Guide to Single Vision Lenses

Single vision lenses are the most common type of prescription lens, designed to correct for a single field of vision. This means the entire lens has one prescription power to help you see clearly at a specific distance — either close up or far away.

If you need glasses for driving, watching television, or other distance tasks, you’ll need a single vision lens for distance. If you need glasses for reading, working on a computer, or other near tasks, you’ll need a single vision lens for near.

This guide explains the common vision issues that single vision lenses correct and how they differ from multifocal lenses like bifocals and progressives.

What Do Single Vision Lenses Correct?

Single vision lenses are the standard solution for the two most common refractive errors:

• Myopia (Nearsightedness): If you can see objects up close with perfect clarity, but objects in the distance appear blurry, you are nearsighted. A single vision lens for distance will correct this.

• Hyperopia (Farsightedness): If you can see distant objects clearly, but have trouble focusing on things up close, you are farsighted. A single vision lens for near will correct this.

Single vision lenses can also correct for astigmatism, which is a common condition caused by an irregular shape of the cornea that can cause blurry vision at all distances.

Single Vision vs. Multifocal Lenses

While a single vision lens has one prescription power, a multifocal lens has two or more. This is for people who have presbyopia and need correction for both distance and near vision in the same pair of glasses.

• Bifocal Lenses have two distinct zones — one for distance and one for near — separated by a visible line.

• Progressive Lenses have three seamless zones — for distance, intermediate (computer), and near vision — with no visible lines.

If you are under 40 and only need glasses for one type of vision correction (e.g., just for driving or just for reading), you will almost certainly be prescribed single vision lenses. If you are over 40 and are finding it difficult to read, you may need a separate pair of single vision reading glasses, or you may be a candidate for multifocal lenses.

Not Sure What You Need? The best way to know what type of lens is right for you is to have a comprehensive eye exam. Your optometrist will be able to provide you with an accurate prescription and advise you on the best lens solution for your lifestyle.

The JOIUSS™ Standard

Every pair of JOIUSS™ single vision lenses is crafted to the highest standard. We use premium quality CR-39 or high-index materials and include essential anti-scratch and anti-reflection coatings at no extra charge. This ensures your vision is as clear, comfortable, and durable as possible.

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Single Vision Lens

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my distance glasses to read?

If you are under 40 years and only have a prescription for distance, your glasses will not help you read. In fact, they will make it harder. You will need a separate pair of single vision reading glasses or a multifocal lens that includes a reading prescription.

What are “readers” or “reading glasses”?

“Readers” are simply single vision glasses with a prescription for near vision. You can buy them over-the-counter in standard strengths, but it is always best to have an eye exam to get the exact prescription power you need.

Do I need single vision or progressive lenses?

This depends entirely on your prescription. If you only need correction for one distance, you need single vision lenses. If you have presbyopia and need correction for both near and far distances, you are a candidate for progressive lenses. Your eye doctor will be able to tell you which is right for you.