
Single-vision lenses are designed to correct a specific vision problem and contain a single prescription across the lens area. They are suitable for all types of uses, including reading, computer work, distance, and general day-to-day use. Single-vision lenses are available in a variety of materials, including plastic, polycarbonate, and high-index lenses. Plastic lenses are suitable for general use and low-power basic prescriptions. Polycarbonate lenses are thinner, lighter, and more impact-resistant than traditional plastic lenses. High-index lenses are the thinnest and lightest lenses available and are ideal for people with strong prescriptions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type | Single Vision Lenses |
| Lens material | Plastic, Polycarbonate, Trivex, High Index, Glass |
| Lens type | Aspheric, Double Aspheric, Double Concave |
| Lens thickness | Thinner than traditional plastic lenses |
| Lens weight | Lighter than traditional plastic lenses |
| Durability | Impact-resistant, Scratch-resistant |
| UV protection | Yes |
| Vision correction | Myopia, Hyperopia, Astigmatism |
| Use case | Reading, Computer work, Distance, General day-to-day use |
Explore related products
$11.99
What You'll Learn
- Polycarbonate lenses are thinner, lighter, and more impact-resistant than plastic lenses
- High-index lenses are thinner and lighter than old-school, thick lenses
- Aspheric lenses are thinner, lighter, and have less distortion than standard lenses
- Double aspheric lenses are thinner, lighter, and have a larger focal area
- Double concave lenses are thinner for high minus prescriptions

Polycarbonate lenses are thinner, lighter, and more impact-resistant than plastic lenses
Single-vision lenses contain a single prescription over the whole lens area and are suitable for all types of uses, including reading, computer work, distance, and general day-to-day use. They can be made from different materials, including plastic and polycarbonate.
Plastic lenses, also known as CR-39 or "Columbia Resin 39", have been widely used in eyewear since the 1970s due to their low cost and durability. They are lightweight, thin, and impact-resistant, especially when compared to traditional crown glass. Scratch-resistant, tint, and ultraviolet (UV) protective coatings can be easily added to these lenses. However, they may not be suitable for people with strong prescriptions as they can be quite thick.
On the other hand, polycarbonate lenses are thinner, lighter, and more impact-resistant than plastic lenses. They are made of shatter- and scratch-resistant plastic, making them a great choice for children's eyewear, sports eyewear, and safety eyewear. Polycarbonate lenses are up to 25-30% thinner than traditional plastic or glass lenses, making them ideal for people with strong prescriptions. They also provide UV protection, blocking harmful UVA and UVB sun rays. However, polycarbonate lenses are more expensive than plastic lenses and are prone to scratches if they haven't been given a scratch-resistant coating.
In addition to polycarbonate and plastic lenses, there are also high-index plastic lenses, which are denser than polycarbonate and, therefore, thinner. These lenses are suitable for people with prescriptions stronger than +/- 4.0. They are lighter and thinner than the older, super-thick lenses. Another option is Trivex lenses, which are similar to polycarbonate lenses in terms of weight and impact resistance but tend to offer greater visual clarity.
Unsticking Plastic Lids: Quick and Easy Tricks to Try
You may want to see also
Explore related products

High-index lenses are thinner and lighter than old-school, thick lenses
Single-vision lenses contain a single prescription over the whole lens area and are suitable for all types of uses, including reading, computer work, distance, and general day-to-day use. They are available in a range of materials, including plastic and polycarbonate.
Plastic lenses have a refractive index of 1.50, which is adequate for correcting mild to moderate refractive errors. However, for stronger prescriptions, the lenses need to be thicker to effectively bend light and correct the high refractive error. This can result in lenses that are heavier and less secure within their frames, which may be unattractive and uncomfortable.
High-index lenses are designed to be thinner and lighter than regular lenses, with a refractive index above 1.50, ranging from 1.53 to 1.74. The higher the refractive index, the thinner the lens. For example, a 1.67 high-index lens can be up to 30% thinner than a standard plastic lens with the same prescription. A 1.74 high-index lens can be up to 50% thinner than a regular plastic lens. High-index lenses are also available in a 1.61 or 1.67 index, with the latter recommended for prescriptions between +/-4.00 and +/-8.00. The 1.74 index is recommended for prescriptions of +/-8.00 and higher.
High-index lenses are a good option for people with strong prescriptions who want thinner, lighter lenses with a more attractive appearance. They are also more versatile and can fit into almost any type of frame. Additionally, high-index lenses have a unique aspheric design, resulting in a flatter lens curvature and reduced magnification of the eyes.
Reviving Sun-Bleached Car Plastics: DIY Redarkening Techniques
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Aspheric lenses are thinner, lighter, and have less distortion than standard lenses
Single-vision lenses contain a single prescription over the whole lens area and are suitable for all types of uses, including reading, computer work, distance, and general day-to-day use. They are lightweight, thin, and impact-resistant. If you have a strong prescription, single-vision lenses are lighter and thinner than the old-school super-thick ones.
