Robert Marc Hudson

When investing in everyday glasses, you want lenses that match your vision needs and lifestyle. The right choice depends on your prescription, how you use your glasses and the materials and features that are important to you. 

We’ll walk you through the key factors to help you determine which eyeglass lens options are right for you.

Types of Eyeglass Lenses 

There are five main eyeglass lens options. Some lenses are for prescription eyeglasses, while others can be purchased without a prescription. Here's how the lenses compare: 

Plano lenses

Plano lenses are clear, non-prescription lenses. These lenses do not have any vision correction power and a prescription is not required to have them. Plano lenses are relatively affordable and are the best choice for eyewear when they are used as an accessory. 

Key Features:

• No prescription required
• Optical quality lenses
• No vision correction power 
• Option to add special features like anti-reflective coating, transitions or blue-blocking
• Best used for fashion eyewear 

Basic Reader lenses

Reader lenses are basic plus powers with no actual prescription from an eye doctor. They are similar to over-the-counter readers and are only available in a fixed near range. Alexander Daas basic reader lenses are custom-fitted, high-grade optical-quality, with premium anti-reflective coating.

Key Features: 

• Fixed near range 
• No prescription required
• Best for people who need glasses to read or work

Single-Vision Lenses

These are a single prescription for a set distance prescribed by an optometrist. Single-vision lenses can be customized for intermediate, far or near distances. Intermediate distance is ideal for computer use and working, while near is best for reading. 

Key Features:

• Prescription required
• Clear lenses with a prescribed distance
• Ideal for people who need vision correction for one specific distance

Progressive and Multifocal Lenses

These lenses have multiple prescriptions built into the lens, providing vision correction for all distances needed. Here's a breakdown of the different types of multifocal lenses available:

• Bifocals: can correct farsighted and nearsighted vision, with each zone separated by a visible line. 
• Trifocals: can correct farsighted, intermediate and nearsighted vision. Like bifocals, each zone is separated by a visible line. 
• Progressives: a type of multifocal lens for all distances, with no visible lines between the different prescriptions. For those needing correction for multiple distances, progressive lenses are a great choice based on their sleek design and functionality. Learn more about the best frames for progressive lenses. 

Key Features: 

• Prescription required
• Fully customizable to align with your specific prescription
• Best for people who need vision correction for two or more distances

Glasses Lens Materials

Once you determine which lens options are right for you and align with your prescription, there are several different glasses lens materials to consider. 

• CR-39 plastic lenses: basic lenses with excellent acuity.
• Polycarbonate lenses: for a slightly heavier prescription, these are a thinner and lighter option. These lenses are also impact-resistant, making them great for sports and for safety reasons. This material is required for children and young adults under 18.
• Trivex lenses: Trivex is a strong, lightweight lens material with excellent optical clarity, but it is slightly thicker than polycarbonate. It is a good choice for rimless frames, children's eyewear, and anyone seeking superior vision with reduced distortion and halos around lights.
• 1.67 high-index lenses: for heavy prescriptions, these lenses are much thinner and lighter.
• 1.74 high-index lenses: the thinnest and lightest lenses on the market and FDA approved.

Lens Features

Most eyeglass lens options can be customized with different features to complement your lifestyle. Here's a list of add-on features available at Alexander Daas Opticians.

• Anti-reflective coating (AR): AR coating prevents glare and increases the acuity of the lens. This is a great feature if you are on camera often, or recording videos. We offer a 2-year warranty against surface defects and minor scratches for AR coated lenses.
• Blue blocking: blue-light-filtering lenses protect your eyes from the damaging HEV light emitted from your iPhones, iPads, PDAs and computer screens.
• Transitions: lenses designed to react to UV by darkening, so you can enjoy the convenience of going inside and outside without switching between eyeglasses and sunglasses.
• Polarized lenses: sunglass lenses that cut glare by blocking reflective light bouncing off surfaces. 
• Digital lenses: these lenses are laser-surfaced and digitally compensated, offering high-definition quality vision. Digital lenses are highly recommended all prescription eyewear.

How to Know Which Eyeglasses Lens Options Are Right for You?

The first step to finding the best eyeglass lens option for you is to schedule an eye exam with our independent optometrist. During a professional comprehensive eye exam, they'll assess your vision using various tests to determine the correction needed in addition to helping with preventative care and catching if you have any issues with your eyes. 

Our independent optometrists are available for a consultation at several Alexander Daas locations. If you don't have a prescription and want to explore basic reader lenses or Plano lenses, schedule a consultation today for a professional styling with an optician.

Schedule Your Next Eye Exam

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best material for eyeglasses?

CR-39 is a popular, affordable starting point for basic prescriptions. If you want more durability and impact resistance in a thinner lens, opt for polycarbonate or Trivex.

Do glasses come standard with Plano lenses?

Our luxury eyeglasses come with demo lenses from the brand manufacturer. These are not meant to be worn and we would replace them with plano or prescription optical lenses. Our sunglasses comes standard with wearable plano sun lenses by default. Depending on your needs, the lenses can be upgraded to prescription lenses or basic reader lenses with different lens features. 

Is a prescription required for basic reader lenses?

A prescription is not always required for basic reader lenses, although we recommend an eye exam annually to confirm your needs (and for your health) before purchasing readers.