Everyday Eye Health

A guide to the most common glasses lenses

A simple guide to the most common types of glasses lenses, materials, and coatings—plus how they help with vision needs.

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Choosing the right lens matters. This guide breaks down the most common glasses options for lenses, lens materials and coatings. But the best guide is a visit to an eye care provider who can share the best choice for specific vision needs.  

1. Single‑vision lenses 

These lenses have one prescription strength across the whole lens. They help with either distance vision or near vision—but not both. If someone needs help for both, they'd need a different lens type. 

Pros: 

  • Simple and easy to use
  • Clear vision for one focus (distance or reading)  

Cons: 

  • Not helpful for switching between far and near
  • If age‑related focus changes start, extra glasses may be needed  

2. Bifocal Lenses 

These lenses have two distinct powers: 

  • Top part: distance
  • Bottom part: near tasks like reading 

Bifocals help people needing both types of vision correction in one pair.1 

Pros: 

  • See near and far clearly with the same glasses  

Cons: 

  • Have a visible line that some find unappealing
  • Switching focus can feel abrupt  

UnitedHealthcare Vision plans offer access to standard glasses lenses. Learn more today.

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3. Trifocal Lenses 

Trifocal lenses have three zones: 

  1. Top: distance
  2. Middle: intermediate (like computer work)
  3. Bottom: close-up 

Pros: 

  • Help with distance, mid-range and reading
  • Great for working at computer or kitchen counter levels  

Cons: 

  • Lines are visible and segments are smaller
  • Need larger frames and may take time to adjust  

4. Progressive (multifocal) lenses 

Also called no-line bifocals or PALs, these lenses have a gradual change in prescription from top to bottom: 

  • Top: distance
  • Middle: intermediate
  • Bottom: reading  

Pros: 

  • Smooth transition between all distances
  • No visible lines—plus they look like single‑vision glasses 
  • Better posture since head stays upright  

Cons: 

  • Adjusting can take days or weeks
  • Peripheral vision may seem blurry
  • More expensive than other lenses  

Looking for a new eye care provider? Search the UnitedHealthcare Vision Network now.

Lens materials 

Lens material does not change vision strength. Instead, it affects weight, durability, thickness and comfort. Light materials are often more comfortable and stylish. 

  • Plastic (CR‑39) – light and clear, but may scratch2 
  • Polycarbonate – strong and impact-resistant, great for kids but may scratch more 
  • Trivex – light, impact-resistant, strong, better optical clarity and naturally blocks UV 
  • High‑index plastic – thin and light for stronger prescriptions3 

Lens coatings and extras 

Coatings and other add-ons are available to customize glasses even more. They don’t change vision power, but they may help improve performance and comfort of glasses.  

  • Anti‑reflective (AR) coating: Cuts glare and reflections. Helps with night driving and computer use 
  • Scratch‑resistant coating: Adds a layer to stop scratches on plastic lenses2 
  • UV protection: Shields eyes from harmful UV rays. Vital for outdoor use  

Other options include tints for light sensitivity and photochromic lenses that darken in sunlight. 

Coatings are most useful for screen use, night driving and long‑lasting eyewear. 

Make an appointment with an eye care provider today to learn more about lens types, materials and more.  

Sources: 

  1. Contact lenses for vision correction. American Academy of Ophthalmology, July 16, 2025
  2. Glass or Plastic: Which Type of Lens Should You Choose? Optometrists Network
  3. Guide to high-index lenses. Optometrists Network 

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