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What Type of Lenses Should I Get for My Glasses?

What Type of Lenses Should I Get for My Glasses?

When it’s time to buy new glasses, most people focus on the frames — their shape, color, and how they complement your face. But the lenses inside those frames are what truly affect how you see and how comfortable your glasses feel throughout the day. With so many types of lenses available, from blue light–blocking to progressives, it can feel overwhelming to choose.

This guide breaks down the most common lens types, how they differ, and how to find the right ones for your prescription and lifestyle.

Understanding Prescription vs. Non-Prescription Lenses

The first step in choosing lenses is determining whether you need a prescription. If your eye doctor has given you a prescription for nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism, you’ll want prescription lenses tailored to those needs. Non-prescription lenses, on the other hand, are perfect if you simply want glasses for protection — such as blue light blocking lenses for screen use or UV protection lenses for outdoor wear.

EyeCandys offers both options, so whether you need corrective vision or simply want to protect your eyes, you can find stylish frames with the right lenses for you.

Single Vision Lenses: The Everyday Essential

If you only need help seeing at one distance — near or far — single vision lenses are the most common choice. They provide uniform correction across the entire lens, making them ideal for everyday wear, driving, reading, or computer work.

Single vision lenses are lightweight, cost-effective, and can be customized with additional coatings like anti-reflective or scratch resistance for extra comfort and durability.

Bifocal and Trifocal Lenses: Clear Vision at Multiple Distances

As we age, our eyes naturally lose the ability to focus on close objects, a condition known as presbyopia. If you find yourself switching between reading glasses and distance glasses, bifocals or trifocals may be a good solution.

  • Bifocals feature two distinct lens zones: one for distance and one for near vision, separated by a visible line.

  • Trifocals add a middle section for intermediate tasks, like working at a computer or viewing a dashboard.

These lenses are highly functional, but many people prefer more modern options for a seamless look — like progressive lenses.

Progressive Lenses: Seamless Vision for Every Distance

Progressive lenses offer the benefits of multifocal vision without any visible lines. They gradually transition from distance correction at the top to intermediate and near correction toward the bottom, allowing you to see clearly at all distances with one pair of glasses.

They’re a popular choice for those who want a more natural visual experience, especially for everyday activities like driving, working, and reading. EyeCandys progressive lenses combine precision craftsmanship with stylish frame options, so you don’t have to sacrifice aesthetics for function.

Blue Light Blocking Lenses: For Digital Lifestyles

If you spend several hours a day on a computer, phone, or tablet, blue light blocking lenses are worth considering. These lenses help filter out blue light emitted by screens, which may contribute to digital eye strain, dryness, and difficulty sleeping.

Blue light lenses are available with or without prescription, making them ideal for anyone who works in an office or spends long hours in front of a screen. EyeCandys offers fashionable blue light glasses that protect your eyes while complementing your look — perfect for students, gamers, and professionals alike.

Photochromic (Transition) Lenses: From Indoors to Outdoors

If you frequently move between indoor and outdoor environments, photochromic lenses (also known as transition lenses) automatically adjust their tint in response to light. Indoors, they’re clear; outdoors, they darken to shield your eyes from UV rays.

These lenses offer the convenience of two-in-one eyewear — you won’t have to switch between regular glasses and sunglasses throughout the day. They’re particularly useful for commuters, outdoor workers, and travelers who want adaptable eye protection.

High-Index Lenses: Thin, Light, and Comfortable

For those with stronger prescriptions, standard lenses can appear thick and heavy. High-index lenses solve this by using advanced materials that bend light more efficiently, allowing them to be thinner and lighter.

They not only improve comfort but also create a sleeker appearance, especially for those with high prescriptions. Pair them with anti-reflective coating, and your glasses will look clearer in photos and under bright lights.

Lens Coatings and Add-Ons to Consider

Beyond lens type, coatings can significantly improve performance and longevity. Popular options include:

  • Anti-reflective coating: reduces glare from lights and screens

  • Scratch-resistant coating: protects lenses from everyday wear

  • UV protection: shields eyes from harmful ultraviolet rays

  • Hydrophobic coating: repels water and smudges for easier cleaning

Many EyeCandys lenses come with these coatings built in or as customizable upgrades, making it easy to tailor your glasses to your lifestyle.

How to Choose the Right Lenses for You

Start by thinking about how and where you use your glasses most:

  • If you wear them all day for general vision correction, single vision or progressive lenses may be best.

  • If you work long hours at a computer, consider blue light blocking lenses or progressive lenses with an intermediate zone optimized for screen distance.

  • If you’re frequently outdoors, photochromic lenses or UV-protective coatings will keep your eyes shielded from sunlight.

  • And if you have a strong prescription, high-index lenses will ensure your frames feel light and look balanced.

Your optometrist can help fine-tune the prescription, but understanding your daily habits will guide you toward the most comfortable and effective choice.


See Clearly, Look Stylish

The right lenses don’t just correct your vision — they enhance your comfort, protect your eyes, and elevate your everyday experience. Whether you need a simple single vision pair or advanced progressives with blue light protection, EyeCandys makes it easy to customize your lenses to fit your needs and your style.

Because seeing clearly should always look good, too.

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Contributor

Amaya Chin

Amaya Chin

Amaya Chin has been an integral part of EyeCandys since its founding in 2008, serving as a staff writer and project manager. With a strong background in physiology and biochemistry,...

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The information in this post and all EyeCandys blog content is intended for informational and marketing purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. EyeCandys does not offer professional healthcare advice or practice medicine, optometry, or any other healthcare profession. Always consult with your ophthalmologist, optometrist or a qualified healthcare provider for any medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or questions regarding a medical condition.

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