Glasses lenses explained

Choosing glasses is not just about the style of the frames. To make sure that your glasses work best for your work life, home life, activities and hobbies you need to make sure that you've got the right lenses.

Your Boots optician will talk you through all of the options available to you, as well as their recommendations based on what you tell them about your lifestyle. We've put together the following information to help you understand the options available and make an informed choice.

Single vision lenses

Single vision lenses have one prescription across the whole of the lens. At Boots Opticians our frame prices include the cost of single vision lenses.

Boots Enhance: single vision lens is an advanced single vision lens designed for people who are already wearing distance glasses. These special lenses give a boost to the prescription at the bottom of the lens to help when you may be finding it difficult to read small print, read in poor lighting, or if you're tired.

Multifocal lenses

People whose prescription differs for near and distance vision can benefit from glasses with multifocal lenses. These contain two or more vision-correcting prescriptions and improve your near and distance vision without the need for two different pairs of glasses.

Multi-focal lenses include:

• Varifocals: At some point in our lives, tasks such as using the computer, sewing or simply reading a book or text message can start to become difficult. Varifocals can help you see near, far and everything in-between through the same pair of glasses. Unlike bifocal lenses there is no visible line on the lens where the prescription changes.
• Bifocals: With bifocal lenses the lens is split into two sections and there is a visible line on the lens where the prescription changes. The upper part is for distance vision and the lower part is for near vision. They are usually prescribed when your ability to focus has been reduced.

If you have questions about which lens is right for you, talk to your optometrist or another member of the Boots Opticians team. They will be able to help you choose the lens that best fits your lifestyle and vision needs.

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Thinner, lighter lenses

Lenses which are thinner and lighter than standard lenses can often be beneficial for people with strong prescriptions, giving a much wider choice of frames and a more attractive appearance than for standard high prescription lenses. Thin and light lenses are more comfortable to wear, which helps to reduce pressure on the bridge of your nose. They also include scratch resistant, reflection free and UV protective coatings as standard.

Lens finishes

Once you have decided on the lens you want, you may want to consider a finish, as they have specific benefits that can really enhance your use of your glasses and support your lifestyle needs.

The most common finishes for glasses lenses include:

• Scratch-resistant finish: A scratch resistant finish helps your lenses to last longer. It is also beneficial because scratches can impair your vision. All lenses in our £79 range and above include a scratch-resistant finish in the price
• Reflection-free finish: If glare becomes a problem, you may want to consider an anti-reflective finish. Applied to new glasses, it can help reduce reflections and decrease halos around light
• Tinted lenses: Sometimes a light or dark hint of colour on the lens can help your vision
• Transitions lenses: Transitions lenses automatically adapt to changing light conditions, making them ideal for people whose eyes are sensitive to light. These lenses also feature 100 per cent UV protection to prevent sun damage

For sunglasses, our finishes include:

• Sun lenses: Our prescription sunglasses feature sun lenses with a dark tint and UV protective finish. They can also feature a mirror lens that allows the eyes to be hidden from view. Mirror coatings come in colours such as silver and blue.
• Polarising lenses: These sun lenses improve your vision in bright light by significantly reducing horizontal glare such as light reflected from rivers or lakes, roads and snow. This type of lens is popular with drivers, fishermen, sailors and winter sports enthusiasts. These lenses also include 100 per cent UV protection to prevent sun damage.

Read more like this:
Find out more about the Free Contact Lens Trial and Assessment
Read about Your Eye Check Explained
Read about Eye Health
Find out how to Choose your Perfect Pair

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Visit the Eye Health Centre