SINGLE VISION… BIFOCAL… PROGRESSIVE… WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE?

November 22, 2018

Single Vision lenses have one prescription all throughout the lens. The lens corrects for either hyperopia (farsightedness) or myopia (nearsightedness). People can get single vision glasses made to be used for reading as well. The limit to having Single Vision lenses is that they can only correct for one vision need.

As people age, the lens inside their eye starts to lose elasticity, which makes it harder to focus and accommodate up close. This process is called presbyopia, and people with presbyopia often need to have more than one prescription in their glasses to help correct their vision at different distances. Some lens options to help are Bifocals or Progressives.

Bifocal lenses have two prescriptions within the lens. The top portion is dedicated to correcting for far away while the bottom portion helps with up close. The two different sections are visibly separated by a horizonal line. Bifocal lenses are made by fusing two single vision lenses together. This creates a wider field of view because there is no distortion (peripheral blur).

Progressive lenses correct for all distances. The top portion corrects for far away, the middle portion for intermediate and the bottom portion for reading. These lenses do not have any lines and have a smooth transition between the different powers in the lens. This design is great for people who want to wear their glasses all the time. The downside to this lens design is the peripheral distortion (side blurriness) people may get in the lens. This distortion is caused by the way lens manufacturers must bend the lens to go from the power in the top to the reading power at the bottom. There is not edge to edge clarity like in a bifocal, but people have the added benefits of a better aesthetic and having all the prescriptions they need in one lens to see at all distances.

-Kyanna Mochar – Licensed Optician

A person is cleaning a pair of glasses with a cloth
By Rosendo C April 23, 2025
Learn simple, effective tips for cleaning, storing, and caring for your glasses. Discover how proper eyewear maintenance protects your vision and extends the life of your frames at Mountain View Optometry.
A woman wearing glasses is smiling in a black and white photo
By Rosendo C April 9, 2025
Tom Davies offers a distinguished eyewear experience through custom-made frames that combine artisanal design with a couture approach, setting new standards in premium eyewear since 2002.
The Pros and Cons of Cosmetic Eye Procedures
By Tom Wilk April 7, 2025
Cosmetic eye procedures can refresh your look and boost confidence, yet they come with risks. Explore the benefits and potential side effects to make an informed decision today.
A little girl wearing glasses and a blue dress.
By Rosendo C March 26, 2025
Discover Opal's playful and stylish children's eyewear, blending fashion and entertainment with popular licenses that kids love.
A woman wearing glasses and a red sweater is laughing.
By Rosendo C March 26, 2025
Celebrate ØRGREEN OPTICS’ legacy with the 1415 campaign, a tribute to Copenhagen’s oldest postal code. Discover how the city’s canals and creative energy inspire their unique designs.
A woman wearing glasses and a black pleated top
By Rosendo C March 26, 2025
Explore Etnia Barcelona’s new eyewear collection, where vibrant colors, bold contrasts, and premium acetates create striking designs. Celebrate individuality with frames that exude confidence and style.
A woman with glasses and a flower in her hair
By Rosendo C March 26, 2025
Dive into Etnia Barcelona's Underwater campaign, a surreal exploration of the ocean's depths. Discover a mystical AI-created world where vibrant flora, fauna, and mythical beings bring the beauty of the deep sea to life.
A man with a beard wearing maui jim sunglasses
By Rosendo C March 20, 2025
Discover Maui Jim sunglasses at Mountain View Optometry, featuring PolarizedPlus2® lens technology for superior glare protection, enhanced colors, and UV defense. Experience unmatched clarity and eye comfort with premium polarized lenses.
A man wearing sunglasses and a maui jim logo
By Rosendo C March 20, 2025
Maui Jim Sunglasses Spring-Summer 2025
A woman wearing glasses is standing in front of a colorful background.
By Rosendo C March 16, 2025
Thierry Lasry Eyewear Calgary - 2024 Campaign
Show More