The higher the refractive index, the better it bends light, and the thinner a lens can be. In a strong prescription, 1.67 high-index lenses will be thinner than 1.50 standard index lenses. Combining aspheric and high index, you will get even thinner lenses. As a rule of thumb, the stronger your prescription, the higher refractive index you'll need. Aspheric lenses will make your glasses lighter, thinner, and more comfortable to wear. Thicker lenses are harder to fit into your glasses frame, and they are more likely to pop out.
Beaded Necklaces: A Trendy Style or Plastic Fad?
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Double aspheric lenses are thinner, lighter, and have a larger focal area
Single-vision lenses contain a single prescription over the whole lens area and are suitable for all types of uses, including reading, computer work, distance, and general day-to-day use. They are lightweight, thin, and impact-resistant. If you have a strong prescription, single-vision lenses are lighter and thinner than the old-school super-thick ones. Single vision lenses are available in 1.67 index for up to 35% thinner and 1.74 index, which is the thinnest lens material available for up to 50% thinner than the CR-39 lens material. Polycarbonate lenses are also 25% thinner than CR-39 lenses.
Double aspheric lenses are a new type of lens designed for high minus prescriptions, where both surfaces of the lens are aspheric in design. This results in lenses that are thinner and lighter compared to the 1.74 index. Aspheric lenses have a flatter curve than conventional lenses, which makes them fit closer to the face. This is a major benefit for anyone wearing a strong correction. Double aspheric lenses are thinner, lighter, and have a larger focal area, resulting in higher-quality vision with less distortion at the edge of the lens. The flatter curves of aspheric lenses also reduce the undesired magnification and minification effects of conventional lenses, so objects and the wearer's eyes look more natural.
Aspheric lenses have a slimmer profile for virtually all prescriptions, but the difference is especially noticeable in lenses that correct high amounts of farsightedness. Lenses that correct farsightedness (convex or "plus" lenses) are thicker in the center and thinner at the edges. The stronger the prescription, the more the center of the lens bulges forward from the frame. Aspheric plus lenses can be made with flatter curves, so there is less bulging of the lens from the frame, giving the eyewear a slimmer, more flattering profile. This allows someone with a strong prescription to wear a wider selection of frames without worrying about the lenses being too thick.
Single-vision thin and light polycarbonate lenses are a good choice for people with normal to mid-strength prescriptions. 1.58 Index Polycarbonate lenses are durable and impact-resistant, making them great for kids' eyewear, sports eyewear, or safety eyewear.
Plastic Knuckles: Missouri's Legal Stance on Ownership and Usage
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Double concave lenses are thinner for high minus prescriptions
Single vision lenses are suitable for all types of uses, including reading, computer work, distance, and general day-to-day use. They are lightweight, thin, and impact-resistant. Single vision lenses with a 1.5 index are standard plastic lenses suitable for general use. However, for higher prescriptions, there are options with a higher index, such as 1.6, 1.67, or 1.74, which are thinner and lighter. The higher the index number, the thinner the lenses.
Double concave lenses are a type of high-index lens designed to be thinner for high minus prescriptions. In these lenses, both the front and rear surfaces are concave and aspheric in design, resulting in flatter curves. This design reduces the edge thickness by approximately 35% compared to standard lenses, making them thinner and lighter. The concept of double concave lenses is to achieve thinner lenses for high minus powers, as the lenses are thinner in the center and thicker at the edges.
The benefit of double concave lenses for high minus prescriptions is that they address the issue of excess lens thickness at the edges. In prescriptions for nearsightedness, the center needs to be thinner than the outside edges, resulting in thicker edges. Double concave lenses have a flatter front base, which yields a flatter lens. This flatter design can make it challenging to fit some wrap-around frames, such as sunglasses.
Additionally, double concave lenses can provide a more natural aesthetic appearance for the wearer. The double curvature reduces the amount of distortion, minimizing the "bug-eye" or "tiny eyes" look. It improves optical clarity by improving the focus of the optical center and reducing aberration and streaking caused by high-index lenses.
Overall, double concave lenses are an excellent choice for individuals with strong minus prescriptions who want thinner, lighter, and aesthetically pleasing lenses. They address the issue of edge thickness in lenses for nearsightedness, providing a more natural appearance and improved optical clarity.
Plastic Pop-Up Bathroom Drains: Good or Bad?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Single-vision lenses are designed to correct a specific vision problem and contain a single prescription over the whole lens area. They are suitable for all types of uses, including reading, computer work, distance, and general day-to-day use.
Yes, single-vision lenses are available in plastic, polycarbonate, and high-index.
Polycarbonate single-vision lenses are thinner and lighter than traditional plastic lenses. They are also scratch-resistant and block the sun's harmful ultraviolet radiation.
Aspheric lenses are designed for high prescriptions. They are one of the thinnest and flattest plastic lenses available and are up to 40% thinner than 1.50 lenses.
High-index lenses are manufactured with an aspheric surface design, resulting in a flatter front curvature and a reduction in center and edge thickness. They are ideal for people with higher prescriptions.











































