Types of Glasses: A Complete Guide to Choosing the Right Pair
Glasses are more than just vision correction tools—they’re an essential part of daily life for millions of people. Whether you need glasses for reading, driving, or protecting your eyes from screens, choosing the right pair ensures comfort, clarity, and functionality.
This guide breaks down the different types of glasses, including prescription and non-prescription options, helping you understand their uses and which might be best suited for your needs.
Prescription Glasses: Tailored for Clear Vision
Prescription glasses are designed to correct vision problems such as myopia (short-sightedness), hyperopia (long-sightedness), astigmatism, and presbyopia. Unlike generic lenses, prescription glasses are customised to match the unique optical requirements of each eye, ensuring accurate focus and reducing strain.
Here are the main types of prescription glasses:
Single Vision Glasses
- Designed to correct one field of vision—either near, intermediate, or distance.
- Commonly prescribed for people with short-sightedness or long-sightedness.
- Available in various lens materials, including polycarbonate for lightweight durability.
Single-vision glasses have lenses that correct only one vision issue: near vision or distance vision. The glasses ensure that light is refracted onto the retina properly. Single-vision glasses have one prescription over the entire lens, prescribed by the optometrist to correct refractive errors, including myopia, hyperopia, presbyopia, and astigmatism.
Bifocal Glasses
- Feature two distinct sections in the lens:
- Upper portion for distance vision.
- Lower portion for near vision.
- Ideal for individuals with presbyopia, a condition that makes focusing on close objects difficult.
- Typically recommended for people who need both distance and reading correction but prefer a visible lens separation.
- Takes some time to adjust to but offers a wider range of vision correction compared to bifocals.
Varifocal Glasses
- Provide a seamless transition between multiple prescriptions for near, intermediate, and distance vision.
- Unlike bifocals, varifocal lenses do not have visible dividing lines, making them a preferred choice for those seeking a more natural viewing experience.
Ready-Made Reading Glasses (Mass-Produced Prescription Glasses)
- Also called off-the-shelf reading glasses, these are pre-made prescription glasses available in set strengths (e.g., +1.00 to +4.00 diopters).
- Designed for people with presbyopia who need magnification for close-up tasks like reading or sewing.
- Unlike custom prescription glasses, these have the same strength in both lenses and do not account for individual differences between the eyes.
- While convenient and affordable, they may cause strain if the prescription does not match your precise needs.
Driving Glasses (Prescription & Non-Prescription Options)
- Prescription driving glasses help improve vision clarity, depth perception, and contrast for safer driving, especially in low-light conditions.
- Many feature an anti-reflective (AR) coating to reduce glare from headlights and streetlights.
- Non-prescription driving glasses often include polarised lenses to minimise glare from wet roads and bright sunlight.
Non-Prescription Glasses: Functionality Without Vision Correction
Not all glasses are designed to correct vision. Non-prescription glasses offer protection, style, and additional benefits, such as reducing eye strain.
Blue Light Glasses
- Designed to filter out blue light from screens, helping reduce digital eye strain.
- Popular among people who spend long hours working on computers, tablets, or smartphones.
- Available in both prescription and non-prescription lenses.
Sunglasses
- Protect eyes from UV rays, reducing the risk of cataracts and eye strain in bright conditions.
- Polarised lenses help cut down on glare, making them ideal for driving, sports, and outdoor activities.
- Can be custom-made with prescription lenses for those who need vision correction.
Safety Glasses (For Work & Hazardous Environments)
- Designed to shield the eyes from debris, chemicals, and harmful light exposure.
- Common in industries like construction, manufacturing, and healthcare.
- Available in impact-resistant polycarbonate materials with optional anti-fog and UV coatings.
Sports Glasses (Protective Eyewear for Active Lifestyles)
- Specifically designed to stay secure during high-impact activities like cycling, running, and racquet sports.
- Often feature wraparound frames for a better fit and protection against wind and dust.
- Available in prescription and non-prescription versions.
Types of Lens Materials: What You Need to Know
Choosing the right lens material is just as important as selecting the frame. Different materials offer various benefits, including durability, weight, and clarity.
1. Polycarbonate Lenses (Lightweight & Impact-Resistant)
- Ideal for sports glasses, children’s eyewear, and safety glasses.
- Offers built-in UV protection and high impact resistance.
2. Plastic Lenses (CR-39) (Affordable & Lightweight)
- A popular choice for everyday prescription glasses due to their balance of durability and clarity.
- Less impact-resistant than polycarbonate but provides excellent optical performance.
3. Trivex Lenses (Sharp Vision & Lightweight Comfort)
- An alternative to polycarbonate, offering superior optical clarity.
- Preferred for thin, lightweight frames.
4. High-Index Lenses (For Stronger Prescriptions)
- Designed for people with higher prescriptions who want thinner, lighter lenses.
- Helps reduce lens thickness while maintaining clear, distortion-free vision.
Popular Types of Eyeglass Frames
The right frame complements your style while ensuring comfort and durability. Here’s a look at common frame types:
Full-Rimmed Frames (Bold & Sturdy)
- Surrounds the lens entirely, offering maximum support and durability.
- Available in plastic, acetate, and metal materials.
Rimless Frames (Minimalist & Lightweight)
- Lenses are held in place by a bridge and temples, with no surrounding frame.
- Extremely lightweight but may be less durable than full-rim designs.
Semi-Rimless Frames (Modern & Lightweight Hybrid)
- Feature a rim at the top but leave the bottom open for a sleek look.
- Combines the durability of full-rim frames with the lightweight feel of rimless styles.
Wire Frames (Classic & Timeless)
- Made from thin metal like titanium or stainless steel.
- Known for their delicate, sophisticated appearance (e.g., aviator glasses).
How to Choose the Right Glasses for Your Needs
With so many options available, selecting the right pair depends on:
✔ Your Prescription Needs → Do you need single-vision, bifocal, or varifocal lenses?
✔ Lifestyle Requirements → Will you be wearing them for reading, driving, work, or sports?
✔ Frame Comfort & Fit → Consider frame materials, nose pad placement, and overall weight.
✔ Lens Coatings & Add-Ons → Think about anti-glare, UV protection, or blue light filtering for added benefits.
Find Your Perfect Glasses at Glasses Store
At Glasses Store, we offer a wide range of prescription and non-prescription glasses tailored to your needs. Whether you need custom varifocal lenses, blue light glasses, or lightweight frames, our selection ensures quality, comfort, and affordability.
✔ Use our Virtual Try-On Tool to find the best fit before you buy.
✔ Browse our collection of prescription glasses online.
✔ Get expert assistance if you’re unsure about your lens options.
Final Thoughts
Glasses play a crucial role in vision correction, protection, and style. Whether you need prescription glasses for daily wear, non-prescription lenses for screen protection, or sunglasses for outdoor activities, choosing the right pair ensures long-term eye comfort.
For expert guidance and a wide range of eyewear options, explore Glasses Store’s online collection today.
