Some coatings and filters add real value. Others are nice-to-have or simply not worth it. We will let you decide what's worth it to you:
Anti-Reflective (AR) Coating
Reduces glare from screens, lights, and headlights
Makes your lenses look clearer in photos and real life
Helps reduce eye strain
Highly recommended for most people
Scratch-Resistant Coating
Protects lenses from everyday wear and tear
Often included by default in polycarbonate or high-index lenses
Essential, especially for kids
UV Protection
Blocks harmful ultraviolet light that can damage eyes
Usually built into polycarbonate, Trivex, and high-index lenses
Ask for it if you’re getting basic plastic lenses
Blue Light Filter
Filters some blue light from screens
It might help with digital eye strain or sleep, but the scientific evidence is mixed
Worth trying if you spend many hours on computers or phones
Optional, but can be helpful only for screen-heavy users
Photochromic / Transition Lenses
Darken in sunlight, clear indoors
Convenient, but don’t darken well inside cars
Good for some, but not a full replacement for sunglasses
Mirror Coatings
Cosmetic, makes lenses reflective (like sunglasses)
Only useful for very specific fashion or sport uses
Hydrophobic / Oleophobic Coatings
Repel water, oil, and smudges
Useful but often overpriced
Skip unless you hate cleaning your glasses
Why Do Some Lenses Cost More?
Higher-priced lenses often come with thinner materials, special coatings, brand-name extras, and customization for your prescription and lifestyle. Sometimes the added cost makes a real difference. Other times, it's just marketing. Our advice? Only pay for the materials, coatings, and filters you really need.
How to Decide What’s Right for You?
Think through your decision like a pro:
1. Start With Your Prescription
Your prescription is the foundation for everything. A mild prescription gives you more flexibility, while a stronger one often requires more thoughtful choices. The stronger the prescription, the more you’ll appreciate thinner, lighter materials.
Our recommendations:
Low prescription (±0.25 to ±2.00): CR-39 or polycarbonate lenses
Moderate prescription (±2.00 to ±4.00): Polycarbonate or Trivex lenses
High prescription (±4.00 and above): High-index lenses
2. Consider Your Age and Lifestyle
Different ages, different lifestyles, different eyeglass lens needs.
Kids and teens need strong, impact-resistant materials like polycarbonate or Trivex, with scratch protection and UV coating. Adults under 40 often need single vision lenses for distance or screen use. Students or office workers may benefit from scratch-resistant and AR coatings. Outdoorsy or sporty people may need an additional photochromic filter.
Adults over 40 may start to need help with reading and intermediate tasks; this is where bifocals, progressives, or reading glasses come in.
Seniors might benefit from wider reading zones or simplified setups.
3. Decide What’s Worth Paying For and What’s Not
Some extras make a difference. Others might sound fancy, but don’t deliver much value.
Worth it:
Anti-reflective coating: Less glare, sharper vision, and nicer-looking lenses
Scratch-resistant coating: If you’re active, or buying for kids
UV protection: Essential for long-term eye health, included in most modern lenses
Optional:
Blue light filter: May reduce digital eye strain, worth trying if you’re on screens 6+ hours/day
Photochromic lenses (Transitions): Convenient for outdoorsy types, but don’t work great inside cars
Usually not worth the cost:
Water- or oil-resistant coatings: Nice, but expensive, you can clean your lenses regularly instead
Mirror coatings: Mostly for fashion or sports sunglasses
Brand-name “luxury” lenses: Often are just marketing
A few smart investments go further than a long list of overpriced eyeglass lens upgrades.
4. Ask Questions at the Optical Store
Don’t be shy about asking your optician for honest advice. A good provider will explain:
What’s included in the base price?
Which coatings actually help you?
What’s useful for your job, hobbies, or family life?
If you’re ordering online, double-check the return policy. Make sure you can input your prescription details accurately. If you’re unsure, many reputable online retailers offer virtual chats or even video calls with opticians.
Final Tips for Eyeglasses Wearers
Always prioritize lens quality over frames, as they impact your vision. Ask your optician what’s included vs. what costs extra before ordering your glasses. Don’t feel pressured to add every coating; a few smart choices go a long way. If you're buying online, double-check lens return policies and prescription input steps.
Think of your glasses as tools that make your days clearer, easier, and more comfortable. The more your lenses are tailored to you, the better your vision will be.
✅ Medically reviewed by Atanas Bogoev, MD.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
Maria Bogoeva is a medical writer with over 11 years of experience in copywriting and content strategy. She’s the founder of Ophthalmology24, where she leads the creation of clear, practical, and medically accurate content for ophthalmologists and patients. Her mission: make ophthalmology education more accessible and engaging worldwide.
Atanas Bogoev, M.D., FEBO is a consultant ophthalmologist, eye surgeon, and co-founder of Ophthalmology24. Atanas has trained internationally, attending courses at Harvard Medical School, Oftalmo University, and completing observerships such as the GAASS program in Toronto. He combines surgical experience with a passion for education, translating surgical best practices and clinical learning into accessible resources.
