Single Vision vs Varifocal Lenses: What's the Difference?
Choosing your next pair of glasses isn't just about finding the right frame. One of the most important decisions you'll make is choosing the right type of prescription lens.
Two of the most common options are Single Vision and Varifocal lenses. While both are designed to improve your vision, they work in very different ways and are suited to different lifestyles.
If you're unsure which one is right for you, here's everything you need to know.
New to prescription glasses?
You may also find our A Beginner's Guide to Prescription Glasses and Lens Options helpful before exploring the differences between Single Vision and Varifocal lenses.
What Are Single Vision Lenses?
Single Vision lenses contain one prescription across the entire lens. That means they're designed to correct one viewing distance only.
Depending on your prescription, Single Vision lenses can be made for:
- distance vision (driving, watching television, everyday wear)
- reading, computer, or intermediate use
Because the prescription stays the same across the whole lens, they're straightforward, easy to adapt to, and remain the most popular type of prescription lens.
Single Vision lenses are ideal if you...
✔️ Mainly need help seeing things far away.
✔️ Wear dedicated reading glasses.
✔️ Have only one prescription.
✔️ Prefer separate glasses for different tasks.
What Are Varifocal Lenses?
Varifocal lenses (also known as progressive lenses) combine multiple prescriptions into one seamless lens.
Instead of changing glasses throughout the day, Varifocals allow you to see clearly at:
- distance
- intermediate (computer screens)
- near (books, menus and phones)
Unlike bifocals, there are no visible lines, creating a smooth transition between each viewing distance.
Varifocals are especially popular among people aged 40 and over, when it's common to need support for both near and distance vision due to the natural ageing of the eye.
Varifocal lenses are ideal if you...
✔️ Need both distance and reading correction.
✔️ Regularly switch between different activities.
✔️ Want one pair of glasses for everyday use.
✔️ Prefer not to carry multiple pairs of glasses.
What's the Difference?
| Single Vision | Varifocal |
|---|---|
| One prescription | Multiple prescriptions |
| One viewing distance | Distance, intermediate and near |
| Easier to adapt to | May take a short adjustment period |
| Great for one specific task | Great for everyday convenience |
| Often chosen by people of all ages | Commonly chosen from your 40s onwards |
Which Lenses Are Easier to Get Used To?
For most people, Single Vision lenses feel natural almost immediately because the prescription remains consistent across the entire lens.
Varifocal lenses can take a little longer to adjust to as your eyes learn to use different parts of the lens for different distances. For many people, this adjustment only takes a few days, while others may need a little longer.
Once you've adapted, the convenience of having one pair of glasses for multiple distances is often well worth it.
Which Frames Work Best?
Frames for Single Vision lenses
Almost any frame shape works well; whether your style is classic or fashion-forward, Single Vision lenses can be fitted into most frames available at Fashion Eyewear.
Frames for Varifocal lenses
Perform best in frames with a little more lens depth, allowing enough room for the different viewing zones. Very shallow or ultra-narrow frames may not provide enough space for the full progression of the lens.
Premium Lens Finishes at Fashion Eyewear
After choosing your lenses, you can also choose how you'd like them to behave.
Clear lenses
Available for both Single Vision and Varifocal lenses, these are perfect if you spend most of your time indoors or simply want everyday glasses.
Light Sensitive lenses
Also known as photochromic lenses, these remain clear indoors before automatically darkening outdoors. Ideal if you regularly move between indoor and outdoor environments. Available for Single Vision lenses only.
Sunglass lenses
Available for both Single Vision and Varifocal lenses, prescription sunglass lenses offer comfortable vision while protecting your eyes from bright sunlight. Choose from full tint, gradient or polarised lenses, each available in grey, brown or green.
At Fashion Eyewear, we source premium prescription lenses from TruOptics, ZEISS and Essilor, giving you a choice of trusted lens technologies to complement your new glasses.
Final Thoughts
Both Single Vision and Varifocal lenses are excellent choices; it simply depends on how you use your glasses.
If you only need one type of vision correction, such as distance or reading, Single Vision lenses remain the simplest and most versatile option. If you regularly switch between driving, working, reading and everyday activities, Varifocals offer the convenience of multiple prescriptions in one pair of glasses.
Whichever option you choose, pairing the right lenses with a frame you love means your glasses will not only suit your style, but also the way you live every day.