With so many different types of lenses for glasses to choose from in India and around the world, picking the right one can feel confusing. Choosing the best eyeglass lenses is one of the most important parts of getting a good pair of glasses.

Lenses for glasses do more than just help you see clearly- they can also protect your eyes and come with special coatings to guard against things like scratches and harmful UV rays. However, not all glasses have the same kind of lenses.

The type of lens you choose depends on your vision needs, your prescription and any extra features you want- like blue light protection or thinner, lighter lenses. Let us take a closer look at the different kinds of eyeglass lenses and how they can help your eyes.

What are glasses lenses?

Lenses for glasses are the clear pieces placed inside your glasses frame that help you see better and protect your eyes. They are usually made from glass or plastic and can be either prescription (to correct vision) or non-prescriptive (for eye protection or style).

Most people wear glasses to fix common vision problems like nearsightedness (myopia), age-related focus (presbyopia), farsightedness (hyperopia) or blurry vision caused by an uneven eye shape (astigmatism). These conditions determine the type of eyeglass lenses you may need. 

Also Read: Types of Sunglasses: Discover the Best Fit for Your Look

Know what your eye prescription means

Before choosing the best eye lenses, it is important to understand your eye prescription. This is the paper your eye doctor gives you after an eye test. It shows the lens strength you need to see clearly.

The prescription includes details like axis, sphere and cylinder- these terms help explain whether you are nearsighted, farsighted, have astigmatism or a mix of these. Knowing what your prescription means will help you talk more clearly with your optician and choose the right type of lens. 

Different types of lenses that you can choose from

Thanks to new technology, eyeglass lenses have come a long way. In the past, they were only made from glass. But today’s lens types are made from advanced plastic materials.

These modern glasses types are lighter, safer (less likely to break) and can include special coatings to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays. The different types of eyeglasses lenses available now are thinner, lighter and more resistant to scratches compared to older glass or plastic lenses.

Related: Find Your Perfect Pair: Eyeglasses and Sunglasses for Every Face Shape

Different lens materials for glasses available in India

The material used for your lenses can affect how comfortable and long-lasting your glasses are. Each type of lens material has its own pros and cons, depending on your daily activities and how strong your prescription is. Here are the most common lens materials used in India:

• Plastic: Lightweight and tough, which makes it a great everyday option.

• Trivex: Clear, durable and light. A great choice for people with higher prescriptions who want both comfort and sharp vision. 

• Glass: Gives very clear vision but is heavier and can break easily.

• Polycarbonate: Very strong and hard to break- perfect for kids or people with an active lifestyle. 

When you consider types of lenses for eyes, the material is just as important as the shape or function. 

Common lens types that help you see better

Now that you understand your eye prescription and know the materials used in lenses, let us look at the various types of eyeglass lenses you can choose from. If you use prescription glasses or reading glasses, the lenses are made to bend light so you can see clearly.

Each type of lens has its own features and is made to suit different vision needs. Here are some of the most popular types of lenses used to correct vision problems.

Bifocal lenses

These lenses have two separate sections- one for seeing things far away and one for seeing things up close. There is a visible line dividing the two areas. 

Prism lenses

If your eyes do not move together properly (like in cases of double vision or strabismus), prism lenses can help. These lenses guide light in a way that helps your eyes work together. 

Photochromic lenses

These lenses change color based on light. They darken in sunlight and turn clear indoors, so you do not need separate sunglasses. 

Computer lenses

Made to reduce eye strain from screens, these lenses give the best focus for viewing digital devices and help prevent tired eyes during long screen time.

Aspheric lenses

These lenses have a flatter and thinner shape, which not only makes glasses look better but also reduces visual distortion, especially at the edges of the lens. 

Single vision lenses

These lenses correct just one type of vision, either for distance, reading or computer use. They are the most common lenses and provide a wide, clear viewing area. They help people with farsightedness, nearsightedness or astigmatism. 

Progressive lenses

Also known as no-line multifocal, these lenses help you see clearly at all distances- far, mid-range (like for a computer) and close-up. Unlike bifocals or trifocals, they do not have any visible lines on the lens. 

Trifocal lenses

These have three parts- distance, intermediate (like arm’s length) and near vision. They are useful for people who need help seeing at multiple distances, such as when reading or using a computer. 

High-index lenses

These are thinner and lighter than regular lenses, even for strong prescriptions. They are perfect for people with high-power glasses (above +/-4.00), though they can be a bit more expensive. 

Polarized lenses

Great for outdoor use, especially in bright sunlight. These lenses cut down glare from surfaces like roads or water, which makes vision clearer and more comfortable. 

Remember, each type of lens has its own unique purpose. Therefore, it is important to choose the one that best fits your lifestyle and vision needs.

Suggested Read: Protect Your Eyes in Style: Top Tips for Selecting the Perfect Sunglasses

Final thoughts

With so many glasses types, when picking the best lenses for your glasses, consider your eye prescription, budget and any special coatings you might need, like protection for scratch protection, screen use or UV blocking. Your eye doctor and the best eyeglasses store like Prism Eye Care are the right people to guide you.

At Prism Eye Care, we not only offer a wide selection of lens types but also give expert advice based on your vision and lifestyle. Whether you buy glasses online from our website or from our store, we aim to make choosing lenses simple. So, if you are ready to buy the best eyeglass lenses, visit Prism Eye Care today or shop online to get started!